At the entrance to the Auberge Esperanza resort is a unique restaurant, El Toro (the bull) Latin Kitchen and Bar. A group of us recently visited to celebrate the 13-month anniversary of Andy and Melissa Dube. The restaurant by Richard Sandoval is described as “The name Toro, meaning ‘bull’ in Spanish and ‘tuna belly’ in Japanese, sets the stage for specialties seasoned with Pan Latin flair. Overlooking the beautiful surroundings of Punta Ballena, the restaurant serves suviche (sushi and ceviche), small plates for sharing, grilled entrees, and an impressive selection of signature cocktails and Latin wines. A common location for winter whale sightings, the restaurant’s patio boasts an artfully designed whale fountain for guests to enjoy while taking in the ocean views.”
El Toro followed all of the safety guidelines outlined by the Governor of BCS for opening during the pandemic. We all put on our masks for the walk up the stairs to the entry, where we stepped on a shoe sanitizing pad, had our temperatures checked, and used hand sanitizer. We were led to our table on the outdoor patio, appropriately distanced from other dinners. All of the staff were using PPE.
Our dinner started with a round of drinks and Andy, feeling in the mood to celebrate, ordered a bottle of Don Julio 70 chilled and shots were poured for everyone to toast the happy couple. They had been married on June 15, 2019, at Esperanza and wanted to celebrate their anniversary in the same place (although it was delayed by a month to let Los Cabos reopen). Andy and friends all had a Covid-19 test before they left Los Angeles to make sure that everyone was healthy.
The celebration began with a number of different appetizers for the table to share, selected off the digital menu accessed by QR code on our phones. Before the appetizers arrived, a platter of fresh bread was presented to the table. The appetizers selected to share included the Angry Tuna Roll, Lomo Saltado Empanadas, Iberic Ham, and Short Rib Tacos. Each person ordered their own entrée. I was so full from the delicious appetizers that I ordered the Smoky Corn chowder and it was! Others ordered the Beef Toro Burger with Truffle and Parmesan French Fries and the Shrimp and Lobster Enchiladas.
The celebration was topped off by a cake for everyone to share while toasting the happy couple.
For more information on El Toro Latin Kitchen & Bar visit https://www.richardsandoval.com/toro-cabo or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ToroCabo/
