Guests at Don Sanchez are greeted with an extraordinary view: More than 300 wine labels line the wall, floor to ceiling. Stroll past them as well as an impressive aquarium that houses geoduck clams, through the tapas bar, and down the stairs to a lovely alfresco dining area.
Once seated, you’ll be among the first to experience chef-owner Tadd Chapman’s new menu. With each dish he creates, Chapman composes a sophisticated symphony of flavors. Delight in his elegant twists on Mexican dishes you already know. Try the Chile Wellington: poblano pepper stuffed with filet mignon tips, mushroom duxelle, and Gorgonzola served in a pomodoro sauce.
Or choose the grilled octopus with pickled jalepeño tempura and the red curry–seared tuna with apple slaw from the tapas menu. There’s also the “Chef’s Tasting/Pairing Lunch,” which is available by reservation only and features five-plus courses of market-driven meals based on the chef’s fancy. The ambience is enhanced by guitar, sax, and trumpet soloists nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For information on Don Sanchez’s “Wine-maker’s Dinner and Pairing,” call (624)142-2444. For an insider’s look, follow Chapman on Twitter: @chef_tadd. Blvd. Mijares S/N Edificio Eclipse Int 3, San José del Cabo, (624)142-2444, www.donsan chezrestaurant.com. Sun.–Thurs. noon–3 p.m. (by reservation only), 5:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. noon–3 p.m. (by reservation only), 5:30 p.m.–2 a.m. (kitchen closes at midnight). AmEx, MasterCard, and Visa accepted. $–$$$$ C.M.
