Globe-trotting chef Volker Romeike has pioneered Pacific Rim fusion at the award-winning Pitahayas restaurant
By Sandra Berry
Chef Volker Romeike is a Los Cabos legend. He has served as executive chef at the award-winning Pitahayas since its opening in 1995, and his introduction of an innovative Pacific Rim fusion menu has led to the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences awarding the gorgeous palapa-style restaurant with the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award.
I first interviewed Romeike in 2005. Meeting again, I was struck by his slimmer figure—he’s dropped 20 pounds and says he feels great—and palpable enthusiasm. Born in Germany, the globe-trotting Romeike discovered flavors from all over the world before making Los Cabos his home. It was in Hawaii, though, where he learned to incorporate Asian flavors into his repertoire, eventually creating his signature Pacific Rim fusion style.
Romeike says he finds daily inspiration in the Sea of Cortés, which he can see right from his “office.” He also says he enjoys traveling, most often to Europe: Prague, Vienna, Spain, Portugal, and, of course, his native Germany, where he visits with his family, including a daughter. He also has a son living in Los Angeles. During his travels, Romeike will ask where the natives eat so that he can experience their food and culture. He loves Michael Mina’s restaurants, especially the California Street location in San Francisco. And, in Los Cabos, he heads to DOC Wine Bar when in the mood for Italian.
Romeike says he takes special pride in being able to give back to the community by participating in such events as the annual Sabor a Cabo food festival and the Baja International Film Festival and hosting dinners for golf participants of the Children’s Foundation. He wants Pitahayas to be a must-visit spot not only for returning visitors to Los Cabos but also for locals. There are special menus for full moon nights, prime rib night on Thursdays, tapas on Saturday, and live music most evenings. Special not-to-miss upcoming occasions include Mother’s Day.
