y4pcT1JaIwGptQJPO6l_mZmgv34 tiffin unboxed: Baja Summer Trip - Tasting Dinner at Manzanilla

Baja Summer Trip - Tasting Dinner at Manzanilla

Our "fancy" sit down dinner during the Baja weekend was at Chef Benito Molina’s restaurant Manzanilla in Ensenada. Chef Pablo Diaz was led our inspiring chef's tasting meal.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla bar

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla a

We really enjoyed the eclectic decor and the grounds. The building contains several rooms and patios, giving a wonderful indoor/outdoor vibe.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla grounds a courtyard
Pink building is their immaculate kitchen - I peeked through the large window
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla bar entrance

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla chandelier

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla paintings Perrier Warhol bottle
artwork and Andy Warhol label Perrier bottle
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla paintings
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla dining room
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla Chef Pablo Diaz
Chef Pablo Diaz
Some of us were quite fascinated with the modern woven metal table mats and serving baskets. Gorgeous. I would buy these in a heartbeat if we had time to seek them out.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla table setting metal placemats

And then came the luxurious, satisfying meal. I did not take notes during the meal, as with the other tasting meal because between photography and eating, I opted to enjoy the experience more. But I will fill in the captions in the future with more details.
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food a amuse bouche salad
amuse bouche and salad with fig tomato olive almond cheese
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food c bread
housemade bread, lime and salt plate for tequila
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food b oysters 4 ways
oysters 4 ways, served on rock salt
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food d  abalone 3 ways
abalone 3 ways - the one on left fried with fried parsley (wanted to eat it like a bowl of popcorn!)
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla Robert Bill
Bill Esparza
So about mid way through our delectable meal, we got a surprise visit from Mr. Baja himself, Bill Esparza! Since most of us had gone on a number of trips with him and got our Baja food education through him, it was a very pleasant surprise.

He was in very good spirits and spent a long time chatting with us, enjoying a meal and toasting us at the end of the meal.

It was wonderful to have most of Club Tengo Hambre together in one place as they all share a true passion for the region and it's clearly evident.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food e yellowtail and crab claw
yellowtail curdo and crab claw (removed from shell)
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food f quail

This innovative plating for the quail dish is based on a game involving a cat and bird. I loved the deconstructed dish, although some of the sauces and pickles overwhelmed the quail flavor. It was tempting to eat one square at a time but they taste better combined into a bite.

Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food g fish and eel
eel and yellowtail courses
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food i tortillas
who wouldn't love a purse full of warm, just made tortillas?
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food h ribeye salsa
tender ribeye steak with finishing salt and fresh salsa - loved this combination
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food j cheese course
cheese course with local cheese, of course
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food k dessert
my favorite dessert of the trip - very textural, creamy and fruity
Baja Ensenada Jul13_Manzanilla food l mezcal ant salt

Our last evening treat ended with a taste of Mezcal, with a sice of orange slices dipped in ant salt as the chaser. I try anything at least once and this is not my first taste of ant! It capped off our meal quite well.


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