Oyamel

Every good story has a beginning, a middle and an end. In many ways relationships are the same. So I nominate Oyamel as my favorite "break-up restaurant." 

Oyamel is a Mexican Tapas restaurant on 7th Street in D.C. It is owned by Celebrity Chef Jose Andras who is perhaps best known for Jaleo and his TV show, Made in Spain.

A good beginning to a last meal is the scallop cervice. Served on a plate of chilled river rocks, the scallops were decorated with small sliver of salmon and sea salt. It is gently placed on a key lime that is lightly sprinkled with some sort of pablano chili powder. The spice of the chili powder is perfectly balanced by the coolness of the scallop and the sweet tang of the key lime. An absolutely perfect bite.

 With Tapas you have the opportunity to savor multiple takes on a common theme. Australian yellow tail cervice with fresh hearts of palm, baby cucumber salad, jalapenos, vanilla, rose and passion fruit is cervice raised to a whole 'nother level. The sweetness of the passion fruit balanced perfectly against the bitterness of the inevitable.






Pork Belly Quesadillas served with Chihahua Cheese and five chilis show that you were never afraid to take chances and faintly remind her of the Korean BBQ you shared.

The Braised Beef Tongue Tacos with radishes and a sauce of roasted pasilla chile, tomatoes, chili and garlic are a flavorful and delicious reminder that certain things are best left unsaid at a last meal.

Because you want to show that your bad habits which include red meat, red wine and cigars don't define you, you order the Grilled Cactus Paddles served with a salsa mocajete, grilled tomatoes, tomatillos, green onions, cilantro and green chiles.  The texture of the cactus paddles is a bit unusual. But the tanginess of the tomatoes and tomatillos makes this dish really unique and worth ordering.








No good break-up meal is complete without some comfort food. French fries served in a mole pablano sauce of almonds, chiles and chocolate, topped with Mexican cream and queso fresco cheese are a perfect ending to a great meal and a great relationship. These things would kill at a football party.

Side Bar: Watching Bourdain in Cuba. Just said that his own theory, "Hemingway was hung like a hamster."  Later, he said, "Kim Kardashian's ass is stubbly after a few days, you just know that."  Do I need to say it? Anthony Bourdain is a Douche!

Last meals should be memorable and evoke emotions of time past and an uncertain future. An Oyamel Margarita is the perfect drink to accompany this meal. Tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice and "salt air."  Salt Air is pretty cool. It is salt, water and sucra which is an emulsifier whipped with an immersion blender until it becomes foam. The foam is spooned on the drink. It looks cool and it tastes great.

So a great meal and a great time with no regrets. Oyamel is definitely good for first dates, last dates or any date.

http://www.oyamel.com/