VILLA SERENA

Let me start by saying that Villa Serena is everything a restaurant should be and more.  The location is unbelievable with a view to die for.  You can see a huge stretch of the Sea of Cortez all the way down to the arch, and although you can’t actually see the horizon where the sun sets, you do see the colors magically change as the sun goes down.  Inside seating is available, but the outside seating is poolside, and it is magnificent.  The pictures and videos start to tell the story, but there is nothing like being here.

I have to confess, I have been here numerous times and always find this establishment consistently excellent in every way.  As we walked to the front door of Villa Serena this particular evening, we were greeted by Cesar, whom I remember back when he was an excellent busboy.  Now, he is an excellent waiter.  As you take a few steps into the restaurant, the view becomes breathtaking, because as you look through the restaurant and outside, you are looking beyond the immediate tables, down to a swimming pool with tables on a expansive deck, and then desert growth all the way to the Sea of Cortez…amazing!

I mentioned Cesar, and wanted to tell you that it had to be all of 4 years ago when I first met him.  From the first time, he has always remembered me, would always come over and shake my hand and ask how I was.  He also remembered that I wanted a splash of Damiana in my margarita, and that I loved their habanero salsa.  I never had asked for anything.  It was always brought to me as if I ate there every day.  How does he do that?  All of the help, from the manager, to the waiters, to the busboys are taught to be of assistance at all levels.  If you visit Villa Serena, ask for Cesar, you won’t be sorry.

We started off with drinks, as usual.  They were delicious, but I know better than to eat too much of their chips and delicious salsa.  A delicious meal is about to embark on our table, and I want to be ready for it.

The meal started with a plate of appetizers, to include two sauces that were extraordinary.  Two crab cakes and two softshell crab patties were delivered, and I though I may have  to smack one of my fellow diners with a spoon, to have a second bite of anything on the plate.  They were served with two sauces, a cocktail sauce and a sort of horseradish cream sauce ?????????? both excellent and just right to enhance the crab cakes and softshell crab appetizers.

Yes, Caesar salads were next, brought to you Villa Serena style, with fresh crispy lettuce, and a very slightly richer and thicker dressing than I am used to in the States, a change that I welcomed.

Our entrees were as always, consistently delicious.  Ellen had a traditional Mexican plate, and of course, being that we are in Mexico, it couldn’t be better.  Ron had the ribs, served with a tangy sweet sauce, and they were tender to the point of literally falling off the bone. They were served with rice, beans and vegetables aldente, and he raved over them.  Kathy had a rib eye, which was the most tender steak of this trip.  Mashed potatoes and the same vegetables, consisting of carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower topped her meal off and again, very satisfying.  A baked potato is also an option.  I had the lightly seared ahi tuna steak, and one of my favorite meals this time of year.  It was exceptional. Villa Serena not only caters to tourists, but also to many locals as well.  It is that good!

Villa Serena has a guitarist and vocalist that is very talented.  He plays classical music, and when coupled with such a relaxing atmosphere, and such good food, provides a peacefulness while eating that is almost unbelievable.  This cannot be conveyed in words, no matter what…You can sample some of his music in the videos provided, but truth be told, you must feel this experience to appreciate it.

Finally, Cesar, although not the only Mexican coffee artist at Villa Serena, provides a table side show that has to be experienced.  A video is provided, but believe me, no chance of appreciating it like you will when you see it.  Seeing is believing it.

Villa Serena, across the 4 lane from Home Depot, is a must do, when visiting Cabo.  It just may be the winner of the ‘best restaurant’ award this vacation.