Zapoteca

As I have stated in previous blogs here, there are numerous restaurants in Portland that offer lunch menus worth seeking out.  Kate and I decided to try out Zapoteca's this past Saturday while we were out doing some shopping in the Old Port.

The environment is clean and appealing inside, situated in a classic brick building on the corner of Fore and Cotton St.  One of the very first things you will notice upon entering is the incredible assortment of Tequilas on display at the bar.  (My understanding is that it takes weeks on end for the waitstaff to learn about even half of them!)

I ordered a glass of the Garnacha, Lo Brujo, Spain from the menu but as they were out was instead offered a glass of the Garnacha Old Vine 2008, Sierra de Viento, Spain.  This was a big, full bodied, well balanced, inky, jammy, complex and absolutely delicious glass of wine!  In fact, once Kate had a sip from my glass (she said she was not going to have any wine with lunch....cough, cough..) we wound up ordering another so she could have her own....I am now in search of an outlet for this label locally so we can enjoy some at home!

Kate and I decided to share an appetizer and save room for dinner later in the evening, so our choice here today was the Guacamole: freshly made with chunks of jalapenos, avocado, tomato and cilantro and served with home made crisp tortilla chips.  There is little better than freshly-made guacamole (unless it's done table side) and chips to whet one's palate.  My only comment on the guacamole today was that it seemed to be lacking in acidity, as if the chef didn't use any lemon (or lime) juice to balance out the wonderful flavors of the freshly diced jalapeno, tomato and the flesh of the avocado.  Otherwise, it was truly delicious and not worth complaining about as the portion was generous enough and satisfying overall.

For our main luncheon courses today, Kate and I each chose Tacos.  Kate went for the Carnitas and I the Wild Mushroom variety.  Both were served with warm soft taco shells on the side.  My Wild Mushroom Tacos came plated with the components served neatly on the plate as follows: Buttery wild mushrooms prepared in truffle oil, Mexican Creme, Queso Fresco, watercress, Arroz Rojo (which is a traditional Mexican style of rice in tomato sauce) and frijoles (traditionally a baked/re fried bean compote made using pinto beans but apparently made with black beans at Zapoteca).  Need I tell you how wonderful all of these flavors were together?  Of course I do!  Kate's Carnitas Tacos (Slow roasted chipotle pork) were served with pickled red onion, avocado, tomato chile sauce, lime and also with Arroz Rojo and frijoles.  I knew almost immediately that there was something wrong with the Carnitas based on Kate's facial expression.  A small bite of the Carnitas confirmed that is was ill-prepared today tasting so heavily of salt from the brine it was cooked in that there was little left to discern on the palate for several minutes after chasing down an entire glass of water.  To the credit of the ownership, they took the cost of this dish immediately off the bill and apologized for the obvious mistake in preparation.

It was unfortunately a bit of an anti-climactic visit for us.  But we will visit again as we have heard so many good things about Zapoteca from friends' previous experiences here.  The service was truly wonderful and attentive, the atmosphere was pleasant and visually appealing and the offerings that they have for lunch are more than sufficient.  The value is also on the better side for one's money here.  Do not plan on a quick visit if you have a limited time to dine for lunch as is the case for so many working people today.

On this visit, we give Zapoteca 3 stars out of 5 and look forward to coming back for dinner.

Cheers!

~Joe and Kate