It's not just butterflies that like Oyamel!
Ok, so you are probably wondering what in the heck I am referring to in my title, aren't you? Well, the oyamel forests in central mexico are where tens of millions of Monarch Butterflies overwinter. Thus, the beautiful monarch butterfly ceiling piece at Oyamel, Jose Andre's newly relocated restaurant in Penn Quarter. I had a great time at this brunch, plus, as I mentioned in my last post about Axis...this brunch led into a whole fun day of enjoying Sunday. First Oyamel, then the Nationals game, then random Irish bar near the Eastern Market, and then Toledo Lounge. What a day/night!
Ann's Review
Oyamel Review
Last week Erica, Sara and I tried Oyamel down in Penn Quarter. The décor is great and the staff initially made a great first impression. However, it did take them a very long time to take our beverage order and actually bring it, which is a bit of a bummer when you are snacking on the complimentary salty tortilla chips... While our server gradually warmed to us, it was a little hectic and there were a few mistakes and oversights, but it seemed like maybe she was new and that is not necessarily indicative of the service at the restaurant. What we were not prepared for (despite the notice from our waitress) is that the servings are very much like Jose Andres’s other places (Jaleo, Zaytinia) where it is probably best to order a few dishes and all share. We started with the tableside guacamole, which I am sad to report, was not that fabulous. I really like the guacamole at Rosa Mexican, and Café Atlantico so we had high hopes, but it was bland and lacking fresh tomatoes. We all (at the brunch) like some tomato in our guacamole.
Erica ordered the bloody mary which tasted suspiciously like the salsa...I had a delicious margarita, but was surprised that while the bloody mary was $3, the margarita was $11! It was delicious, but a bit of a surprise.
Overall the food was a hit! I had an omelet (ok – everything on the menu is named in Spanish, so I have no idea what I actually ordered – I can just describe what it was...) that was the best omelet I have had during “2007: Year of the Brunch.” It was light, fluffy, cooked just right with a salsa Veracruz that included olives (black and green). Micro cilantro, capers, cheese, garlic and onions. I enjoyed every bite!! Sara had the tostadas, that was tasty but not spicy or particularly outstanding. Erica ordered the chicken enchilada that was baked and crunchy and not slathered in sauce as they often are. It had an unusual pungent taste, but in a good way
Finally, Erica ordered the Hot Chocolate that did not come in the promised “clay pot” but it did come with a shot of kalua...
I would definitely go back and am very interested in trying it for dinner.
Ann's Review
Oyamel Review
Last week Erica, Sara and I tried Oyamel down in Penn Quarter. The décor is great and the staff initially made a great first impression. However, it did take them a very long time to take our beverage order and actually bring it, which is a bit of a bummer when you are snacking on the complimentary salty tortilla chips... While our server gradually warmed to us, it was a little hectic and there were a few mistakes and oversights, but it seemed like maybe she was new and that is not necessarily indicative of the service at the restaurant. What we were not prepared for (despite the notice from our waitress) is that the servings are very much like Jose Andres’s other places (Jaleo, Zaytinia) where it is probably best to order a few dishes and all share. We started with the tableside guacamole, which I am sad to report, was not that fabulous. I really like the guacamole at Rosa Mexican, and Café Atlantico so we had high hopes, but it was bland and lacking fresh tomatoes. We all (at the brunch) like some tomato in our guacamole.
Erica ordered the bloody mary which tasted suspiciously like the salsa...I had a delicious margarita, but was surprised that while the bloody mary was $3, the margarita was $11! It was delicious, but a bit of a surprise.
Overall the food was a hit! I had an omelet (ok – everything on the menu is named in Spanish, so I have no idea what I actually ordered – I can just describe what it was...) that was the best omelet I have had during “2007: Year of the Brunch.” It was light, fluffy, cooked just right with a salsa Veracruz that included olives (black and green). Micro cilantro, capers, cheese, garlic and onions. I enjoyed every bite!! Sara had the tostadas, that was tasty but not spicy or particularly outstanding. Erica ordered the chicken enchilada that was baked and crunchy and not slathered in sauce as they often are. It had an unusual pungent taste, but in a good way
Finally, Erica ordered the Hot Chocolate that did not come in the promised “clay pot” but it did come with a shot of kalua...
I would definitely go back and am very interested in trying it for dinner.
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