Table to Farm: Deckman's en El Mogor
Some of you may recall my first visit to Deckman's en El Mogor last summer. It has been on my mind ever since, and I have continued to share my unforgettable experience to each and every person that brought up the subject of Mexico's wine country. Guess what folks, Deckman's is open again for this season! If dining al fresco with stunning views of of the valley, and all the while enjoying an incredible meal, is on your list of things to do- then this is your place.
Chef Drew Deckman offers a 3 or 5 course meal option, and serves local craft beers, and Cava del Mogor's Chasselas and Mogor Badan wines to pair along side. I have a personal sweet spot for the Mogor Badan Bordeaux blend myself, so that's what I chose to sip and savor with my late lunch.
Out came the amuse bouche, and the rest of the afternoon carried on with great conversation and excellent dishes, that once again I continue to boast about. I know it may be hard to resist, but try not to fill up on the fresh warm bread and pesto.
Impeccably fresh oysters are always welcome at our table.
A refreshing smoky tomato gazpacho in the middle of the summer. It's so simple and clean, and I could easily make it part of my daily life.
The pata de mula ceviche was Antonio's favorite of the afternoon, with its gorgeous colors, and fun textures, its sure to tantalize your taste buds. Chasing around each ingredient with the toasted bread, or your fork to get them all included in that perfect bite is just worth it.
The dish consists of beets 3 ways, uni, and abalone. The combination of ingredients work just wonderfully together. The earthiness and fresh seafood are meant for each other.
By now, if you have been reading along for awhile, you may have figured out how much of an octopus fan I am. This octopus and tomato dish came through as one of my favorites of the day, it sure was a tough decision though. My oh my, perfectly tender octopus, with a beautiful smoky char on the outside. Do not even get my started on the juicy and ripe tomatoes from the property. Don't you just love produce in the summer time?
Crispy skin and perfectly cooked rabbit meat, together with the creamy beans that are underneath. I mean, no need for words.
Ordering the whole trout and a bottle of wine is my idea of a nice romantic meal to share. Okay, so you can share it amongst friends as well, but I like the hopeless romantic aspect to it all. Just imagine a picturesque sunset lighting the sky with burnt orange and red colors. I'ts just you and your special someone, a chilled bottle of Chasselas, and the flaky trout just begging to be devoured.
Although all good things must come to an end, it is always a bit difficult. This hand churned mint ice cream, and blackberry bread pudding made it sting just a little less. Mint ice cream has been a favorite of mine since childhood, and this version just made me wish that I had some in the freezer at the moment, or even better in a big bowl right in front of me.
A visit to Deckman's en El Mogor will take you away from it all. In those moments of eating, talking, and sips of wine, take a in a deep breath and try to capture the views and surroundings- if not only for the moment, but to have it as a constant memory that's locked in. On an insanely stressful day, or in the middle of winter you can revisit Deckman's in your mind, at least until it is open again next season.
Deckman's en El Mogor Km. 85.5 Highway 3 Tecate-Ensenada San Antonio De Las Minas, Baja California 22766 +52 646 151 7700