Juan L.
Yelp
On my recent trip to Oaxaca, I was in search for restaurants doing something different other than tlayudas, memelas, empanadas, tamales, etc., and came across Origen.
Discovering the creativity and full flavors of Oaxaca on a different level are surely on full display at this simple yet, complex restaurant.
For my meal, I decided to choose the degustation of the house tasting that was priced at 1,250 pesos. Certainly not a bad price for all that was to come.
You are started off with two house-made tortillas that are left to crisp on the comal and are accompanied with a yellow salsa that is velvety smooth and not overly spicy- something very pleasant.
Their amuse-bouche for that evening consisted of "Octopus Carnitas" atop of a small piece of tortilla that was crisp and accompanied with avocado puree and cilantro flowers. A great way to start and awaken the palate with the bright, clean, and acidic flavors!
The first course was a fish ceviche with a recaudo negro "black" sauce that was accompanied with heirloom cilantro, avocado puree, radishes, and blue borage flowers. What seemed a little intimidating at first was nothing but a continuation of the welcoming with again, bright, clean, and fresh sea flavors.
The second course was a wild greens salad with agave worms and hoja santa. At first glance, it just seemed like a nicely constructed salad- upon eating however...I was taken aback by the flavors and textures that the salad packed. The addition of chapulin mayonnaise and regional cactus tuna tied everything together perfectly!
The third course was a green pozole with shrimp. The vibrant green color, heirloom corn and tenderness of the cooked shrimp are what certainly stood out from this dish!
The fourth course was Beef tongue with chichilo mole sauce, white bean puree, and roasted vegetables. At this point, every dish prior had paved the path for this rich, yet light entree. Tender tongue and complex chichilo mole provided nice character to the degustation.
The palate cleanser was a pineapple "granita like" snow with just a sprinkle of chili powder to help cleanse the complexity of the previous dish. Certainly a cleanser that was not too sweet, but just right for the grand finally.
The last and final course was a dessert composed of rehydrated hibiscus flowers and pennyroyal ice cream. What seems like an odd dessert, definitely helped tie everything together as it was light, creative, and flavorful.
Origen is certainly paying tribute to Oaxaca and its ingredients with their offerings and creativity. Give it a try, taste, and see the artistry from a different perspective!