Chef Richard Sandoval’s Latin-Asian Zengo, located along 7th St in Chinatown, has embarked on taking the tastes of Los Cabos, Mexico and adding them into their current test kitchen. We love some of Sandoval’s other DC restaurants, so when we received the chance to head to Zengo we jumped at the chance. For those of you familiar with the location, Zengo is located walking distance from the Verizon Center in the busy Chinatown/Penn Quarter area.

Zengo-8

To start off the night, we tried the Pomegranate and Serrano Margarita and then their Jalapeño Margarita. Both had a great kick, but the Pomegranate Serrano Margarita was the winner in our book.

Zengo-5 Zengo-1

As for the food, the test kitchen prepared four seafood plates for us to sample that are native to Los Cabos, Mexico. We started with a Clam Ceviche SMKT that included some easily detectable pineapple and Thai flavors. If you’re not usually a fan of clams, these might be a pleasant surprise for you.

Zengo-2

Next up was the Sea Bass Tiradito served over an avocado sauce. Of course, we were immediately intrigued and excited by the selection of avocado sauce as part of the plate. If you’re looking for a dish that has a “perfect-bite”, this one has it.

Zengo-4

I love scallops, when they are good. Thankfully their Pan Seared Sea Scallops  rank up among my favorites. The selection of a Short Rib Tamale to accompany them was brilliant, and everything was cooked to perfection. It would be hard to pass up this dish next time we’re there.

Zengo-6

One food I’m still skeptical about is octopus. I want to like it, but seeing the suction cups usually rub me the wrong way, so to say I approached the Octopus Carnitas “Bibimbap” with caution is an understatement. Accompanied by mushrooms, an egg, togorashi, roasted corn, and more- this dish is a hands down victory to me. The recommended way to eat it is by mixing everything together with the egg breaking over the top. If I was pleasantly surprised by any dish, it was easily this one. I easily had 3 servings.

Zengo-7

If you haven’t been to Zengo in awhile, it’s time to go back.

Make sure to take a look at the #UNSTOPPABLE Los Cabos Relief Campaign that’s going on from September 15-December 31st. Zengo is currently donating 10% of the proceeds from this menu to the Los Cabos Children’s Foundation. Show your support for the recovery by following @LosCabosTourism on Instagram and post photos of the Zengo dishes you’re enjoying, making sure to reference #Unstoppable.

Zengo-3

We’ll definitely be back here soon!

Scott
Zengo on Urbanspoon