First look inside San Jose’s new Aqui restaurant - The Mercury News

• The Aqui Sampler at San Jose's new Aqui Cal-Mex offers a trio of dippy things, including guacamole, hummus and a black bean dip. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• The newest Aqui Cal-Mex to open in the South Bay in eight years continues the local chain's dedication to flavorful, organic Mexican fare. Can't choose between the various dips? Try the Aqui Sampler, which includes an avocado dip, hummus and black bean dip. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• The gallery will resume inseconds

• Aqui Cal-Mex's Cuban Pork Enchiladas are served with black beans and Aqui slaw. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• Aqui Cal-Mex is known for its swirls. These trademarked cocktails combine a housemade mix (real fruit juices and mid-shelf liquor) with a frozen, blended ÒIndustrial Strength MargaritaÓ that is not for the light-weight. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• Don't miss the rainbow of salsas from the Aqui Cal-Mex salsa bar, which runs the gamut from firecracker chile sauce to mango habanero salsa. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• Aqui Cal-Mex is known for its "swirls," which combine, for example, two types of margaritas in one chilly concoction. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• The newest Aqui Cal-Mex to open in the South Bay in eight years continues the local chain's dedication to flavorful, organic Mexican fare. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

• Aqui Cal-Mex's kids menu includes a pint-size bean and cheese burrito in a whole wheat tortilla, served with stoneground chips and fruit. (Courtesy Amber Turpin)

CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device

It has been 25 years since restaurateur David O’Mara and executive chef Rob Francis opened their first Aqui Cal-Mex restaurant in Willow Glen, showcasing organic, affordable fare and building a loyal clientele. More restaurants followed and the opening of a new Aqui — eight years after the last one — in San Jose’s Communications Hill area has devoted fans pouring into the place. The newest location sports a more compact, higher efficiency kitchen, which is meant to be a prototype, Francis says, for more to come in Mountain View, Santa Cruz and other locations.

Here’s a first look inside.

THE VIBE:  Bustling with families, friends and happy hour devotees, the newest Aqui is already a vibrant gathering space and community hub. The large outdoor patio dining area is particularly nice on a sunny day.

THE FOOD: There’s something for everyone on the crowd-pleasing menu, which ranges from Cuban Pork Enchiladas ($11.99) and a Firecracker Grass-Fed Beef Bowl ($10.99) to rotating specials, such as Coconut Curry Free-Range Chicken ($12.49). There are lighter items, as well, including a Lime-Avocado Chicken Salad ($10.99) and Grilled Salmon Tacos ($8.99). Save room to enjoy bottomless stone-ground chips and the half-dozen salsas at the condiment bar.

Kids will be happy here, too, with a childrens menu that includes a Classic Kid’s Chicken Bowl ($6.39) and a Simple Cheese Quesadilla ($4.69) — and parents will rejoice at the price tag.

THE DRINKS: You can’t not discuss the swirls. These trademarked cocktails combine a housemade mix (real fruit juices and mid-shelf liquor) with a frozen, blended “Industrial Strength Margarita” that is not for the light-weight. The Hornitos Cadillac ($9.25), which swirls one margarita with a second blended margarita, will appeal to anyone looking for a classic drink option, while the Courvoisier Blackberry Ginger ($10) offers a robust mix of Cognac, Patrón Citrónge, vodka, gin, blackberry, ginger and hibiscus.

DON’T MISS: All those salsas! Save room to enjoy the chips with the fresh and varied dips at the salsa bar. The Aqui Sampler ($7.49), which includes a trio of avocado dip, hummus and black bean dip, is a great way to try more dippy things. And when in Rome … you really need to try a swirl.

GOOD TO KNOW: Those drinks are strong, which is why there is a two-drink maximum for any of the industrial strength selections. There’s craft beer and wine, as well. One more tip: You can order food from the bar counter, as well as the main counter (where the lines get long).

PERFECT FOR: Family parties, friendly gatherings and any occasion when food preferences or restrictions make ordering tricky. The Aqui menu has enough options to appeal to most people. That said, this is not the place for an intimate date — it’s lively, loud and busy.

DETAILS: Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 503 W. Capitol Expressway, San Jose. www.aquicalmex.com

For more food and drink coverage
follow us on Flipboard.

Get Morning Report and other email newsletters

Sign Up

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/25/first-look-inside-san-joses-new-aqui-restaurant/ 2019-03-25 17:30:00Z