Christina and I were invited to dinner at Agave Uptown a few weeks ago. We had both been before but I was excited to explore their menu more. While we always have fun dinners together, I was extra grateful this time because I forgot my camera at home, and Christina provided these beautiful photos.
The bar manager came over to talk us through the cocktail menu and it was really difficult to decide what to order because so many of the options sounded unique and inventive. I went with the Rey Mescalero (right, mezcal blanco Sotol, Oloroso Jerez Sherry, lime, spice hibiscus syrup, rose water, $13), which was fruity but not overly sweet. Christina had the Colibri Cup (left, mezcal blanco, basil & tamarind syrup, ginger, shrub, lime, grapefruit, $13), and she said that while she had never tried those flavors together before, it totally worked.
We started with the Ceviche (onion, heirloom tomatoes, lime, cilantro, avocado, $14), which was fresh and bright. I enjoyed scooping into it with the tortilla chips that were brought for the table.
I had never had Molotes before (masa, chorizo, epazote, potato, cabbage, queso fresco, black bean paste, $8) but they were delicious! They were constructed almost like miniature empanadas and were topped with just enough fresh ingredients to keep them tasting light. I would order these again as a starter, or to pair with a cocktail if I wanted a little less than a full meal.
Next we tried the Chile Relleno (stuffed poblano pepper, mole, avocado, queso fresco, rice, black beans, $15). The pepper was completely stuffed with cheese, making this a great choice if you wanted a super filling, comforting dish. It was also smothered in Agave’s signature mole sauce, which was a deliciously complex combination of flavors that reminded me a bit of a savory barbecue sauce. If you love the sauce in the restaurant, Agave Uptown is now selling their mole by the jar so you can take it home!
I also really enjoyed the Tlayuda (black beans, cabbage, quesillo, avocado, chorizo, $15). The menu described this as a Oaxacan pizza, but it was more like a crunchy, hand-held salad. We added chorizo to the large, crispy tortilla topped with black bean spread, fresh vegetables, and cheese and every bite was a little different.
For dessert, we ordered the Churros and Ice Cream (traditional churros fried and served with ice cream, $8). We went with two of the more interesting flavors: a scoop each of mole and rose petal. The mole was fun to try but I enjoyed the fragrant flavor of the rose petal more.
We finished off with the Flan de Cafe (traditional custard served with a selection of fresh berries, $8) which had a bubbly, airy texture, and a delicious cappuccino flavor.
I’m glad I had the chance to sample a wider variety of Agave Uptown’s dinner and drink offerings and I’ll definitely be back when I’m in the mood for fresh, interesting flavors.
Have you dined at Agave Uptown recently? What will you try next time you’re there?
2135 Franklin St, Oakland
(510) 288-3668
Becca Frost
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