How do foodies celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Portland? By heading to Xico (3717 SE Division St.) – aggressively modern Mexican cuisine served in a beautiful backyard patio setting, perfect for celebrating the gorgeous spring weather.
Ready to get the party started? Begin with a classic Xico margarita, or venture onto the wild side with a spicy red or green margarita. If you prefer fruity drinks, then the Xico daiquiri is an excellent choice. Designated driver? You won’t miss out - Xico has several delectable house-made beverages prepared just for you, including limeade, horchata and “tepache”, a spicy kombucha-like pineapple concoction.
Get your taste buds fired up with some appetizers to share – there are seven types of salsa to sample! The sopaipillas (New Mexican fry bread) are light, fluffy and crispy, served with red beans, chorizo and red salsa. There is also a ceviche tostada made with wild Alaskan halibut and roasted garlic guacamole. Be sure to try a flight of Xico’s featured mole sauces, including mole rosa with white chocolate, beets and rose petals, or mole negro with chilies, dark chocolate and spices. The grilled plantain is not to be missed.
If you are ready for entrees, try the lamb barbacoa, which has been slow roasted in banana leaves for six hours, and is served with “borracha” (drunken salsa). Another fantastic option is the Idaho trout served with pozole and tomatillo avocado salsa. Someone at your table should definitely order the pork served on sweet potato and masa sopes.
Finish off the experience with flan and local strawberries, a house-made coconut candy bar with vanilla whipped cream, or woodblock chocolate cake. Certified organic coffee is sourced and roasted for Xico by Flying Goat Coffee.
Food for thought: ask about Chicken Dinner Mondays for another time. A complete chicken dinner for two is available from 5 – 10 pm. The meal includes rotisserie smoked chicken, Xico salsas, beans, rice and fresh hot corn tortillas. House wine is $5, margaritas are $6. Make a reservation - they book up fast!
Relaxing in Xico’s beautiful setting and enjoying a culinary adventure will open your eyes to what you didn’t know you didn’t know about Mexican cuisine prepared with the finest, most colorful ingredients.
Xico
3717 SE Division St.
Portland, OR 97202
503-548-6343
HOURS
Lunch: Wednesday — Saturday 11:30 — 2pm
Dinner 7 Nights a week:
Sunday — Thursday 5pm — 10pm
Friday — Saturday 5pm — 11pm
Written by: Merlin Varaday
Photo credit: Xico
