I had the pleasure of dinning at Toro at the St. Regis Kanai on my last trip to Mexico. I am usually not a fan of hotels or resort restaurants but Toro was a complete departure from all my preconceptions.

The setting is stunning on the grounds of the St. Regis with a tropical but elegant entry with lovely foliage, cascading water fountains and steppingstones set directly on water. Then you enter the outdoor dining venue with modern but organic seating, more lush trees, and foliage to make one feel serene and comfortable. It is truly a Zen experience.

Then you meet Francisco, the general manager, who welcomes you like you are entering his home and not just a restaurant. To me Toro is about family, community, and amazing cuisine led by Chef Jesus.

The food is on another level. The tastes captivated my senses to the extent that I dined at Toro three times in eight days. Each dish I tried was more appealing than the previous. I was eager to explore the menu each visit so my senses could be tantalized.

We tried the fresh catch of the day that was grilled but full of flavor that you just needed a bit of lime. On another visit we had the crab enchiladas that were delicate and an explosion of subtle flavors. The most refined enchilada I have ever tasted. The sides whether truffle fries or wild assorted mushrooms are sublime.

Chef Jesus is not only a gracious host but a consummate chef. His mastery of flavors and spices is subtle but hits the right notes each time. We talked about Persian rice and on one of our visits he surprised us with Persian herb rice that he had created based on our conversation. This gesture of kindness not only shows his diligence but his warmth towards his guests, making them feel so welcome.

I must finish my dinner with a sweet and Chef Jesus’s custom Tres leche cake was light, full of flavor and worth any calories. Toro is a mystical journey that I adored.