As we planned our trip to Colorado, we knew we would be in Kansas City around lunchtime. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has featured several restaurants in the area so we watched each episode. There were several options that seemed to have great potential, but Jarocha (on the Kansas side of Kansas City) was the most exciting.
The building stood out with its bold, bright, beautiful murals of sea life. The small restaurant, adorned with vibrant pink walls, with festive Mexican music made me feel as though I was back in San Felipe, Mexico. The margarita impressed Chris. He even suggested that it might be better than his (and he makes the best margaritas I have ever had!).
We started with a half-dozen oysters and the Ceviche Jarocho. We live near the James River and have never had oysters in a restaurant as well done as what we had at Jarocha. They were gorgeous! The shells that held the large, plump oysters were deep cups filled with liquor. The sauce had a lovely earthy, rich flavor. The oysters had been expertly done with zero grit. As a bonus, they gave us a seventh oyster. It was a little smaller than the others, so I assumed it was not big enough to meet up to their standards, but equally delicious. We talked with our server, Nancy, and she told us that the owner is at the airport every morning picking up seafood to offer the freshest selection possible.
The Ceviche Jarocho, made with fish, lime juice, onion and cilantro, was spectacular. Again, the fish was super fresh. The amazing flavor had just enough lingering heat to remind you what you had eaten without overpowering the palette.
Chris asked about the Catch of the Day, but when we found out it was a four-pound fish, we decided that would be too much. Instead, he ordered the Grilled Baby Octopus and Fish Soup. The soup, with fish, carrots, squash and celery, had a rich, earthy, pleasing flavor. The octopus was very tender, not at all chewy, and delicious.
They offer two hot sauces, one cayenne based and one Habanero based. The cayenne based was spicy and delicious. The Habanero based was flavorful but hot enough to bring tears to my eyes. I am very happy that I tasted a drop of it before adding it to my food.
Nancy mentioned that the owner of Jarocha is from Vera Cruz, Mexico. It is obvious that he brought a little piece of his home to Kansas City.
Cost for a margarita, two appetizers, an order of ceviche and a bowl of soup $51.35.
The restaurant sounds like a lovely, lively place to go!