Wind & C at Suki’s

Story and photos by Katy Hurado

Sometimes the perfect opportunity arises, so why not go for it? When Suki and Matt, (official owners of Suki’s) wanted some time off from the kitchen and the restaurant, Carolen and Windspirit wanted time in–and so the perfect arrangement was cooked up between them.

Falling in love with the magic of pueblo Todos Santos, Carolen and Windspirit decided it was the perfect place to pursue some of their dreams. Inspired by Carolen’s childhood, they want their children, daughter Amelia and son Grayson, to have the opportunity to grow up in a different culture, including school, friends and learning some of the responsibilities of a family run business.

“Wind and C” at Suki’s,  is at the site of the original Suki’s on Hidalgo, a short one block  southeast from calle Militar. Guests enjoy their meals in a beautiful garden setting, tables are nestled amongst the comfortably, elegant, multi-level landscaping, complete with a bubbling brook that flows from a small pond laced with blooming hyacinths.

Windspirit and Carolen’s commitment to delicious healthy food is the main attraction and is evident on their menu. Their focus is on preparing lunch and dinners with all local, fresh and organic ingredients. By using more local and sustainably produced fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood, the dishes they create reflect their involvement with the local community.

The garden inspired recipes of Carolen’s originate in her kitchen. Carolen grew up in Mexico City with a Oaxacan chef and nanny in her home. At a young age, she went to the markets and learnt to cook and so began Carolen’s love of Mexican cooking. She continued to increase her knowledge by attending and graduating from cooking school while living in Northern California.

“Wind and C” at Suki’s menu offers main dishes with influences from around the world. Vietnamese cold noodle salad with grilled fish, lamb meatball sandwich, green curry with fish and veggies, and pork in sour orange and black beans with cornmeal dumplings, just to name a few. There are also some of Suki’s “classics” to be found on the menu, Thai beef salad, vegetarian or shrimp pot stickers and bul go gi beef to name a few. ‘Sides and Starts’ include  wonderful selections such as massaged greens with toasted pepitas and local goat cheese, shrimp and corn fritters, black bean, orange and radish salad and a fabulous combination of curried new potatoes with feta!

When Windspirit is not working mornings in their garden in Pescadero (which also produces many of the ingredients for the restaurant), he is in the bar creating his amazing herb and spice infused beverages. Offered on a daily basis, his special mixed drinks incorporate fresh juices, infused syrups, purified or mineral water and can be further enhanced by adding top shelf liquors. Other wonderful beverage choices include Vietnamese ice coffee, organic teas served hot or iced, classic beer or microbrew. There is a fine selection of Baja wines available by the glass or the bottle, in white, rose or red. The desserts offered will vary with what fresh and seasonal ingredients are available, and include such delicacies as avocado panna cota and Carolen’s special adaptation of a classic Mexican flan with rich and delicious cajeta!

The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 am until 2:30 pm, with dinner hours from 5:30 until 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Telephone 612-145-0847. Reservations are appreciated.

¡Buen provecho!