Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach Opens Pequín Coastal Cocina

This summer while taking a road trip from Southern to Northern California, we stopped for one night at my favorite beachfront Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, an Autograph Collection Hotel on California’s Central Coast. Located right next to the historic Pismo Beach pier, we discovered the onsite restaurant off the beach house chic lobby, is now Pequín, a coastal Baja-style dining venue with whimsical surprises in many of the dishes.

Since I have family who live nearby, I invited them to join my husband and me for dinner. Since we arrived mid-afternoon, we checked into the hotel, donned our bathing suit and swam in the heated oceanfront swimming pool, and afterwards walked out on the Pismo Beach pier before dinner.

Vespera Resort offers three different types of guest suites: Pacific Suite, Dune Suite and Boardwalk Suite. Guest rooms include  Oceanfront, Coastal and Inland Rooms with oversize bathrooms. Since it was a busy weekend, we were given the key card to a spacious ADA room. Inside was a low king-size bed, mobility and hearing enhancements, a roll-in shower, grab bars, lower fixtures and a hand held shower wand.

There was a sliding door leading out the a spacious patio with two chairs and a table. It was on the backside of the pool deck offering a peek-a-boo view of the swimming pool. Nice personal touches include Pismo Beach saltwater candy left on the nightstand.

Also near our room was Pequín’s al fresco dining patio providing views of the resort and Pacific Ocean. On weekends from 5 to 8 p.m. there is a live DJ spinning music at the pool, so we chose to dine indoors in the expansive dining room to be able to talk and listen to each other. Our server shared with us that many of the chef’s dishes on the menu are made with his favorite chili pepper, the Pequín, hence the restaurant’s name.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Chef Frank Barajas has curated a playful menu filled with his childhood favorite ingredients that appeal to Vespera Resort guests and locals. Since this is a dog-friendly property, the restaurant is also offering a new ‘Puppers’ menu for dog friends.

Since two of us at the table prefer vegetarian dishes, we started with guacamole with surprising strawberries and herbs. Not only did it sweeten the earthiness of the smooth avocado, but was delicious with bowls of chips and salsa. We also ordered the refreshing local Watermelon Tomatillo Salad and Dragonfruit Ceviche with cucumber, Fresno chili, mango, red onion, avocado and Leche de Tigre.

Other vibrant and innovative dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients with a seafood-centric Baja Coastal flair, included Seafood Pozole Verde that featured clams, seabass, shrimp and surprising heirloom hominy. Hominy is larger than a corn kernel and is used to make grits and tortillas.

One of our favorite dishes was the Seabass in Banana Leaf. I learned that the fresh seafood is caught nearby in Morro Bay. This fish had a kick to with Chef Frank’s Jalapeño Coconut Sauce. The corn esquites was slightly sweet and the mango slaw was a surprising touch to the dish.

For those seeking beef dishes, Chef Frank roasts Tri Tip Steak with Salsa Pequín and Avocado Salsa Verde. The beef is from Central California ranchers. Chef Frank puts a whimsical touch to his tacos and churros. The Swordfish al Pastor Tacos are made with gooseberry salsa and sparkling pop rocks that gently explode in your mouth. Others include roasted tri-tip steak, marinated Baja chicken, local Pacific shrimp and veggie tacos.

During brunch he makes Fried Chicken and Churros with white mole, Churro Pancakes and Tres Leches French Toast. 

Pequín’s extensive bar program features a tequila-focused menu with cocktails developed by award-winning mixologists. Signature cocktails range from a Honeydew Paloma, Mango Collins and Brewjeria, a passionfruit beer mojito. Brunch is served daily from 7 to 4 p.m. and dinner is daily from 5 to 9 p.m.

The large bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. After dinner guests can take an after dinner drink out to the Starlight Lawn to look up at the unforgettable starry night near fire pits to roast s’mores.

For guests staying overnight are encouraged to participate in the resort’s Daily Well Being Classes. Led by a certified instructor classes include Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga/Morning Stretch, Beach Boot Camp, or Scenic Hikes at 8 to 9 a.m.

For those looking to hang out on the beach, the resort offers beach chairs and umbrellas for two people, beach toys including boogie boards and kites, lawn games, and fishing gear for guests to take to fish off the pier. These are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Next time you drive through Central California’s Coast, be sure to stop in at Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach and relax at Pequín Coastal Cocina for surprisingly fun and fresh Baja California fare.