I can’t get Il Becco out of my head.

It’s been a few months since my trip to Mexico City and I can’t get the restaurant off of my mind. Not that I want to, I just find it interesting that a restaurant I dined in during my vacation still has such a hold on me. Of course the architecture, culture, other restaurants, and people in the city were incredible, but none were able to leave an imprint on my everyday thoughts the way this restaurant has.

I guess the best place to start would be at the beginning.

The specifications as to why I was on this trip are simple: I wanted to go on vacation, I found a cheap ticket, so my friends and I left. It’s almost a fairytale for any person who feels like they need a break from their everyday routine. While my fairytale began days before when I landed, it all came to a peak when I walked into the Four Seasons. The steps from the hotel entry to the restaurant carried a click-clack that I tried my best to suppress from turning into a succession of skips. By the time we reached the restaurant, I felt a small gasp escape my lips; it was beautiful! Before I could scan the entire layout the hostess introduced herself and walked myself and TJ to our table.

Going from the opening of the restaurant and into the heart of it, I adored the presentation Il Becco had with welcoming guests. The artwork, color scheme, lighting, table settings, and the overall tone of the restaurant was one that made me want to spend as much time as possible in my seat with the restaurant wrapped around me.

Sitting at our table, the waiter arrived with menus in hand and began to walk us through the food that would soon follow. As quickly as he made his initial departure, the Amuse-Bouche (complimentary) was placed in front of us. Just like all the others we’ve had so far on the trip, it wasn’t in any way a focus of the dinner—merely an introduction of what was to come. A few scoops with a spoon and I could tell that it was lightly whipped, almost weightless, and held a soft garlic taste. My mouth tried to capture the starter in an attempt to revel in the taste, but as quickly as I closed my eyes, it was gone. Although each scoop on my spoon was full, the taste was fleeting; like love.

That may have been corny, but it’s fitting.

Letting go of the brief moments with the amuse-bouche allowed me take on the Tuna Tartare ($245 pesos, $14). It was beautiful in its presentation! It came on a white plate covered in what looked like a tented glass. Slowly, it was removed and the tartare was revealed like a present. If I can suggest, this is how all engagement gifts and even student loan payoff letters should be presented. As smoke escaped once it was opened, the tuna was showcased sitting under a gentle dollop of foam. I loved how simple and it appeared, because it was stark contrast from its taste. Although it was small, I enjoyed the taste of the fresh tuna with the quickly dissolving foam. The gentle drizzle of olive oil provided an additional smoothness that made it a plate I enjoyed a tad too quickly.

Following the tuna tartare, the waiter brought the Artichoke Risotto ($260 pesos, $15). I loved the delivery of it in copper cookware. Removing the lid displayed the gorgeous risotto like a painting. Tasting it, the risotto was unbelievably creamy. It was sprinkled with pistachios and topped with edible flowers. Fork after fork, it was clear that the chefs cooked it exceptionally well and blended the ingredients together perfectly. I finished this main in its entirety.

Watching the waiter remove the empty pot was difficult, but that feeling was replaced with excitement as the Ravioli ($230 pesos $13) was given. “Be careful, it’s hot”, the waiter cautioned. I was thankful he mentioned that, as I wanted to consume the pasta the moment I saw it. Each ravioli was filled with a Robiola cheese while they were sprinkled with diced almonds and nutmeg. The cooked ravioli shells were delicate and soft, the cheese was creamy, and the almonds offered a bit of texture to the overall dish. Since there wasn’t a lot of ravioli, I found myself wanting more. For any other person, this single plate may have sufficed, but considering how delectable it was I yearned for a second serving to further savor the perfect plate as I just had.

As the final entrée was removed from the table, the dessert arrived to bring the dinner to a close. A single slice of Chocolate Cake ($160 pesos, $9) under any other circumstance might not be much to discuss, but at Il Becco, it’s a conversation piece. The small serving of cake comes enclosed in a cotton candy wrapping which is surprisingly removed by the waiter as he spritz amaretto liquor around it. Unfortunately, I was too mesmerized with the show to photograph it, but was able to grab a few stills of it once he was done. What’s important to know is that with each gentle spray, the cotton candy slowly evaporated and the chocolate cake with hazelnut emerged. It wasn’t until the tiny sprouts were uncovered that it looked as if a chocolate cake was growing in front of my eyes. The chocolate was creamy, the hazelnut was rich, and the sprouts were a pretty enhancement to it all. I loved this dish!

Looking back as I bring this review to an end, I realize that I can recall every dish with such fondness as if I’m sitting in the restaurant today. I am so grateful that I got to experience the luxurious and creative dishes that came from the kitchen at Il Becco. The staff is incredibly hospitable, the interior is stunning, the presentation of the food is artistic, and the food is unforgettable. Taking that into consideration, I can see why I can’t get Il Becco out of my head. Reminiscing on such an experience from beginning to end, there’s a good chance that I’ll never get the restaurant or its food off my mind. The more I think about it, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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Address: Paseo de la Reforma 500, Cuauhtémoc, Juárez, 06600 Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5256 3057
Hours: Daily – 1:00pm to 12:00am
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