Los Ocampo - A Bold Menu Remake for a Twin Cities Mexican Food Staple

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! I'm excited to take you behind the scenes of a recent project that was as bold and festive as it was delicious—a menu creation and food catalog shoot for the iconic Los Ocampo Mexican Restaurant & Bar.

This local gem has been a beacon of authentic Mexican flavors in the Twin Cities for over two decades, boasting five bustling locations, a much anticipated sixth in the works, and a food truck that never fails to draw a crowd. (Read more about their story and history here.)

In addition to the original Los Ocampo Mexican Restaurant & Bar, they also have Taqueria Los Ocampo, a fast, casual (and delicious) taqueria, Los Ocampo Express, and Machete, a full-service Mexican kitchen. Each has a unique twist on the Mexican food you've come to know and love, so be sure to try them all!

Crafting A Festive Revamp for a Twin Cities Icon

Los Ocampo's dedication to offering mouthwatering traditional Mexican dishes has never wavered, but their menu imagery was beginning to look a bit dated. They hadn't had a professional photoshoot in about 15 years, and with the rise of online ordering, a picture-perfect menu has never been more essential. This is where I came in, and I must say, I'm thrilled with our flavorful, eye-catching results.

In this digital age, a beautiful menu is no longer just a piece of paper you hand out to dine-in customers. It's a powerful marketing tool that can entice hungry online browsers, tempting them to place an order (maybe with add-ons!). Another example is a recent project with My Burger, which had similar needs for its unique brand and online menu.

I collaborated with the fantastic team at Miller SRM, a local social media management agency known for their passion for supporting small businesses and restaurants. Their commitment to quality and innovation led them to bring me on board to put my lens and food photography experience to work. Their focus on quality and innovation aligns perfectly with my values, and working with them was a pleasure.

The Tantalizing Power of Strategic Menu Creation

For this project, we decided to host the shoot at their Suburban Ave location. Given the extensive variety of their offerings, we focused on capturing about half of the entire menu. The transformation is truly remarkable. Before, the menu was a simple list of dishes with brief descriptions. The new menu, however, presents each dish in its full glory, with professionally shot, bold images accompanying the descriptions. The goal was to create digital-friendly pictures that beautifully encapsulate the vibrant colors, intricate details, and, most importantly, the authentic Mexican essence of each dish. The new look is appetizing, engaging, and perfectly aligned with the restaurant's modern brand image.

The transformation doesn't just stop at pictures. The new menu is rich in vibrant colors, with each dish presented against a backdrop that complements its unique palette. From the deep hues of mole sauce to the fresh greens of cilantro garnish, every element pops in a way that makes you want to reach out and take a bite. (It was hard not to grab a chip and dip it into that dressed-up shrimp cocktail!)

We wanted to create images that would make your mouth water just by looking at them, and I believe we've succeeded.

A Food Menu Transformation that Targets the Senses

This project has reminded me of the incredible power of good food photography. It's not just about taking a picture of a dish; it's about translating the love, care, and tradition that goes into its creation into a visual format that makes people want to taste it. An artful photograph can capture not just the aesthetics but also the soul of a dish. It can evoke emotions, stimulate appetites, and create a lasting impression.

I hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. And if you're around the Twin Cities area, don't forget to stop by Los Ocampo and check out their brand-new menu.

Cheers, Los Ocampo!

It was an absolute pleasure working with Los Ocampo, one of my favorite local eateries. Their passion for Mexican cuisine is inspiring, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for their restaurant endeavors.

I'm hoping to get a physical copy of the new menu soon so I can share some snaps with you all. In the meantime, I urge you to check out Los Ocampo online or in-house. Their reimagined menu imagery is just the icing on the cake (or the lime on the taco) of their delicious dining experience.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, and as always, embrace your cravings! Until next time, bon appétit!

Need help with menu creation? I’d love to strategize with you to entice online orders and in-house customers. Let’s showcase your dishes in their full glory!

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Want to see more? Head over to the blog or catch me on Instagram @thisisjeremylee.