When most people think of Mexican food, they imagine tacos, tamales and enchiladas. But those are just the bare basics, and while they're delicious, there's much more to be known about Mexican cuisine. Just like any other country, you never really know what the food is like until you're actually there. While gourmet Mexican food might sound unheard of, Mexico is a rapidly advancing country and home to several of the world's top chefs and most stunning restaurants.
Nestled in a quaint and beautiful park in the citiy's downtown district, Apoala is a relaxed yet dazzling gourmet Mexican restaurant that opened nearly 6 years ago in Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan.
Apoala serves up an extraordinarily divine fusion of traditional Yucatecan cuisine with the more savory flavors of Oaxaca, a western Mexican state located on the Pacific coast. The contemporary blend of east-meets-west food, paired with 5-star service and tranquil outdoor seating makes for quite an enjoyable dining experience. In fact, it’s my favorite place in the city. Great for a lunch, dinner, and people-watching. Live music is usually happening in the park at night, offering an extra-special and intimate vibe to the atmosphere.
(Filete de Res con Puree de Papas)
The rich flavors and unique textures combined with a gorgeous presentation make you feel like you’re eating at your Mexican grandmother’s house - except she’s the most posh and fancy grandmother in Southern Mexico.
All the dishes at Apoala (designed and prepared by Chef Sara Arnaud of Oaxaca) are day-fresh and locally purchased. The exception to this rule being some of the specialty cheeses - something Oaxaca is known for - which are imported weekly.
(Ensalada Verde, with fresh greens and queso Oaxaca)
From yumy appetizers like fried pork-belly tacos and refreshing soups like Sopa de la Flor de Calabaza (Squash, or Pumpkin Flower Soup), there's something for everyone to start their meal.
(Sopa de Flor de la Calabaza)
They even offer a Oaxacan favorite, chapulines. Chapulines are actually grasshoppers, chopped and spiced. This delicacy may not sound very inviting, but it's something you just have to try for yourself.
(Tiraditas de Short Rib)
The main dishes change by season, although there are some permanent menu items. One of my favorite main courses is the Filete de Res, or Beef Fillet, which is pictured in the featured image of this article. It's a tender and perfectly cooked fillet mignon, served with creamy spiced potatoes and drizzled with a delectable red wine gravy. Simply mouthwatering and totally satisfying! The best part? The dish only costs $14 USD. The same dish in the US would cost somewhere around $35 to $40 USD, making gourmet food in Mexico rather affordable for foreigners.
Apoala is also well-known for their hand-crafted cocktails. Some of the most interesting and refreshing drinks I've ever had were in Apoala, with the majority of them being in-house creations or seasonal specilaties. One of my favorites is featured in the photo below.
(Ahhhh, yes... The famous Mango Margarita, complete with an avacado skin garnish)
The Mango margarita is a blend of mango puree, a small amount of avocado, and top-shelf rum. The red accent you see is actually chamole, a spicy yet sweet syrup used in many applications across Mexican cuisine.
Beer lovers can also rejoice, as Apoala carries some of the Mexico's leading craft beers - another thing you might not expect Mexico to be popular for. One of my go-to premium cervezas? Perro del Mar, which translates to "Dog of the Sea". It's a refreshing yet rich IPA that pairs perfectly with Apoalas hearty cuisine. But be careful, more than two of these "bad dogs" and you'll be rather tipsy - they're strong!
(Perro del Mar, a delicious Mexican IPA)
Being my favorite restaurant in Southern Mexico, I could go on and on about the wonderful foods they offer, but I'll leave you with a little information so you can learn more about Apoala, and hopefully pay a visit if you're ever in the wonderful colonial city of Merida, Yucatan.
Link to Apoala Mexican Cuisine's Website: Go here for more photos, info, or to make a reservation.
Link to Apoala on Trip Advisor: Tons of reviews and photos, including more of my own pics!
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(all photos in this article are my own)
Apoala Mexican Cuisine
Calle 60 476A, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Apoala: Gourmet Mexican Food in the Yucatan Peninsula
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