Yes! Yes! Finally we have a new quality addition to our loving and beautiful yet sometimes culinary dull Condesa neighborhood in Mexico City. I am very excited to see that the culinary bar is rising in La Condesa. I could never quite understand why in such hip, bohemian neighborhood of one of the largest cities in the World and filled with artsy yuppies there are loads and loads of "disco beach" mediocre restaurants. Well, Ladies and Gentlemen here comes our salvation and follow the example.
Merotoro came to live from a successful experience of Contramar (review will follow), the passionate and dedicated Chef, and a friendly French touch. The restaurant is located on Avenida Amsterdam, a well known circular park-like street in La Condesa, which used to be a "hipodromo" or horse race track and it is right next to Plaza Iztaccihuatl (ha try to pronounce that one). In any case, you can spot the place while driving because the openness of the space, combined with burned wood walls and red deco catches an immediate attention. I remember passing by when it just opened saying to myself that I have to come here one day and go figure, the week after here I was.
First of all, one of the owners is always there looking after the guests, which does give a sense of ownership and caring for the place at least at the start-up phase. Service is top notch and the best part is that the waiters seem to be educated in the wine list and can provide good advice as to the carefully selected wine list.
For me, the biggest highlight of Merotoro is the Chef, Jair Tellez. I was lucky to spend some time with Jair chatting about his cooking philosophy and getting to know the background of the food selection and his future vision of the restaurant. Jair is originally from Tijuana, educated and trained in the USA, he saw a huge potential in the Mexican market and came back to open a restaurant in Valle de Guadalupe. The concept: 100% local ingredients. Cheers to that!!! Although, Merotoro does not and probably cannot follow this concept to the fullest, you can see the careful selection of ingredients in every plate. Fresh, flavorful, and surprising. Nothing overpowers the senses.
The decoration and design is mostly modern a nice touch of burned looking wood, which I am tempted to say it scented as on the way to the bathroom one can smell a hint of cloves on top of the fresh flower bouquet. Light could perhaps be a bit dimmer and come from other angles than just the top but it’s a small price to pay for the delights of the palate.
Merotoro, keep up the good beginning!
Av Amsterdam 204,
col Hipodromo Condesa, Mexico DF
One block from Parque México
Tel: 5564-7799
Hours: Mon - Sat 14:00 - 22:30
1 comment:
Sounds good! can you recomend a dish to order?
xoxo
Z
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