MYT Conquers Cancun, Part II Food and Drink
Dining was never scarce in Cancun.
From street food, to an Argentinian steakhouse named Cambalache (located next to CoCo Bongo) we did it all. I was a little nervous because I have somewhat of a weak stomach to eat at some of these places but honestly everywhere we went was clean and accurate on food description. After day 2 I had little hesitation to eat anything!
STREET TACOS // MEET YOU THERE // IMAGE BY FRANKIEBOYPHOTOGRAPHY
Frankie and I ate at an Argentinian steak house (called Cambalache) for my birthday dinner. As you walk up to the restaurant there is a small window by the front door where you can see the butchers at work cutting meat that is then delivered to the table where you chose which cut of meat you would like. This meal was definitely an experience I would recommend (be sure to make a reservation in advanced). We decided on Caesar salads before our steaks arrived which to our surprise the waiter makes the Caesar dressing right at the table. Our waiter had a giant wooden bowl where he mixed the ingredients Anchovies, oil, salt and pepper and began mashing the ingredients until he had a nice pasty dressing-like consistency. And that’s it.. table side Caesar! This was one of our fancier meals in Cancun - that still cost just over $100 USD (salads + entrees for both of us, which was too much food!). Plan accordingly - if your budget is tight maybe save this for your special night out!
As far as breakfast goes… good luck. Everything was pretty typical to your traditional American basic breakfast. To be honest all the food reminded me of a Denny’s or I-hop. We asked around a lot about local breakfast spots and all we got was try Natura (thanks to the local cab driver). Finally we caved and ate there and to my surprise (sarcasm) it was typical Denny’s breakfast.
IMAGE FROM CENACELO WEBSITE // http://www.cenacolo.mx/
By far my favorite meal on my trip was when Frankie took me out for a romantic dinner at Mare by Cenacelo. This Italian restaurant sits right on the water - looking right into the waters of Nichupté. As we arrived the restaurant has a modern look everything was white with a black piano in the center of the room where behind sat a row of bay windows looking over the waterfront. To our left was a bar area but not for drinking. There stood a man making handmade raviolis, gnocchi and more pastas. This definitely added to the experience - walking into pasta being rolled in front of your eyes is an exceptional way to set off taste buds. Of course we sat outside next to the water. I had a white tuna Carpaccio, which I must say, might be hands down the best thing I’ve ever eaten. Everything we ate was amazing. Not to mention Frankie told the server it was my birthday dinner and they graciously sabered a bottle of Champagne open for me at no cost and delivered us a sampler of deserts - this was quite the surprise (to both of us). The service we received at Mare went above and beyond.
“If ever in Cancun make sure you try its best-kept secret Mare by Cenacelo.”
IMAGE TAKEN FROM http://restaurantemare.com/mare/ // MARE BY THE BAY // TELL THEM ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY
THE STREETS OF CANCUN, MEXICO // IMAGE BY FRANKIEBOYPHOTOGRAPHY