Mexico is one of those places you call serene. Not just because of the stunning beaches, clear water, palm trees, etc. It is because Mexico is rich in culture, cuisine, and beauty.
I visited Mexico last spring for the first time and all I can say is that it took me by surprise! I knew I would love it but I didn’t know I would come back home to miss it every day. From the kind people to the flavorful food, it is quite spectacular.
My family and I spent a week living on the beach in Tulum. We rented an authentic Spanish-style home. I would spend days drinking Pina Coladas by the ocean, tanning on the roof, and swimming in the crystal blue water. However, my favorite part was the food. From fried fish tacos to homemade flan, it was delicious.
One night we went down to Tulum Beach. It is like a jungle full of shops, restaurants, bars, and beaches. Emphasis on the jungle part! Trees were everywhere with tiny dirt roads and lots of shops were like huts! A very unique area.
We dined at Hartwood - an outdoor seating-only restaurant! It was like a jungle dining experience. Wooden tables right on the sand and trees surrounding the commotion. It was crazy fun, to say the least. Take a look at their instagram!
When in the Gulf of Mexico, seafood is all I order. So, I ordered the grilled sea bass. It was cooked to perfection with a light smoky flavor. On the side, it had romesco sauce, which is a tomato-based sauce originating from Tarragona, Spain. The dish was incredible. The fish was soft on the inside with smokey skin. The romesco sauce added a nice touch, allowing for bold flavor.
Overall, Hartwood is an incredible restaurant. Not only is the food divine, but the atmosphere is lively. Tulum is a popular destination for many when visiting the beautiful country of Mexico, so I highly recommend dining at Hartwood.
Later in the week, we ate at Taverna Akumal, an Italian restaurant with flatbread pizzas, pasta, and fresh seafood. Taverna is located in Akumal, which is known for its white beaches and swimming with turtles! Taverna has an open layout and is in a palapa (traditional Mexican shelter roofed with palm leaves). Thanks to the palapa, you can feel the breeze from the ocean which is close by. The restaurant is also elevated so you have a view! As for the food itself, everything was delicious! Check out their instrgram: tavernaakumal
I had grilled lobster, which is a favorite of mine. It was served with potatoes and grilled vegetables. It was seasoned nicely and cooked to excellence! You could taste how fresh it was.
The blackened sea bass fillet was next! Plated with cauliflower mash, grilled asparagus, and beurre blanc sauce. The sauce is a white wine butter sauce that goes great on fish. The cauliflower mash adds a nice texture as well. It was a superb dish!
For dessert I had the tortino al cioccolato - chocolate cake with a warm chocolate center served with vanilla gelato. It was a perfect way to end dinner!
Taverna is a great place to try out if you are feeling Italian food! They did an excellent job creating authentic Italian with fresh seafood.
Mexico is an amazing place filled with the best foods!!! I can’t wait to go back and eat even more;)
URL:
Taverna Akumal