El Buen Gusto ****
Reviewed Wednesday, 26 September, 2007 – Regional specialties. Open Monday through Saturday, 6am – 2pm. Market in Parque Santiago. To the left of the church in the middle of the row of stalls on the Calle 72 side of the park.
THE BEST IN ITS CLASS, El Buen Gusto never disappoints. Traditional dishes like Carne Asada, camarón empanizado and pavo en escabeche are deeply flavorful and brimming with contrasting tastes and textures. The relleno negro I ordered was one of the best I ever ate: savory but (the Mayan meat stuffing), thick strips of turkey and a rich black sauce all singing with smokiness which is the dish’s welcomed hallmark. And the carne asada was topped with a mound of lightly picante Salsa Xnipek, the whole resembling a refreshing meat salad. You might want to try El Buen Gusto’s tamales, too. I had the tamal colado – one of my favorite varieties. The cooks know how to please: the tamal – a light, almost pudding-like concoction of strained cooked masa – was stuffed with ample portions of Pollo Asado and kol rojo, and as if to gild the lily an additional heap of the shredded chicken as a garnish on top. Don’t be shy about trying their marvelous habanero table salsa. At least a couple of droplets give zip to any Yucatecan dish, and also perfectly round out the flavors. Your meal will arrive in moments, but as you sit at one of the outdoor tables, take your time to savor the scenes of young lovers in the park, Mayan women in traditional clothing selling flowers, and youngsters in school uniforms chasing pigeons around the charming fountain.Yucatán:
A Culinary Expedition
A Culinary Expedition
PART ONE: North
Mérida
PART TWO: East
PART THREE: South
PART FOUR: West