La Tradicion – Merida
Suggested and written by Suzan Haskins of International Living.
A Merida restaurant that I recommend serves traditional Yucatecan food—very different than what most people associate with Mexican food. Rarely spicy, it includes influences from the local Mayan culture, as well as Caribbean, Mexican, French, and Middle Eastern cultures. Sour orange, lime, and achiote are common ingredients, and banana leaves are sometimes used to wrap around pork and fish before roasting. If you want to spice it up, add a bit of salsa habanero, always served on the side.
The more upscale (but still casual) Restaurante La Tradicion is on Calle 60 just past the hotel zone. Most of the hearty (and oh-so-delicious) entrees made by Chef David Cetina cost less than $10.
My personal recommendations include the papadzules (hardboiled eggs wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a pumpkin seed sauce), cochinita pibil (deliciously melt-in-your-mouth marinated pork) and the lomitas de Valladolid (chunks of tender pork in a rich tomato/garlic broth). (Sherry from travel RM recommends, Poc Chuc!!!!!in photo!)
There is also a full bar here and mouthwatering desserts. Be sure to try the cool, creamy flan or the crema Espanol.
Location: Calle 60 just past the hotel zone.
For more details: http://www.latradicionmerida.com/index.php