September, 2013
First Pancho’s in Mérida’s historic Centro, an iconic Mexican restaurant with a new rooftop deck, now celebrating 41 years…then La Tratto, trattoria bar and restaurant…then Trotter’s, with its casual, elegant ambience and outstanding architecture…then Bryan’s, a New York-style modern grill. What could the Trotter’s group possibly think of next? These four restaurants have set the standard for nighttime dining in Mérida and each one is totally unique. It seemed impossible to conceive of a fifth restaurant with its own personality. But that is exactly what they have done.
“My son Paul has done it again. With my son-in-law Arq. Xavier Salas, they have created another restaurant with its own heart and soul, which seems to be the most outstanding feature of our group of restaurants,” says Wayne Trotter, the group’s founder. “La Tratto in Santa Lucía park looks like a big success, and will be a major factor in rejuvenating the Centro Histórico with the uptown crowd. Of course, the international folks living in the heart of Mérida have fallen in love with the new venture too, and tourists as well.”
What’s not to love? Just as its sister restaurant of the same name, La Tratto serves antipastos, fresh salads, Neapolitan style pizza, and fresh homemade pastas in a tropical outdoor environment, with a great bar and superb service. It is also a perfect meeting place for anyone who wants to enjoy an evening of great food and wine under the stars. But as Wayne says, the restaurant has its own heart and soul. The pretty, upscale, air-conditioned interior is completely unique, with its modern but cozy décor and inviting bar. Or you can dine al fresco on the terrace facing the beautiful Parque Santa Lucía, across from the church of the same name and watching the people stroll by on Calle 60.
The ample wine list will tempt you with labels from all over the world, with a separate menu of wines by the glass, quartino, half bottle, and bottle. There is a full bar as well, of course.
Antipastos include a carpaccio of beef and of salmon, as well as their popular 3-cheese and sundried tomato dip, spinach agnilottis with goat cheese, and grilled provoleta cheese. But the highlinght of the antipasto menu is the tuna tartare with avocado, soy sauce, cilantro and ginger. One diner was overheard to say “I’ve lived in Mérida for over 10 years, and eaten in dozens of restaurants here. This is my favorite dish on any menu in the city.”
Salads are equally eclectic, ranging from a bistro salad with balsamic vinaigrette to a Caprese salad and an Oriental shrimp salad. The Caesar salad is delicious too, with its chipotle croutons and hint of anchovies in the delicious creamy dressing.
The fresh pastas are homemade, and include all’Amatriciana, scampi, lasagna with ragú, Tuscany fettucine, and a divinely stuffed ravioli with a marsala wine sauce. Freshly made to order pizzas are juicy and cheesy, on a thin, crispy crust with plenty of creative toppings to choose from. An order of tiramisu for dessert, with an espresso or cappuccino, would be a perfect ending to this meal.
Calle 60 x 55, Centro
Tel. 923 3787
Esta entrada también está disponible en: ES
