By Miguel Camacho F. As you may know by now, El Arrayán is a traditional Mexican food restaurant where meals from different regions of the country are served, always observing the authentic techniques and ingredients from the traditional cuisine. Restaurant owner Carmen Porras has made a great effort to maintain the authenticity of the restaurant’s concept, and has focused also on learning everything about fresh natural produce grown in the region, as well as other regional non industrial products, which normally end up in a recipe of the restaurant.
This completely agrees with the philosophy of the Slow Food Movement, of which the restaurant is pioneer and fundamental piece in the Bay of Banderas.
This makes El Arrayan cooking very special and and has earned it recognition. The restaurant has been the recipient of the Readers’ Choice Awards to the best Mexican restaurant for four consecutive years and AAA approved it with three diamonds. Now the restaurant has firmly established and is one of the most sought after by both locals and visitors. This week we dined at El Arrayán and were reassured as to why dining here is such a wonderful experience. Upon arrival, Carmen came to greet us and presented us with the evening’s specials, one of which absolutely caught my eye and I had to have it.
El Arrayán has an extensive list of tequila-based cocktails. They have their own version of Mojito, very refreshing. There are several flavors of margarita, but my favorite is Arrayan, naturally. This time, Letty had a virgin Mojito, and I had a shot of tequila with sangrita.
While we sipped our aperitifs, we read the menu with so many delicious meals, some of which have become favorites of mine over the years. I ordered Ceviche Colima, one of those favorites I was talking about, and which I love. I love the smooth texture and delicate flavor. It is a simple appetizer as it is delicious. Just to think about it makes my mouth water.
Letty ordered a marinated goat cheese salad, which was exquisite. A green salad with jicama sticks, a great vinaigrette and sesame seeds. Letty enjoyed it form beginning to end.
Then it was time for me to have my special of the evening, which was Tabasco style Barbacoa. As they presented it at the table I could only exclaim: “Now this is Mexican food”! With warm, handmade tortillas, cilantro, chopped onion, lime, a spicy salsa and a side dish of nopales, that was a feast. Next step was to male a taco and start enjoying it. What a wonderful thing.
Our experience came to a close with very good cups of coffee for both of us. Regional coffee, of course.
El Arrayan is open Wednesday to Monday from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
Allende #344, El Centro, Telephone 52 (322) 222 71 95 info@elarrayan.com.mx www.elarrayan.com.mx
This week we dined at El Arrayán and were reassured as to why dining here is such a wonderful experience. Upon arrival, Carmen came to greet us and presented us with the evening’s specials, one of which absolutely caught my eye and I had to have it.
I ordered Ceviche Colima, one of those favorites I was talking about, and which I love. I love the smooth texture and delicate flavor. It is a simple appetizer as it is delicious. Just to think about it makes my mouth water.