Tikul, the Awakening of All Senses
Tikul’s cuisine redefines “fusion”; in my opinion it surpasses tendencies and places itself in a class of its own.
By Miguel Camacho F.
Dining at Tikul is an experience for all senses. The restaurant’s location is unique, just in front of the Marina basin, with the view of the yachts. The restaurant offers diners the option to dine alfresco in the open terrace or inside in the comfortable air conditioned dining room. This time around we chose the air conditioned area.
As we sipped our aperitifs and enjoyed soft jazz music in the background, we read the menu and realized we were in for an exceptional dining experience. Creativity overflows the menu. Tikul’s cuisine redefines “fusion”; in my opinion it surpasses tendencies and places itself in a class of its own. But most importantly, all the work, the evident passion for food manifests as a gift to the taste buds.
In Tikul’s wine list I found two of my favorite varietal wines, and paired them to my dishes. As appetizer, I had creamy risotto with butter braised shrimp, tamarind-Port reduction and peach marmalade. Needless to say, it was superb. I had a glass of Riesling with it, and it added to the pleasure of tasting.
From the restaurant’s specialties I had Singapore pepper rubbed duck breast, creamy chayote au gratin, fig syrup, foie gras essence, shoe string potatoes which I paired to a glass of Carmenere. It was sensational and the unique bouquet of the wine enhanced the dish’s flavors.
Letty, in turn, ordered the macadamia encrusted Chilean sea bass with lobster butter, crisp leek, cucumber, and capsicum salad and basil potato medallions in a subtle combination of flavors that caresses the palate. Her choice of wine was a Zinfandel rosé.
At desserts I nearly felt guilty, but I had Flourless Chocolate Cake, berries, duo of white and dark chocolate ice cream, Valrhona paint. Letty ordered Coconut parfait, which she accompanied with a cup of Cappuccino.
Tikul is located on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk, in front of the Royal Pacific Condominium, locale 113, Telephone 209 2010 http://www.tikul.com