An incredibly positive surprise – Mexican cuisine reinterpreted: Restaurant Makal (24. November 2021)
When I researched the Makal it was labelled as a ‘Cheap Eats’ restaurant on TripAdvisor but it actually turned out to be an upscale restaurant with an interesting menu. They offer modern interpretations of Mexican food which were quite lovely. As an amuse bouche I was served a “tostada de pulpo ahumado con helote” which was not only interesting but delicious to get my palate started.
Next in line, they would serve “pan de semilla | mantequilla de jitomate deshidratada con pistachio” which were both good. I loved that the bread was still hot and that the butter was of an intensity which was absolutely amazing – especially in combination with the pistachio.
The first starter I went for was “chicharrón de pescado (teté, jocoque, salsa mexicana, cueritos)” (235 MXN) which was basically fried fish skin …
… served with a variety of ingredients like pork rind, tomato and onions, as well as some spread. Frankly, an interesting and super intense flavor combination but not really something I would probably try again.
The “tetela de manzana y foie (teté, lámina de manzana horneada, foie gras sellado, puré de cebolla)” (285 MXN) on the other hand was a bit disappointing. While the foie gras itself was actually enjoyable, the rest of the dish was somewhat lacking flavor – and even the combination of the foie gras with the rest of the plate was not really leading to any flavor explosions I had hoped for.
The “cachete de res braseado (makal, guacamole, cebolla curtida, elote amarillo, sal de chapulín)” (205 MXN) on the other hand were absolutely delicious! The combination of the ingredients, the seasoning of the meat, in combination with the grasshopper salt was just mouth-watering!
Last but not least, I went for the “mole (enmolada, cola braseada 16 horas, cebolla curtida, quelites, queso huajicori)” (395 MXN) as a main course and I can safely say it was definitely too much. I mean, the portion wasn’t super big but after all the starters I was barely able to eat anything else. In any case, the mole was good but still very smooth and round since it wasn’t a very old mole.
To put the dish in tortillas to enjoy it in a more traditional way was definitely lovely …
… but they could have offered a few tortillas more to make sure that you’re filled tortilla is not completely overflowing when you put things into it.
The place itself is super nice and quite enjoyable in terms of interior design. It resembles much more that of a modern restaurant than that of a traditional Mexican restaurant but …
… it is appealing and something I truly appreciate.
So in terms of surprise effect, I can definitely say that the Makal is a great place with good food, for fair prices, and ultimately also good service.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Makal
Lázaro Cárdenas 311
Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata
48330 Puerto Vallarta (MX)
Homepage: https://www.facebook.com/makal.gastronomia
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
