Mayan Cafe

I stopped into Mayan Cafe for a lunch meeting the other day. I arrived at noon and was so pleased to see that they were at capacity! Like, perfectly. Every single table was filled, some pulled together to make big-tops, except for my table, there was only one deuce empty in the place. It was seated within 10 mins after I arrived. I loved the vibe of the crowd. Completely diverse, culturally, demographically and generationally. I kept smiling musing on my 'one-world' observation. It's just great to witness this kind of thing, at least to me.

I have never had quitalacoche, the fungus that is found on corn and is one of the star culinary aspects of Mexican cuisine. I was told that chef Bruce has it on his menu, but I guess he works with it on his dinner menu. I guess that just gives me another reason to return! I fell back on the calamari ceviche, a dish that I prepared at the miracle fruit dinner (I actually forgot about that, to be honest, I just look down the menu, see ceviche, and say 'yes.') Which reminds me- how dumb is it that I have been in the city for 6 years now and haven't been to Seviche? Before you answer, I have to point out that I am absolutely terrified of libating on Bardstown Rd. Bad experience thing, from long ago.

Back to the subject, this ceviche was solid as I have had- great texture, acidity and salt balance (often forgotten, yet truly makes this dish sing when done right.) The tortilla chips were warm, lightly salted (iodized salt, maybe?) and had the very small pools of oil that proved evidence of a la minute cooking. I had pushed them to the side until I felt their heat and saw the oil, as I am just not a fan of precooked corn tortilla chips. Don't get me wrong, sitting in front of the TV with some 'salsa' bought at the convenience store + yeah fine, whatever. But dining in a restaurant setting = nah. I don't hold it against the chef, yet I avoid eating (much) of them. Like a chocolate chip cookie, when they are eaten just after cooking, something that is a banal staple of convenience store cuisine becomes a comfort food par excellence. What we commonly eat, not unlike cattle chew curd, suddenly becomes the very thing we enjoy most about a dish. Something so simple becomes a source of inspiration, lighting up our day. All because the chef decided (how much you wanna bet?) stubbornly that they were going to serve their tortillas a la minute.

Good stuff, and I look forward to getting back there soon for the corn fungus!

Great review Stephen! I agree with you Mayan cafe is a gem and I truly appreciate the cuisine Bruce prepares.

I had the calamari ceviche and the beef tenderloin special before Anthony Bourdain last Friday, and both were excellent. The Mayan Cafe is definitely one of my favorite places in the city, the food and service are always consistently excellent!

Mayan Cafe is one of our all time favs. We get there as often as possible. We also send a *lot* of our B&B guests there and never, ever hear a bad review. Everyone loves it!

I have been to Topolobampo in Chicago two times and in both ocations left the place thinking, Bruce food is a lot better. My Man Bruce my hat is off to you, you cook with soul, your food is flavorfull, different, interesting and simply good. Louisville should be proud off places like The Mayan Cafe. No good Mexican in the Island so I apreciate it even more now. Fernando from Margarita Island.

I have also noticed that the Mayan Cafe has been busy almost every time I visit, even at lunch, and it seems like business has only increased since the reopening a couple of years ago. We were there last Monday night for Market Monday (we drove from lexington after work just for a Mayan meal) and everything was great, as usual. In my opinion, Louisville spots like Mayan Cafe and Seviche are some of the best, most unique restaurants in the land.

I always feel I sound like a broken record when I comment on how much I love the Mayan Cafe. It is always good to here that others appreciate and like it so much as well. It is a place that I could truly eat 2 or 3 times a week. I truly love the place...enough...enough...