Scorching heat, bright colors and a sense of otherworldliness prevail. Probably, solid indications of having arrived in a place that is known for something different. In this case, peace, tradition and delicious food inventions. In that context, some would consider it blasphemy to eat in an Italian and French inspired restaurant while being surrounded by one of a kind local Mexican dishes. If that tendency comes to mind, I'd urge resistance to that emotion and giving in to that confusing experience of eating Italian food in a traditional Mexican city.
De Gourmand is a paradox. Upon stepping in, there is a mixture of Moorish influences, from the lamps to the walls. There are people who are so nice, it feels like an invitation has been extended to their home. There is a chef so talented, that every creation is a masterpiece. The head chef, Alfredo, is Mexican-Italian, worked in New York and is passionate about every single creation. It did not feel like dishes are being cranked out at rapid speed to satisfy hungry patrons or that the kitchen is in stress. Every dish was carefully crafted to perfection. The lightly smoked hen was spectacular and so was the other poultry dish, the Guinea fowl that has been injected with Chardonnay and allowed to age. The fried provolone was one of the most interesting, yet simple creations. Salmon tartare was fresh and bursting with flavors. All of this wrapped up with a bottle of Casa Madero Mexican blend, created for a meal to remember, to remember forever.
The people welcoming and serving the dishes were Carmelo and Jorge, who had an equal degree of passion as the head chef, putting happiness in what they do. Kind gentlemen who, by the end of dinner, felt a lot more like friends than servers at a restaurant. One of the highlights is certainly to grab a seat on the patio upstairs when the weather is not too hot and enjoy a dinner with the ringing of the church bells, the sound of the city and a background tune of 80s Italian classics. Romance is a carefully curated, delicately created emotion that is eminent to appear while enjoying this rooftop. read more
