Photo courtesy of Bon Appetite
People are calling chef Eric Werner and his partner Mya the Dream Team, others are calling Hartwood Restaurant a dream. Either way, Hartwood is creating waves in Tulum and drawing foodies to the area, luring them with just a wood oven, caste iron pans, a great chef and creative cooking with local ingredients.
Hartwood Restaurant has made a big splash for Tulum
The plan was to build a lifestyle and honor a passion. The result is a little dream kitchen on the beach road in Tulum that is drawing international attention to this chefs art; 3 hours per night of high quality cooking with local ingredients in a simple, rustic kitchen that delivers complex yet simple flavors.
Think Habernero Pineapple Margarita, mushroom tart, grilled grouper, beet salad, Mayan chocolate pudding with spices and cinnamon. Sugar cane, chiles, tomatoes, chayote, big slabs of meat, fresh fish and sea creatures. Rustic it is, lacking in creativity it is not.
Eric has a very clear philosophy, buy local, cook well, have fun and at the end of the night, have a beer. He is staying true to his desire to build a lifestyle and fuel his passion, in Tulum, Mexico.
New York Roots, Tulum Passion
It took Eric and Mya one year to realize their dream. One December they made a pact, to move to Tulum, pack up the New York lifestyle and open a restaurant. 12 months later it was done, 4 months later his cooking is a hit! But his success is not changing his business and life plan. The restaurant is open from 6 pm to 9 pm Wednesday to Sunday, no reservations except for large parties and cash only. Done. Everything is cooked in a wood oven or on the grill and journalists are flocking to his jungle kitchen.
What to expect at Hartwood
A good time with friends, an interesting atmosphere, friendly chatter and story swapping. Eric has given a new meaning to the term ‘breaking bread together’ with his simple meals and strong flavors. The restaurant is outdoors, candle lit and busy. The prices reflect the quality of the ingredients and it is cash only, so bring your pesos not your credit card. Phone lines are hard to get on the beach in Tulum so credit cards will have to wait.
What people are saying about Hartwood in Tulum
“You’ll find the beach restaurant of your dreams on an overgrown road in Tulum. It may lack walls, stoves, and a reservationist, but the fish is impeccably fresh and the open-fire cooking smart and soulful” Bon Appetit Magazine
“An excellent restaurant with the quality of a prime restaurant at any capital of the world but with the feeling of being at the chef’s own house. Excellent service and great staff’s attention.” Tripadvisor Review
“Visited Hartwood two weeks ago and had an awesome dinner! The owners, Mya & Eric have developed the most unique dining experience in Mexico. Hartwood is on the top of our places to visit during our next stay!” Client review
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[...] with a trip to the organic market in Posada Frida. If we feel like staying longer it is dinner at Hartwood or Hechizo both on the Tulum beach road and a favorite of [...]