Over the past few years, the coastal Mexican city of Tulum has become the vacation hot spot — even Dallas restauranteur Mike Karns and his wife Valerie have named it their favorite getaway.
So the coupled decided to bring the area's laidback, bohemian vibe to Dallas in the form of fresh fare and creative cocktails. Tulum recently opened in The Shops of Highland Park, and now in addition to dinner it's serving lunch from 11 am-3 pm, Monday through Friday.
Here's a glimpse at the Tulum experience:
1. Take a long lunch. You'll want to carve out some time to enjoy chef Nico Sanchez's especial lunch menu, which starts with roasted elote and guacamole and progresses to a taquito salad and then short rib enchiladas.
The cuisine isn't strictly Mexican, though — you'll also find tagliatelle, hand-cut Kennebec potato fries, and Caesar salad on the menu.
2. Escape to the bar. Whether you want to stretch a late lunch into the evening, or need a happy hour stat, Tulum's gorgeous bar is waiting. Framed by banana leaf-print wallpaper and crowned with ethereal white light fixtures, it's the perfect spot to go when you want to pretend you're on vacation.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-7 pm, and during it you can get select cocktails and wine for $7 and bottled beer for $5. The Galgo is a refreshing mix of vodka, grapefruit and lime juices, rosemary, and ginger beer, while the Spritz is Tulum's take on Aperol's most famous cocktail: Torrontés blend, Aperol, and a splash of soda water. Tequila also features heavily, with a house margarita and Ranch Water (silver tequila on the rocks with soda water).
3. Nibble the night away. Shareable plates are also $7 during happy hour, so you can try a variety of flavors without committing to one huge dish. Charred Spanish octopus served with achiote, bitter orange, al pastor pineapple, a red fresno salsa drizzle, and roasted jalapeños is one great starter, or beef tenderloin tartare made up of diced raw filet mignon with shallots, serrano, Maldon sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil served with yuca chips. Upon request, all menu items can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions.
Tulum is located at 4216 Oak Lawn Ave. For more information or to make a reservation, call 972-677-9747 or visit www.thetulumexperience.com.
Tulum is now serving lunch.
