Mayan Fusion
A bold explosion of flavors
Step on in! Photo courtesy of Mayan Fusion
“Hey! Wanna join me for dinner tonight? I’ve been hearing really good things about Mayan Fusion’s outdoor seating area, and I want to go check it out,” I texted one of my good friends yesterday afternoon. Our lives had both been busily tending in different directions for a while, and it seemed like months since the last time I had talked with her, so I was ecstatic when she replied, “Yes! The hubs has agreed to watch the kids solo for the night so I can go. Hurrah!” I foresaw a doubly great night ahead of me – catch up and connect time with a close friend AND get out to explore good food time in the middle of the week (when a number of Mendocino restaurants are closed).
My expectations were not disappointed on either count.
Beautifully refreshing prickly pear sangria. Photo courtesy of Chaundel Shepherd
When we got to the restaurant, we asked if we could sit outside, and the hostess ushered us out back to the wonderful patio they had created out of what used to be their parking lot. A big top tent, wood-floored decking, and plenty of tower heaters defined a space made cheerfully cozy with an abundance of potted plants, brightly colored banners, and just the right amount whimsical touches. It felt homey, comfortable, and inviting. It was also well protected from the blustering wind that had been rocking the car not a minute earlier. Add in the upbeat, bustling waiter in charge of our table, and soon we were happily installed next to a blazing heater with refreshing prickly pear sangrias in hand and what promised to be some very tasty dishes on the way.
Oooo…. such tasty little shrimp!!!
First up, the Coconut Shrimp for an appetizer. Oh my. Those succulent little shrimpies came nestled on a sea of the most delectable coconut curry sauce, and we went right into heaven. Maybe we just have a delirious weakness for the creamy deliciousness of a beautifully smooth coconut curry… but we were so in love with the sauce that we even asked for some bread just so we could wipe up every last drop of that fantastically fragrant flavor.
Doesn’t this Mayan Bean Dip look delicious?
Next, we split the Mayan Bean Dip, which struck our fancy as a fun take on those seven layer dips that used to show up at all the family events and potlucks of our childhood. Except, as much as we do harbor a soft spot those good ol’ seven layer dips, this entrée was as much above those nostalgic potluck staples as the pizza at The Brickery is above pretty much any fast food pizza out there. Simple in concept, it was elevated by its artistic presentation and bold, rich seasoning. …we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave a single bean or grain of rice behind.
The custom ice cream that Cowlicks makes for Mayan Fusion is not to be missed!!! Photo courtesy of Chaundel Shepherd
Pretty full, we still had one more dish to tackle before we would allow ourselves to call it a day – the Mayan Chocolate Ice Cream, custom made for Mayan Fusion by Cowlicks Ice Cream just down the street. Oh, it was good! Rich chocolate ice cream with a luscious balance of cinnamon, a touch of cayenne, and little crispy almond bits that hid behind dark chocolate chunks swirled liberally throughout. Mmmm. Seriously. So good. We licked the last of the ice cream off our spoons and sat back thoroughly sated, our hearts as full as our tummies with this unexpected gift of time together. What a perfect evening this had been!
We love the inside of the main entrance. A leftover from the restaurant space’s time as The Restaurant in the 70s, the quirky door leading back out to the street reminds you just how much of a cozy haven from regular life this place can be.
Mayan Fusion is about a 20-minute drive north the inn, on Main Street in Fort Bragg. They are open for indoor and outdoor dining 7 days a week, noon-8:30. Make them a part of a full day up in Fort Bragg, or go for an earlier dinner and then make the short drive from there to Glass Beach for a lovely sunset stroll along the bluffs. With the days getting longer for summer, you could even enjoy Wine Hour at the inn (5:30-6:30), get in that gloriously golden evening coastal walk, then head to the restaurant for a later meal. Don’t let the drive to Fort Bragg deter you from trying this great spot!
And for all you cioppino lovers out there, Sarah recently rated Mayan Fusion’s as her favorite on the whole Mendocino coast… just sayin’!
Words & some pictures by Laura Hockett