Oliva Enoteca

6 blocks and 13 stops later, Merida’s culinary corridor was the place to eat and drink during my recent culinary tour. It’s the ultimate food lover’s paradise, located on Calle 47; a street that was renovated in 2023 to accommodate some of the best restaurants in the city, all within blocks of each other. My plan was to move into the only place with the Virgin of Guadalupe outside that’s located in the middle of the corridor and live happily ever after eating. I’ll admit, I came pretty darn close to achieving that goal when I was there. Oliva Enoteca, the first restaurant in the project, became my favorite restaurant in Merida after going there and eating seven times. Before I knew any of its history or took my first bite, I decided that was the place where granddaughter Olivia and I would celebrate our November birthdays; even though, this trip, she wasn’t along for the ride. I’ll admit, it was all in the name although somewhere in the translation, they lost a letter but believe me, nothing else was lost in this picture perfect kitchen. From the food, service, staff and ambiance – all 5 star – and the Ossobuco with Risotto to the specialty pastas and salads, the fabulous Queso Fundido and the desserts, we tried and loved almost everything on their menu and we even found our favorite dessert OF ALL TIMES in this Tortino of dark chocolate. It was the first dessert I ate seven times without ever looking at the pastry menu again and minutes after I ate it, I was on the phone with SMA’s best Italian chef, Laura Buccheri, asking a million questions about the Tortino that stole my heart. I also loved my Thansgiving dinner that the chef made for me the day after the holiday and the Mac and Cheese with fresh black truffle that I could smell across the room as it was being delivered. It was truly a divine experience. Olivia and I will be celebrating our birthday together every year; even if we’re not together. Thanks to the staff for making not one, two, three, four, five or six but seven memorable Merida feasts. And don’t miss Oliva Pizzeria around the corner. Yes, life is pretty delicious as you age, especially when you’re eating for TWO at Oliva Enoteca. Oliva Enoteca Calle 47 at Esquina con 54 S/N, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc. Phone: 999 923 3081 Hours: Monday - Wednesday 1PM - 11 PM; Thursday - Saturday 1PM - 12AM; Sunday 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM Chef: Stefano Marcelletti

JOLEISA Bakery

JOLEISA bakery has earned lots of praise in the last 3 weeks for these New York style cookies baked by Leticia Oldoni, a new, first time mom with a remarkable passion for baking. With these cookies in high demand, Leticia Oldoni has become the most popular baker in town.

The cookies are the size of your fist but we had no problem eating an entire cookie in a single sitting without any milk. They’re even better if you can get them home first and pair them with your favorite cold pour but sometimes, the best laid plans don’t work, especially when it comes to sweets. The cookies come in many flavors – Chocolate Chip, Nutella with nutella inside, Triple Chocolate (our favorite), Macadamia Nuts with White Chocolate, Pistachio with pistachio cream inside and traditional Brownies with pecans. Leticia also has a Red Velvet cookie with cream cheese frosting inside that already has a big fan base that can’t get enough of its incredible taste. Her seasonal flavors for Christmas are Red velvet brownies and Chocolate spice cookies; available starting this afternoon through the holiday season. You can also special order Cheesecakes and Cinnamon Rolls.

Leticia May run out of your favorite flavor so get there when they open. You’ll find all her treats inside the majestic blue doorway at Stirling Dickinson 9A. An added surprise: what’s being built next door; a gift that will be unwrapped on Christmas! JOLEISA Stirling Dickinson 9A Open: Thursday – Tuesday/Closed Wednesday Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Phone: (55) 67764419 Baker: Leticia Oldoni