Stretched out along the famous Paseo de Montejo avenue, are the mansions of the henequen millionaires from the time of the haciendas. These homes, now far too expensive to maintain and pay taxes on, have been rescued and repurposed and so now, these European-styled interiors, complete with Murano glass lamps and Austrian pianos have become banks, insurance companies and in the case of the unique construction known as El Minaret, a restaurant: Yerba Santa.

The arabesque minaret that sits atop the house gives the building its name and the view from the top should not be missed. Having one of the hostesses take you up will enable you to ask about what you are seeing below; she will also tell you a little of the history of the home.

The Casual Restaurant Critic was accompanied and invited by the always charming and much Better Half on this occasion to lunch at the relatively new restaurant Yerba Santa located in this luxurious home.

What a great lunch it was, combining delicious and beautifully-presented food with attentive and professional service, which made this an exceptional experience from the refreshingly veggie start to a decadent chocolatey finish.

What was had? The raw veggies with hummus and a creamy dip. The smoked salmon appetizer followed by the enormous Caesar salad (do NOT think you can order this and something else, it is truly enough for 2 or 3 people). The 30 some-odd ingredient mole and boneless duck were outstanding as was the crispy risotto salmon. This is worth going back for, to try more menu items and the Critic and Better Half are thinking about as this is being written!

Enjoy the photos and reserve today!https://yerbasantamerida.com

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