Discover the Mayan Flavors of Tulum in Jacksonville, Florida
FLORIDA, U.S.A. – The vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape of Northeast Florida welcomes a refreshing addition with the opening of Tulum Flavors of Mexico, nestled in the Exchange at eTown in southern Duval County. This newly inaugurated 4,620-square-foot dining destination, which began welcoming patrons on April 1 at 11025 eTown Parkway, Suite 206, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of Mayan cuisine, a heritage often overshadowed by the broader Mexican culinary umbrella.
Situated east of Florida 9B and Interstate 295, Tulum Flavors of Mexico brings the essence of the Yucatán Peninsula’s coastal town to Northeast Florida and redefines the Mexican dining experience in the region. With outdoor seating, including a covered patio, a bar top, and a roll-up window, the restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere and a visually pleasing setup, accommodating 150 guests inside and 76 on the patio. Conceptualized initially as Mr. Chuy Taqueria and Cantina, the establishment’s rebranding reflects a deeper dive into Tulum’s cultural and culinary depths.
Behind this venture are Jesus and Blanca Valencia, proprietors of the Añejo Cocina Mexicana and Salsas Mexican Restaurant JV Restaurant Group. Valencia’s decision to expand its culinary empire, which already includes seven Añejo Cocina Mexicana locations and six area Salsas Mexican Restaurants, is born from a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and a desire to fill a void it identified in the local market. Their journey, fueled by extensive travels through Mexico, led them to the realization that the distinctive flavors of Tulum were conspicuously absent in Northeast Florida.
As noted by Blanca Valencia, Tulum Flavors of Mexico represents a substantial investment exceeding $1 million in build-out and furnishings, alongside the creation of 35 new jobs from the outset. The restaurant aims to do more than serve food; it seeks to transport diners to Tulum, known for its picturesque walled Mayan ruins on the Caribbean coastline, approximately 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen. While grounded in traditional Mexican cuisine, the culinary offerings draw heavily on Mayan influences, featuring specialties such as barbecued pork, which is a testament to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The Valencias’ commitment to authenticity and differentiation is evident in their menu selection. The restaurant caters to a wide array of palates with prices ranging from $12 for lunch items to entrees priced between $18.50 and $33, including a market-priced tomahawk steak. The menu boasts an array of pork, lamb chops, chicken, and steak offerings, complemented by various ceviche and seafood options. The surprising popularity of the lamb dishes underscores the restaurant’s successful introduction of novel flavors to the local culinary scene.
The beverage selection at Tulum Flavors of Mexico deserves special mention. The full bar offers 11 unique margarita recipes and an extensive list of tequila and mezcal alongside Mexican and domestic beers. The restaurant’s innovative approach extends to its cocktails, many of which are staff creations showcasing top-shelf tequila and mescal. The diverse liquor selection, sourced from various distributors, satisfies patrons’ curiosity and elevates the dining experience by introducing them to rare and distinctive spirits.
Operating hours are designed to accommodate a variety of dining preferences, with the restaurant open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, extending to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and closing at 9 p.m. on Sunday. With plans to introduce a weekend brunch shortly, Tulum Flavors of Mexico aims to become a staple for locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of Mayan cuisine.
The Exchange at eTown, developed through a partnership between The PARC Group and Skinner Bros. Realty, is becoming a focal point for culinary innovation and cultural enrichment in the area. With the Valencias at the helm, Tulum Flavors of Mexico is not just a restaurant; it’s a cultural bridge, bringing Tulum’s vibrant flavors and rich history to Northeast Florida’s heart.
Tulum Flavors of Mexico is more than just a dining establishment; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its distinctive cuisine and ambiance offer a unique taste of the region’s Mayan heritage. This latest addition to Northeast Florida’s dining scene fills a gap in the market. It enriches the local cultural landscape and promises an authentic experience for all who enter.
