The Casual Restaurant Critic
You might agree or disagree with my opinions, but that's life, isn't it? And no, I get no commissions or kickbacks from any of the places favorably reviewed; I sure as hell don't get anything from the places I complain about either! - I do this entirely for my own amusement and your information. 
Italiano yet again, this time the Critic visits Contenti's
 Contenti's is Merida's yuppie Italian hangout, located next to that classic of American Cuisine, TGI Friday's, on the Paseo de Montejo (Prolongacion) near the Honda and soon-to-be-opened BMW/LandRover dealerships and Sam's Club. In other words, this is the other Merida, quite different from the one downtown where the people are browner, the streets more congested, the cars and trucks are a little more battered up and ambience more 'typical'. This is the Merida U.S.A. part of town.
In spite of all this criticism, Contenti's is not really all that bad. You can get a decent pasta, some good italian main courses and interesting, tasty appetizers. The Carlo Rossi house wine, while it ain't a Merlot, sure beats the usual Mexican Calafia or Domecq house red. What the place lacks in food quality (and, I repeat it isn't bad, it's just that Pizzeria Bologna and DueTorri are far superior) it makes up in the decoration both within the restaurant and on your table. Check out the multi-coloured but matching chairs, the beautiful plates, cups and bowls, and the huge chandelier hanging over the entranceway. Service is quite adequate and the air conditioning is COLD! It's a relief, especially at this mid-september high-humidity and stifling heat time of the year. When you're going for lunch at 1:00 in the afternoon, the quality of the air-conditioning in the restaurant you're going to choose becomes an important factor, right up there with food quality and service. At the moment, devaluaciones and ever-recurrent crises notwithstanding, lunch for two with a couple glasses of wine, a beer or two, an appie and a pair of pasta dishes (I liked the spaghetti al pesto, although it was kind of heavy on the oil and albahaca (basil)) will set you back about 350 pesos. Current exchange rate is $10 Mex to $1 USD.


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