After being shocked by the prices at Banyan Tree we headed out on our
second night to town to a place well known for it's chef. JOHN GREY's
PLACE now has four locations in the Yucatan and the ex-Ritz Carlton
chef has created a mini-Mexican empire. This Playa del Carmen spot is
nothing to mention visually, and it was very crowded and very noisy,
making for a less enjoyable evening overall.
The wine list is small, but we found some for under $50 that were
quite good starting with a Lagar de Cervera ALBARINO from Spain that
was sour apples and gooseberries all over, but needed a bit more
chilling. We felt rushed as the food came fast and with no breaks; we
knew they just wanted to turn around the table so more diners could be
fed.
While Will's STEAK TARTARE starter was yummy, it was the slightly
mustardy traditional French fare with zero points for presentation as
it looked like a pile of dog food in the bowl! My ESCARGOTS in
PORTOBELLO & RED WINE SAUCE were divine and tasty as well.
The main courses were varied and Will had the GRILLED SWORDFISH with
HERB BUTTER that was only okay; just nothing novel really. The sides
of GRILLED ASPARAGUS with Coarse Salt & Balsamic and the CRISPY
POTATOES were excellent. My Fresh Local CORONADO (known at homeas
Amberjack Fish) was cooked in a yummy Black Olive Butter and served
with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach. Again, about a 2 (out of 10)
for presentation, but the fish was firm and tasty and overall. I loved
it.
Will ordered the MOCHA CREME BRULEE which I tasted and it was nice,
but we left feeling that John Gray is no longer a food destination.
