Denny K.
Yelp
On the recommendation of a friend, I set up a monthly "iDAT" (International Dine Around Town) for a group to which I belong. (Each month we visit a different ethnic restaurant based on the countries where we each have served as Peace Corps Volunteers).
Even though the restaurant does not take reservations, out of courtesy I called a few days ahead to let them know we'd have a large group attending. "No problem, we have plenty of room for your group," was their response. (The restaurant has seating for 64 patrons.)
Tikal Cocina Guatemalteca proved to be an international star... 5 stars to be exact. Nestled off the main road and at the end of a strip mall, adjacent to Home Depot, this beautifully clean and bright addition to the Nashville cuisine scene is decorated with colorfully painted walls and paintings of Guatemala.
Our group arrived in a very staggered fashion (work and Nashville traffic played a role). Yet Francisco, the manager, and his staff were very accommodating. They immediately brought warm, fresh, crispy tortilla chips and delicious not-too-spicy salsa. Throughout the meal they continually replenished the chips in our baskets. and during the entire service, they insisted that if we did not like something, they would bring something else. We did not send anything back!
We began with several appetizers. One was black bean and queso dip. When it was served, I did a double-take. It appeared to be simply a dish of anemic-looking white sauce. But wait! A dip or two later (with crispy tortilla chips) beneath this shimmering surface we discovered a delicious layer of smooth, slightly spicy, and muy sabroso frijoles negros (very savory black beans). What a wonderful combination! We also shared Chuchitos, a Guatemalan "pastelito," a corn husk wrapped blend of masa (corn flour and pieces of tender chicken)...Yes, it reminded several of us of tamales. Slightly sweet and fork tender.
We also tried Enchiladas Guatemaltecas. This was probably the biggest and most delightful surprise of the evening--a single tostada (tortilla) piled high with lettuce, ground meat, hard-boiled egg slide in half, salsa, cheese, and parsley. But wait! It was also topped with a mound of delicious diced beets that were todavia deliciosa!
We had several more familiar dishes that included Hilachas, a tomato-based beef stew jammed with tender shredded beef strands. And by jammed, I mean the bowl was absolutely filled with loads of beef as well as slices of potato, green beans, onions and carrots. It was served with slices of melt-in-your mouth avocado and a side of rice. Also on our table were traditional rolled tacos and Garnachas, (little 3-inch tortillas covered with ground beef, onion, tomatoes, cheese, cabbage and jalapeños.) By the way, none of the dishes were spicy, but all were nicely seasoned.
The food was filling, the service superb, the ambiance amiable (muy amable en español), the decor delightful, the prices very reasonable (less than $10 per person). What a great night and delightful culinary find.
Two notes of interest:
1) they do not have a liquor or beer license yet so you might want to BYOB
2) due to some technical issue, they will be changing their name to "Antigua" in the near future.
But regardless of the name, you really must try this new and delightfully delicious Antioch gem.