Vallarta's Marina Area Part II

AFTER I published my last blog on the Marina area, my friend Jenny wrote to say I had missed some important businesses and right she is!
An establishment that always gets a good crowd during the lunch hour is "8-Tosdadas." This is a friendly spot owned by the Macedo family and specializes in really fresh seafood "cazuelas" and tostadas loaded with ceviche, smoked marlin or shrimp among other possibilities. Wash it down with an icy cold beer and you are set for the day. The price is right, too.

If you are looking for a more formal dining experience with LIVE JAZZ music, then Tikul is an excellent option. Tikul is owned and operated by Alberto Perez of La Palapa fame and he has done some nice work at Tikul in terms of creating a really pleasant atmosphere. He has an eclectic menu with such delights as lobster risotto and charred venison and surely the only walk in wine fridge in the Marina. This is a perfect place for a romantic dinner a deux or a family celebration.

One of the newer members of the Marina is a spot I call "Baby Rizo's." The well know grocery family has opened a small version of their flagship store with an impressive variety of items. If you're looking for that elusive peanut oil, coconut milk or Panela cheese from El Tuito, then Baby Rizo's is your one stop shop. It's located on the east side of the boardwalk next to El Coleguita.

Well, I think that wraps up the best of the Marina's offerings and before I close, I have one sad piece of news to share. My friend and I passed by "Once Upon a Bean" this morning and noticed the doors are closed and all the installations have been ripped out. It's pretty clear they have shut down forever. It's a real loss for the Marina since they had fabulous service, great coffee and wonderful desserts. I wish them well wherever they went!