Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
La Troza and the South Coast.
Labels: Lazy, sweet solitude.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Vallarta's Marina Area Part II
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!
Labels: From charred venison (Tikul) to great ceviche, the Marina has it all.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Marina Area of Vallarta is Growing Quickly!
The Marina is now full of yachts of all sizes from all destinations; there are shops, restaurants, salons, and tour outlets. I've had the opportunity to try pretty much all the eateries at one time or another and can make a few confident recommendations. The best Fajitas are at "Fajita Banana" and this little spot also has a great ambience. The best desserts are at "Once Upon A Bean," a Canadian owned coffee shop that features Naniamo bars, butter tarts, and freshly made cinnamon buns among other homemade treats. The best seafood pizza and pastas are found at "La Terraza" owned and operated by Esteban Gangoitti and a delicious breakfast can be found at "Las Palomas Doradas" owned by the Flammant family. On the other hand, beware of the restaurant "Las Palomas" which attempted to rip off a group of students I took out for breakfast by padding the bill, adding the tip without letting us know and to add insult to injury, a number of my students were sick the next day! I certainly won't be darkening their doorstep any time soon!
All in all, the Marina is a great place to gather for any meal, to take a stroll or to just sip a coffee or cocktail while you ponder life. Que sigue la buena vida!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Olas Altas/Los Muertos Beach
Labels: The View of Los Muertos Beach from Condos La Palapa.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Mexican Stair Master and Coco's Kitchen
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hiking in the Marina Area (9,223 steps or 4.36 miles)
Every morning during the holidays we have tried to get out and do our 10,000 steps. Sometimes we get downtown and include a little breakfast but most times we walk through Vallarta's Marina area. This walk includes skirting the golf course (where the crocodiles roam) and making our way to the beach.
Labels: Spring Break 2009