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Food Purchases
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There are now at least five
large super market type stores with the turnstiles and carriages and some
smaller versions of these as well as many markets with their stalls each
featuring a variety of vegetables, fruit, meats, seafood, etc. Of the larger variety
two are on the South side of town - Super MAX on Insurgentes (you pass it
going to town from Casa ANITA) or Gutierrez RIZO, or just RIZO'S, (the most
favoured by both tourists and locals) two blocks further north and one west,
right next to the river on the south side. The biggies, MEGA Comerical and Gigante,
are on the way out to the airport on Avenida Las Palmas. The competitor
closer in town (near Villas Sonia) is La LEY, which translated means LAW.
Best bet for the in town crowd is LEY or RIZO's. By the way, CALLE means
street. Walmart and SAMS both have food as well and are located near the
Marina district. You need a
membership card for SAMS, which is like a Cosco. There is also a Commercial Mexicana near the airport. The biggest store anywhere is aptly called
GIGANTE and is out on the strip and if you are making a huge order perhaps
worth the cab rides there and back. For meat products, it's definitely the
best of them all. It's a SAFEWAY come K-MART. All these stores sell liquor as
well. Us old timers and frankly
most of the people living south of the Cuale river that divides the town,
prefer RIZO's. They'll have the horseradish or flavoured tea more likely than
any of the others. Try finding gingerale any other place but RIZO's for instance.
Close to CASA SONIA is a Mexican version of
a Seven Eleven (I could get sued for this but that is how a tenant described
it). It is one block down and to
the right, 1/2 a block on the right... they have cigarettes, eggs, bread,
pop, etc. La LEY is a large grocery store right down the hill on Panama
Street. You can find everything
there including fruit, veggies, meat etc. If you like pork ask for a LOMO DE
CERDO, it’s the best in the world. For BEER or "CERVEZA 'sair vay sa' as
they say in Spanish, it's easy, just order from us. We sell CORONA or
PACIFICO, which we sell at modest prices, relieving you of the burden of
carrying and paying for empties, which are twice the price of the liquid
inside. If you don’t like these
2 choices, then fill your boots at one of the depositos or supermarkets that
sell beer. If you’re into Negra
Modelo or Bohemia or something exotic then get ready to pay the hefty deposit
on the empties and pack it up the hill. The reason why they won't take the
empties back once you buy them is because they have made such a markup on the
glass that they don't want to refund them EVER! They will of course turn them
over. Just think you will never be able to leave town! Now you know how we
got into the beer business, with 700 empty bottles laying around..... Another option is to do your shopping in
several locations, like in Europe. The simple stores, just like in the
country, suffice. Several bakeries have sprung up but I'll let you use your
nose to find them. Shrimps are sold near Gutierrez RIZO's out of street
stall. This is the best and least expensive place to buy shrimp. They are
also offering some other seafood such as fish, scallops, crab and even smoked
Marlin or Sailfish, which is in this writers opinion better than smoked
salmon (and you can keep these.. for a while any way). Just up the street (Aquiles SERDAN) from
the Shrimp Ladies three blocks on the right hand side across from Richard
Burton's Park alongside of the river is DON CHUY'S who doesn't sell much to
eat but provides the necessary to make it go down well. He has a variety of
liquors that you might not find anywhere else and often has a few choices for
sampling. He has a good selection of wines both local and imported. The local
wines by the way are not bad at all nowadays. Try the Cabernet Sauvignon by
L.A. CETTO which is a good bottler also for whites. CHARDONAY, CHENIN BLANC,
Reislings and a very good FUME BLANC. In the reds try Petite SIRAH or
ZINFANDEL, all by L.A. CETTO. In a restaurant look for these and if they
don't have them, give them hell (they're my favorites) and threaten to leave.
We'll teach them to give up on the Calafia's and DOMEQ crap. Actually not to
be harsh on DOMEQ, they do make some very good wines but some zingers also.
Stay with L.A. CETTO, I've never had a wine of theirs that I didn't like. For dessert, try a chocolate “BESO” from
Pie in the Sky. They have an
outlet on the corner of Ignacio Vallarta and Aquiles Serdan. The reason becomes obvious with the
first bite. Use two hands, as the calories are heavy. Run up the stairs at
CASA ANITA so that it will cancel out.
You're on vacation, so splurge! If you don’t feel like cooking but would
like a nice meal at home, there are several restaurants that will
deliver. You can order anything from
a pizza to a 5 course dinner. If
you have a large group, we can also organize a catered meal for
everyone. Remember you're buying
those wines I mentioned at Don Chuys for under $100 pesos compared to $150 -
$300 in a restaurant plus 20% tax and likely a similar tip. Here you are with
the best view in town being catered and pampered in your own suite. Hint hint
guys, this is a double, double brownie point item. Talk to Sonia at the reception desk to make arrangements.
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I've been told for a couple
of years now that there are over 1000 restaurants in VALLARTA these days, so
by now it's probably true. Needless to say, there are too many to name even
all of the good ones, so we apologize to those omitted. Most don't have
line-ups and at only one do you need reservations. As if that was an
indication, (and it is), it is FELIPE'S. It's hard to find, except for a cab,
but worth it (including the hundred steps, which is more than the number up
to Anita 5 & 6 {only 99 steps}). Ask Sonia to make your reservation. It's
on a patio roof overlooking the city from behind with a pool and garden
setting. It's a dining experience like no other but the bill will reflect
this unique service once you dispense with the menu. I still recommend it but
beware if you’re on a back pack budget. On the "Malecon" or promenade, or
"the strip" there are many fine restaurants. CARLOS O'BRIAN'S has a
varied menu and large lineups after 10 p.m. but worth it. Carlos O’Brians is
for young people up to sixty. The nightly regime is going to Carlos O'Brian's
for watercress salad and submarines (a shot of tequila - glass and all -
floating in a glass of that good Mexican beer), then dancing till 5 a.m. at
the ZOO or HILO. (Capriccio's and the City Dump are no longer in business I'm
afraid to say to you old timers). On the river, try the RIVER CAFE for a
romantic atmosphere. Five star
dining is also found at El DORADO or FELIPES near Casa Anita. On the Malecon
try Viejo Vallarta right in front of the sea horse or La Dolce Vita for the
best pizza around. One block below Villa Sonia, there is La Casita
Restaurant, I co-oped on the construction of that street years ago to be able
to get vehicles up to Villas SONIA but I'm loathe to admit it, as it is an
illegal grade and there have been some accidents of stalled cars rolling over
as they slide back down. This of course adds to the excitement while dining,
but not the main reason to be here. The food is great even if the tables are
jammed together and the intimacy borders on being cramped. It's always full
so be ready to wait or reserve. You can watch and hear the automobiles 'try
the hill'. It's a maybe bet on the cars but a sure thing on the dining. The story has it that he is a break
away partner from Los Faisanes who of course was the chef at the Golf Club
and so on. This is his own with a partner and it is gourmet dining at gourmet
prices. Don't let the house and decor influence you, try it and expect to
pay, but worth it. Here 'comes' the neighbourhood. Interestingly enough is
that the owner of the Villa kitty corner from La CASITA is a Mrs. Barbara
TOPETE who is the retired owner/founder of Ocean Crest Resort & Dinner House, a famous resort on
the Washington Coast. She recommends her neighbours and that's a good
testimonial as Seattlites used to drive three hours to have their legs under
her table. The hill I'm talking about
is really Panama Street which has Casa BUNGEE at the top. The last block of
that steep hill was built exclusively by MEX-DEV and your money while the
steepest part (where La CASITA is) we paid 1/3 of the cost. Remind the owner
about that and maybe you'll get a digestif on the house. For those whose cab couldn't make it to LA
CASITA there is a modest restaurant on the next street called MUNDO MARINO
for seafood. This too is a good
restaurant who gain their clientele by paying off the cabs. A deplorable
element but what are those stranded "refugees" of the big Hotels
going to do? They escape in a cab from the PIZZA HUT or Salon dining in the
big hotel atmosphere looking for the "tipico" and the first person
they ask is the cabbie who of course takes them as far as he can and to where
he gets a payoff. Don't discount this one however as the food is great and
still not out of line. Order a BIG Margarita upon seating so that you won't
notice the usual twenty-five minute wait for meals to appear, which must be a
law in MEXICO. Don't complain,
drink instead, and don't worry, it’s always worth the wait. These days you won't notice the cabbie’s
increment either. By the time you read this hopefully this commissioning
practice will be abolished as it is pressuring and raising the menu prices,
you can bet on that. Many restaurateurs offer us commissions to
send them people but we decline saying offer an extra drink to the guest we
send and buy us one when we go, if you like. Also if someone wants a place to
stay, send them to us. The local English language newspaper carries an
article every day about this practice and it's working, the public is
responding. Another unique place famous for Steak Diane
and Caesar Salad is a small hotel called POSADA RIO CUALE (near Casa Anita).
In high season there are sometimes waits for a table so drop by earlier in
the day and reserve or phone. The restaurant is called LE GOURMET and it is.
They also boast 30 years and still the best and I wouldn't argue too much
with that. Also near Casa Anita is a myriad of budget eateries on Olas Altas
(down the hill), the parallel street to the "main" beach--Los
Muertos. The restaurant at LOS ARCOS HOTEL, now recently changed to fine
dining but sidewalk style, is called CAFE MAXIMILIAN and PAPAYA 3 are amongst
some of the places you will find on Olas Altas. There are at least a dozen more. One of the
best is maybe the night spot ANDALE's which is rivaling CARLOS O'BRIAN'S in
format and popularity. I've heard they make a mean hamburger. In any
restaurant try the bar-b-qued WHOLE red snapper, it's delicious. Get ready
however as the whole fish (minus the guts) is displayed on the plate and you
pick and filet it yourself cooked. A good thing about ANDALE's is that it is
open very late if your stomach is grumbling after a turn at the other bars.
If they are closed, it's the taco stands and the famous ones are near
Farmacia de Guadalajara on the corner of Insurgentes and Lazaro Cardenas.
MENDOZAS is the de-facto champion. It's like NATES to someone from Ottawa or
BEN's to a MONTREALER. In the middle of town is MEXICAN JOE . He's
moved at least five times that I know of. He's now just off the Malecon
behind and above a bank, the only one on that part of the strip between
Carlos O'Brian's and the Hard Rock Cafe. He used to be great and that he has
survived "dodging" his clients with a move every year is an apt
testimonial. Watch out if you sit on the balcony for the high tension wire
that passes dangerously close to the railing. FLASH – Mexican Joe has finally gone out of
business - likely for the last time. He re-gained the old property he
originally had bought from Carlos Flores who built it. He must have offered
to buy down his debt, something that is coming of age after the disastrous
devaluation of 1995 which saw many persons abandoning cars, properties etc.
similar to the S & L situation of the USA. Anyway he came back with blow
torch nachos (he had a cart with a propane bottle and a welders head on a
flex hose and used to scorch the nachos in front of you. Imagine what the
fire marshall would say about that back home. Anyway, he lasted the 1997
season and unfortunately has closed again. For the budget conscious or the
not-too-fond of Mexican cuisine types, try La Dolce Vita (good Italian food
washed down with cheap house wine), the HACHI SUSHI (interesting variations
of Japanese cuisine for a delightful change). For those who can't adjust and
are homesick already, there is DOMINO's and McDONALDS both downtown. DOMINO's
will deliver within 1/2 hour or it's free. The number is 223-1425. Le BISTRO has been getting rave reviews
from guests. They seem to redecorate every year and it gets better and better
each year. It’s in the river, yes in the river, accessed from the northbound
bridge into the island area in the river. The setting is great and the owners
are of a persuasion noted for talent in decorating. The food lives up to the
location and decor I should add. Sr. CHICO's has finally made it. His latest
creation is CHICO's INTERNATIONAL now fifteen years old and very popular. It
is on PULPITO 377 (left turn 1.2 way up the hill from the gas station across
from the new COLDWELL Banker realty building). Near the top is CHICO but if
you turn left near the top you'll end up at FELIPE's which offers chef
specials every night. Both offer a beautiful view of the town while dining.
Wear a sweater if you’re at the late sitting in the evening as the
'adiabatic' effect is very pronounced here towards 11:00 p.m. PEPE's and Le
BISTRO also endure this pleasant breeze so dress accordingly. I prefer FELIPE's as it has a garden
setting with the biggest mango tree you've ever seen. He has the best black
bean soup ever and the mango margarita is improvident. His steak, Felipe’s
Special, is done with interesting vegetables and is a favorite. Fresh fish
daily is on everyone’s menu but some can prepare it better than others. The
simple "filete de pescado al mojo de ajo", which means filet of
fish in garlic butter, is divine and all the better with this (third) greatest
view in Vallarta. There is a set of steps just outside of his door which lead
down to the barrier just across from the gas station at the bottom of the
hill going up to Casa Anita. If you check this out in the daytime you can
probably negotiate your way up and down. This is worth a free margarita as
there are many steps. Felipe is obliging in this department especially when
you present a coupon or mention that you come from CASA ANITA or Villas
SONIA. Felipe and I are godparents to different
children in the same family so we are "compadres politicos". The
restaurant is also his personal home and he, like CHICO, tried many
businesses which foundered or failed until they both ended up on this hill
with restaurants, A) because they are close and B) because they are very
good. I suggest that they make your "definite" list. On certain nights some hotels such as the
Krystal Vallarta Hotel (near the Aeropuerto) and the SHERATON have
"Noche Mexicana" and for a set price including cocktails, one can
sample the native dishes from all over the Republic. In addition, one can
enjoy a folkloric sequence of dancing, lasso spinning, and Mariachi music.
Well worth it, don't miss at least one. LA IGUANA FIESTA is the closest to
Casa Anita in the downtown area. They have their Mexican Fiesta every
Thursday and Sunday. We reserve and sell tickets to these "Noches
Mexicanas". This has become very popular and the prices range from about
$30 to $60 per person US and they are all worth it. The fare and
entertainment dictate the price differences. Factor in the transportation
cost as this is to be reckoned with as well. When six or more book with us,
we offer free one way transportation. Tickets have to be pre-bought through
us.
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BEST BRUNCH: Again
promotions come and go and also season dictates whether or not so and so are
offering. Most of the best restaurants such as BOGARTS, and many of the big
Hotels offer brunches. They all advertise in the local papers. The CAMINO
REAL, on the same road as CASA ANITA south at 4.8 kilometers (we’re at 0.5
exactly), used to have the best brunch you've maybe ever had. It was Sundays
only, starting at 12:00 with donkey polo, lots of fun to participate in, or
just watch, with a camera. It was held in their AZULEJOS BAR Restaurant next
to the beach and pool. Azulejos means tiles and the tables are metal with
tiled tops. Ask the desk and we'll tell you which one is hot at the time you
are there. These brunches run about the same as back home in price but it is
good value, especially if you are a big eater. Consider that for two hours
while you nibble continually a nine member group of Mariachis play delights
from Jalisco state by request and spontaneously. Considering that these groups get about
$200 US per hour it's a bargain meal. Don't eat in the morning and don't plan
on eating in the evening. FLASH I've tried the SHERATON BRUNCH and it's even
better than the CAMINO REAL ever was.... God has answered our prayers. It
starts at 09:30 and goes to 14:00 and the cost is only $195 pesos at last
count. Instead of the two margaritas, which was the deal at one point at the
Camino, the SHERATON offers UNLIMITED CHAMPAGNE as well as an even larger
spread of food while the mariachis play from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in a
garden setting with a view of the beach. This is one of the best deals
currently in Puerto Vallarta and is definitely a DON'T MISS. Check with us and we’ll be happy to
give you a ride out there if we are going that Sunday! At the CAMINO REAL they also have a fine
dining room which is called La PERLA and rivals any of the aforementioned
gourmet kitchens. They even have Nova Scotia lobster on the menu. The disco
La JUNGLA is OK also but more subdued than the ones in town. For the very best, TRIO should top your
list followed by FELIPE'S and BOGARTS. Peruse the menu the day before and if
you have a special request speak directly to Felipe himself and I'm sure he
will accommodate your whim. My claim to world-class status for Vallarta is
based on us having no less than eight elite resident chefs. One of the chefs
aboard one of the largest cruise ships in the world calls Puerto Vallarta
home. GABY's, behind the church is a small Mexican place with great value. I
define "value" as a balance between decor, atmosphere, good food,
service, and price. For a first night try El DORADO or REMEM BRANZAS, both excellent the
latter more pricey but both are value for money. Abadio Basso is owned by the
ex-food and beverage manager of the SHERATON who has departed for Chile for a
spell but his partner is carrying on the tradition of great meals with a
guitarist for background. TRIOS and Abadio Basso are top of the line
restaurants. I guarantee that if you go to any of these you'll return within
the trip. Another great value meal can be had at GABY's behind the downtown
Banks just north of the big Cathedral. Intimate and typical and incredibly
cheap. Also, in this great value line is LAS PALOMAS excellent food and decor
at good prices. Another good value one on cafe row is Cafe
de la OLLA. While we're still in old town on Lazaro CARDENAS street, kitty
corner from Super MAX on Insurgentes the main northbound street, which is
actually the continuation of the highway passing in front of CASA
ANITA/CORONA del MAR, on the second floor is a restaurant that is called
LORENZO's. It's named after a Torontonian who with what his wife left him in
a messy divorce he invested in this restaurant. He actually caters to the
Mexican crowd as many bus stations used to abound in this area and if a
tourist happens in they think they made a mistake on the bill as the food is
simple, good and inexpensive.
The second story balcony type seating almost assures you a view of either of
the busy streets for people watching. Of the Taco trailers I mentioned
earlier, MENDOZAS is across the street from the entrance. Now to the main street for eateries in
Vallarta CAFE ROW or Calles de los Cafes in Spanish is really BASILIO BADILLO
and is the first cobblestoned street you encounter as you descend the highway
towards town from CASA ANITA/CORONA del MAR. This is where the cabbies bring
the tourist tank crowds so it's always busy but it really is the centre of
culinary delights. Don't think that because the cabbies bring the people here
that everything is a ripoff - heck no, the reason is because, yes some
restaurants pay off, but Basilio Badillo is also the demark for another zone
of the cab tariff. This street alone would satisfy your culinary outings in a
two week’s stay easily. If you're looking for Pizza Joes which has
interestingly enough changed names. Same owner but it's not a Pizza
restaurant at all anymore, it's an art gallery featuring very nice bronzes. The FRANKFURT is just what you guessed and
offers a great weiner schnitzel. It's large and delicious and it's in an
inner courtyard with plastic chairs on grass. Welcome to Vallarta and the
"neat places". The other restaurant connected to Posada Roger is
called El TUCAN and the breakfasts here are apparently the best in town.
Their rival for the prize, also on this same street, is the Pancake House.
Both are great but the owner at Pancake house suffers from PMS I'm told. Los
PIBES which is also on this street is an Argentinian Steak House (imported
beef) and famous for rack of lamb which is hard to get in Mexico. At the bottom of Basilio Badillo that is
one block from the ocean is Cafe de OLLA. Beside that one is “180” run by a
couple of Canadian girls. They
have a pool party with a live band on certain days. Some of the restaurants close for the summer. Sometimes
this doesn't mean what you think as many close for renovations. That allows
them to layoff employees whereas if you close for the season, you have to
carry them I'm told. Cafe de la OLLA closes on Tuesdays only. It is like a
cafe on the left bank of Paris. It's a meeting place for the locals, a carry
over from when the restaurants weren't cheap to the dollar based tourists or
residents. This restaurant is like Larry's or Lorenzos which I mentioned
earlier. The trouble is that this one has been discovered and is always busy.
This is where you might find Mexicans dining in the evening. They have their
big meal of the day at lunchtime or more aptly at 14:00 to 16:00 hrs. Make sure you take cash because Café
de Olla doesn’t accept credit cards.
This allows them to keep the prices reasonable. At the other end of this famous street is
Mister PEPE's which we mentioned earlier, but way up on a spur just before
the tunnel. Just down from him is a religious colleague of PEPE, the owner of
Las CAZUELAS, an old timer to the business, the street and a typical Vallarta
restaurant for 30 years. Basilio Badillo, or Cafe Row as it's called, is not
only the culinary center part, it is now a busy thoroughfare as it is the one
way northbound bypass road of downtown Vallarta. There are countless other
restaurants on this street such as MIGUELITOS, EL ASADERO, BILL’s BAR and
GRILL, ADOBE CAFE also very nice decor and great food and so on. If you are a vegetarian or just a wise
eater, you won't want to miss HEALTHY's located on 'Health corner' one block
inland from CARLOS O'BRIAN'S. I say 'Health corner' because besides the small
restaurant specializing in 100% natural fresh ingredients, you'll find a
health store and a clinic practicing natural remedies. Half of Health's menu
is devoted to 'health drinks and shakes. They serve everything from omelets
to soya burgers including Mexican dishes and light pastas. Most people make their own breakfasts if
nothing else at home and that's why we have good quality coffee makers. Some
of the higher end suites even have grinders for whole coffee beans. Rizo
sells coffee both ground for you at purchase and in the bean state. They only
have two choices Americano and Moka. Forget the Americano. The Moka is very
good. There is a great pastry shop called MUNGIA's. They are on
JUAREZ itself and they have everything from croissants to donuts and decadent
chocolate cakes. The bolillos or miniature French breads fresh with this
coffee will make a memorable breakfast. The only thing missing now are 1)
eggs from barnyard chickens therefore orange yolks not the chemical look
you're used to at home. and 2) some of Abraham’s famous orange juice. He’s just off of OLAS ALTAS on Rodolfo Gomez St. If you walk to these places and back
to either CASA ANITA or Villas SONIA this whole exercise will have taken you
about 45 minutes to an hour but it's worth the effort. Nevertheless, if you don't want to cook
breakfast but want to do something special try El TUCAN or the Pancake House.
They are a five minute walk from Casa ANITA. The Pancake House is open daily
until noon. El TUCAN offers a varied menu throughout the day. Both feature
eggs benedict and American style breakfasts including waffles. Some of the
beach restaurants serve breakfast and it's a totally different atmosphere at
this time of day. The romantic breakfast and a MEX-DEV best kept secret is
the 'bottom of EL SET' restaurant that opens at 08:00. It's at the bottom of
EASY street near the CAMINO REAL and is part of the EL SET restaurant. With
the sea birds scavenging their daily meal and the sun creeping nearer shore
as it comes over the mountains the freshness is overwhelming. This place is special and if you're hungry
try the BEACH BOY Breakfast. Don't be surprised to not see many Mexicans in
these restaurants as none are 'cheap cheap' anymore (the price of being a
World Class resort). The devaluations are neat for the tourists but the
locals find it beyond their means. Mind you, where else is it cheap these
days? Some of the Mexicans can't afford it and if
you too are similarly disposed, then get up early and "do the
market" at one end of the northbound bridge over the Cuale where all the
Mexicans hustle and bustle about. The best choices go quickly, so beware.
This market is known as the Municipal Market but it changed from that to more
of a souvenir arcade than a real market. Another, better for food, market is six
blocks east of Insurgentes, off Lazero Cardenas again. Turn right at the
large FARMACIA GUADALAJARA and go east six blocks or so until you run into
it. This is where most of the restaurateurs and homemakers from this part of
town shop for the daily offerings. If you eat out every night, the kitchen
and refrigerator will only constitute approximately a $15 dollar a day
saving; what with ice and cold beer and drinks consumed at home, as opposed
to those consumed in bars and restaurants. If however you take real advantage of the
full kitchens in every MEX-DEV unit a substantially greater saving can be
realized. Think of that along with the "best airfare and
accommodation" when booking a holiday. The spending, or bleeding, starts
when you hit the airport. A kitchen gives you control. Think of it as a
tourniquet. Listen up you Canadians with your Canadian Pesos if you use your
head and our facilities, you can live like a king at native prices. FLASH: In the "hot" section of
restaurants to try consider the Greek restaurant across from the entrance to
the new (named) Hotel San Marino something or other which used to be the ORO
VERDE and before that the DELFIN. Forget the hotel but consider the
restaurant across the street. Some of the beach places have staked out a
niche for being night restaurants. La Palapa is the leader in this and the
decor and background music to lure people back to the beach at night is
working. Another great restaurant which is hard to find and a sleeper with a
funny entrance (don't give up) is near the electrical commission on Peru, I
believe on a corner. It's called Mi RUEDA and means "My Wheel" They
have the brain chillers in three sizes. Watch out for the 'grandes'. Tell
Miguel that Sonia from Casa Anita sent you and you’ll get extra special
service! This class of information becomes dated
quickly so make sure to check with Annette, Guillermo (Bill) or SONIA about
the latest in places. Many times we can suggest what menu items to order at
each place! To help you even more in this effort we have assembled in a
loose-leaf binder, all the menus of the mentioned restaurants and some
others, which is located on the pool deck in front of the reception
desk. On the "bar
cart" near the steps, we also have all the coupons offered by the tour
operators and restaurants. Many
of these coupons will offer a free drink with your meal or a discount. Feel
free to peruse these menus and ask questions of us or other guests. Indeed
when you've enjoyed something or the contrary let us know or better still
make a note in the menu itself. You can put 'yum yum' or 'aaauck' or whatever
you want. They will have more and more meaning as things progress. Share with us and your fellow guests both
your good and bad experiences. We want to know so as to pass the info along.
Some one once said to me that this guide and the information we dispense
freely both at the briefings and in the course of day to day conversations
with guests is really 20% of our product or service. I think that's a fine
compliment. If you share your experiences with us we'll share them with your
successors and by the time you get back .... well... Miscellaneous information: (from my 17 (now 26) year old daughter SONIA) So you ask, what about the nightlife?
Incredible!!! Carlos O'Brian's is the hot spot for everyone. After 11 p.m. it
turns into a wild party house, go check it out, you won't be disappointed!
After a few drinks there, ZOO BAR is the place to go. The ROXY and Senor
Frogs also have live music and El TORITO is a sports bar with great ribs and chicken.
Most clubs open at 11p.m. and close at 6a.m., but I wouldn't recommend going
to the dance clubs before 1a.m., you'll just be bored because everyone else
will be at Carlos O'Brian's or the famous Hard Rock Cafe (unfortunately I
didn't think it lived up to it's name). So there you are...have fun! Summary: There is an expression in Spanish that
goes: - MI CASA es SU CASA which is a greeting of welcome into one's home and
it (and WE) mean literally, "MY HOUSE IS YOUR HOUSE". If we tell you anymore it won't be fun
anymore so let's preserve the fun. Just remember that your experience will be
memorable, the good with the bad, and after all a vacation is really to
change one’s ways temporarily, so as to re-assume the daily routine more
readily. MEXICO will certainly stimulate you ......of that I'm sure...what is
not clear is whether some of the inconveniences, such as the language barrier
or noise or dust, money change, or whatever which might irk you somewhat,
will be viewed as a nuisance or as a quaint or charming change. In a
word...attitude...your disposition towards MEXICO is your nemesis. Why is it
that some people love Mexico, while others hate it? Well, that's not easy to
answer, but it tells you a whole lot about the persons themselves.....I sure
hope that you love MEXICO because if you do....that love, will be returned. BUENAS VACACIONES! from your hosts ANITA, SONIA & GUILLERMO SEMEYN
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