Tacos de camarón

[JAH]

Hmmm. I'm not much of an expert here, so I'm going to need a lot of help. We have often eaten them at La Floresta on Hwy 307, but I have recently heard that the Oasis a bit further noth on the same side of the highway is actually a better choice. So, next week it is on the list of new places to try. I'll let you know my opinion then.

In the meantime, how about others relating where their favorite shrimp tacos can be found in PDC? Try to be specific about the ingredients. And are the tortillas made in house, or do they come from a tortillería? The more details, the better!

As an aside -- it is good to be aware that all shrimp that is served and sold in PDC is imported from the Gulf of Mexico side of the Yucatán peninsula. They don't thrive in those beautiful turquoise waters of el Caribe.

[james]

Yeah, we've certainly seen more and more places offering shrimp tacos, which is a good thing.

Tacos de camarones capeados, for those trying to learn a little Spanish.

Good point on the origin of those tasty buggers. Luckily the gulf is mighty close by.

[mindz]

I think El Oasis would be preferred by anyone turned off by peeling paint, dirty walls, etc. It seems newer, and is certainly tidier, and we were warmly welcomed. The tortillas were fresher--at least on the day we were there--and the shrimp smaller, but more numerous, than at La Floresta. Lots of cilantro in the salsa made it my husband's favorite.

[JAH]

Thanks, Mindy. I look forward to trying it out next week.

[jimbo]

Oh yes, tasty little crustaceans rolled into homemade tortillas. Are other crustaceans (or other seafood) served taco-style (or in other styles), in a most delicous way, anywhere in town?

I'm thinking that around Playa there must be a variety of places selling a variety of seafood in tasty little packages.

[james]

If you are heading south on a daytrip, and need your taco de camaron fix, stop off at the Pemex at the entrance of Puerto Aventuras. There's a guy there selling tacos de mariscos capeados for 10 pesos each. I've not tried them (still fixing the clutch on the Honda...) but my pal Benja swears by them. He says that he spends his last ten minutes of every cave dive in the area thinking about his post dive snack. Very clean, prepared with fresh fish (dorado, wahoo, ... ) brought in by the sport fisherman boats in the marina.

[jimbo]

How about more ideas on places to eat well, away from tourist land? Thanks.

[JAH]

Hi jimbo,

As this forum develops, that will happen, I'm sure. In the mean time please read all the posts that are already here. In addition may I suggest a search of the General Forum. In the past year numerous posts have been made there about favorite changarros (typically Mexican, non-touristy type places to eat) in Playa. Enjoy!

[petersmith]

try Mr. Calin on juarez a few blocks before the gas station, on the same side (right side). although it is small they have a great variety of seafood tacos, they usually have 5 or 6 different plates of taco fixings (octopus ceviche or in its ink, shrimp breaded or not, shark, crab, etc.) you can pick and choose between the different types. they also have coctails and ceviches. and don't forget that local favorite El Tigre where I have always found the freshest and best conch ceviche in town, it is advisable to go early before they run out of the complimentary fried fish that comes with assorted tapas all for the price of 1 beer!

[james]

That's the one I couldn't remember. Calin.

I haven't been to El Tigre since they remodeled. I think I'm due...

[james]

We went to Oasis yesterday, mentioned above by JAH. It's across from the Superior Beer distributor on the highway. It's basically Nouveau La Floresta. They have a few more things on the menu and I would have to score them a bit higher on the style scale. The habanero salsa (in the clear squeeze dispensers they keep in the fridge) kicked my ass hard. I had to go salsa-free on my last taco to cool down.

The cheladas de Victoria helped a bit.

[JimmyMN]

We made the grand pilgrimage to the Oasis multiple times during this last trip. We noticed that most orders coming out of the kitchen contained tacos camarones (shrimp), followed by the seafood soup. We tried the marlin tacos out of curiosity, but once was enough. We always had the same waiter and were amazed at his swift pace... a little unusual in Mexico.

Anyway, I'm including a Superior view from the Oasis and a glimpse of my favorite shrimp tacos in Playa del Carmen:

http://www.buck-a-meg.com/jimmymn/image.asp?ImageID=132
http://www.buck-a-meg.com/jimmymn/image.asp?ImageID=133

Jimmy in Minnesota

[dougie46]

Jimmy,
Once was enough...Was that good or bad???? Oh, and all I can say about those tacos is...Oh WOW....Editing again...Jimmy, what was that little feast worth?

[JimmyMN]

After eating those fantastic shrimp tacos at the Oasis, the marlin ones simply had zero appeal. I think we were paying about 10 pesos per taco. One block further south is La Floresta, another of the outstanding shrimp taco eateries. I suggest you try that one too and compare. We'll be waiting for your report...

Jimmy in Minnesota

[Dale]

OK JimmyMN, I'll play stupid, which isn't all that difficult sometimes. What all is on a Shrimp Taco and how are the shrimp prepared? Ya know we likes our shrumps down here in Charleston.

Those tacos look great......minus the raw onions .