Mexico February 2010

[Jimontheriver]

Great trip report, but I think you need to change your title to " A girl from Indy eats Italian in Mexico". Just kidding, keep it coming and thanks. You do know your making me look bad, we have been back a month and I still don't have my TR done. I have been looking real hard at a trip to Puerto Escondido (I have read that for a small town they have lots of Italian places to eat.

[cmsitaly]

Originally Posted by Jimontheriver

Great trip report, but I think you need to change your title to " A girl from Indy eats Italian in Mexico". Just kidding, keep it coming and thanks. You do know your making me look bad, we have been back a month and I still don't have my TR done. I have been looking real hard at a trip to Puerto Escondido (I have read that for a small town they have lots of Italian places to eat.

Ha HA! Very clever I was trying to think of a clever name for my trip report, but you definitely have me beat on that aspect

I must admit, Josh took the computer with us this time to do some homework, so I made lots of notes along the way. Some of this TR I have had to just cut and paste the text. The pictures for me are the big pain in the arse this time!

WE did rotate pretty much Italian, Mexican, ceviche or seafood. The emphasis on the first of course!

Would love to see the Puerto Escondido report!

[angelhouston819]

Originally Posted by cmsitaly

The mushrooms came with it, it was really good. Not a very large portion, but I like that...just means I can fit more in later at a different restaurant. It was 120 pesos. But it's on 5th. It was better than Util's four cheese ravioli (that one had no mushrooms) but was also more $$ I think Util's four cheese gnocchi was 90 pesos. (Util has no real ambiance) Now I didn't have the gorgonzola sauce at Util. Honestly the cheese sauce at Util was just a tad grainy to me, but that is just me being picky. It had awesome flavor. I would have a hard time ordering anything but the lasagna when I went back to Util!

I guess I will need to do a summary of what I like where and compare at the end of this report. That might make it a little less confusing. I haven't even made it to Era Ora yet in this report! That's tomorrow


EDIT: I had the fours cheese GNOCCHI at Util, not ravioli. Guess i gotta go back!

i don't mind if it's a smaller portion and it's a little bit more pesos. looks like i'm gonna be eating a LOT this trip. i usually don't have much of an appetite after i get there..i think due to the humidity and i can never eat all of a portion anyhow. that's why i like to split with someone. however, i will be in a condo this time and can take leftovers with and reheat. a summary would be awesome....


A'

[WIHarold]

Thanks Chris....we did party hard. I had something called ruban rolls(picture contents of ruban sanwich in an egg roll form) with many blue moon beers. Also something called chocvine(sp?) a red wine combined with creamy chocolate from World Market.

Originally Posted by cmsitaly

Today is Harold's Birthday!! Happy Birthday to you Harold!

Hope last night was fun and you party like a rock star today! HUGS!!

Chris and Josh

[jrudq]

Chris - Thanks for the great report, I have really enjoyed reading it. Especially since we were there about the same time...
I had all good intentions of hitting the peep meet at Bad Boyz on Saturday, but my Playa pacing needs a tune up! I ran out of steam every evening! Nonetheless, it was fun reading about places I visited (but have not had time to do a trip report on or took such great photos of) while there, it takes me back!

[cpfstich]

Excellent Chris!!!

[roni]

Originally Posted by cmsitaly

Would love to see the Puerto Escondido report!

This:

Viva Veracruz - Musings from and about living in Mexico

and several blog posts before it are about the long vacation in and around Puerto Escondido of an expat living in Veracruz state.

[snappysammy]

pe is da bomb
if i ever did have to leave playa, it is at or near the top of my list

[shadowcat410]

Random comment:

I love Kim's jewelry.. the ring, the bracelets.

[cmsitaly]

Monday February 22, 2010

This is the day I will not drink…I am feeling rough…huh...HAH!!

Java Joes Bagel sandwiches to go for breakfast as we wait on the van filled with Kim Kenny, Jackie and Glen waiting to sweep us off to El Paraiso in Tulum!!


LOTS of cops along the way to Tulum. Lots of people pulled over due to the president being in town for the PGA tournament. Jackie also says Pres Obama is here. Cool! Maybe we will do a tequila shot with him later.
Beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, settle in relax. Such a beautiful place.






Took a walk down towards to ruins with Susie, Jackie and Glen and Susie showed us her treasure You will have to ask her




After a bit we walk down the beach to Mezzanine for a wonderful lunch




Had some 2 x 1 margs




Nice view!!





Wonderful food!! I had one of the specials of the menu: fish in a banana leaf. OMG, it was my first food “O” of the trip!



Doesn't look like much, but it was so flavorful. Lemongrass, chile, thai basil but delicate enough to still taste the very tender fresh fish. DELICIOUS!!! It came with three sauces that it didn't even need



The burger looked yummy that Susie and Glen ordered (fried egg and grilled pineapple)



Kim had the mushroom appetizer that was very good as well, and those are her raspberry mint margs-also very good!



Others had the fish and chips, but somehow I don't have a pic-sorry.


The gang




CHICAS!



Whatta beautiful lunch spot!


Back to the beach beds for a quick siesta and off to the jewelry store in Tulum to see Kim's Vincente.


I am excited about El Pollo Bronco, but due to the heat and just eating + 3 margaritas I am not hungry, so I just go smell. MMMMM! Will have to return someday.

Heading back to Playa but before then Susie tells us of this place that has the best coconut ice cream. She was right!





Hit the spot



Back in Playa it is getting dark, I mean storms coming…we shower and then big time showers outside. We wait till it chills and we head out to check out the menu at Era Ora. I also have been wanting to try Util pasta, so maybe we will go there. We are on our way down 12th and see Jan and Eric sitting at La Pummarolla and say hi real quick. They are with their niece and nephew who are leaving tomorrow. Chat a bit while it’s starts raining again….more chatting and then it stops...we dart down to Era Ora at the corner of 14th and 1st. Will wait till it's not raining to try Util as it is much further


We are greeted with a warm welcome and given perfect seat upstairs overlooking 1st avenue. We are the only ones upstairs at the time. very romantic and peaceful setting







We receive a bruschetta gratis and it is wonderful! Tasty indeed.








I order the Fettucine Bracaiola. Which is a homemade sausage, white wine cream and mushrooms with fresh tender fettuccine




Josh gets the papardelle Era Ora. A red wine, oregano, tomato sauce with bits of filet minon.





Both are excellent. 2 glassed of pinot grigio and a beer for Josh. Great setting.



It is caddy corner from Siete Detalis ceramics. By the time we got our drinks the place was full and only one server that we saw upstairs so after I ordered the second glass of wine we were pretty much forgotten for a while, they might need another server.
Both owners stopped by to see how everything was which was nice.

420 pesos before tip. Very reasonable. Off to bed early, we are crispy from our beautiful beach day

[Susie Q Roo]

Originally Posted by shadowcat410

Random comment:

I love Kim's jewelry.. the ring, the bracelets.

Click HERE to find out more about them!

[Uno]

Oh my GAWD that food looks good!

[cmsitaly]

Originally Posted by angelhouston819

i don't mind if it's a smaller portion and it's a little bit more pesos. looks like i'm gonna be eating a LOT this trip. i usually don't have much of an appetite after i get there..i think due to the humidity and i can never eat all of a portion anyhow. that's why i like to split with someone. however, i will be in a condo this time and can take leftovers with and reheat. a summary would be awesome....


A'

Sounds like a good plan! Yea, the heat cuts down the appetite a little, just gotta force it in sometimes

Originally Posted by WIHarold

Thanks Chris....we did party hard. I had something called ruban rolls(picture contents of ruban sanwich in an egg roll form) with many blue moon beers. Also something called chocvine(sp?) a red wine combined with creamy chocolate from World Market.

Sounds delish! Glad you had a good time!

Originally Posted by jrudq

Chris - Thanks for the great report, I have really enjoyed reading it. Especially since we were there about the same time...
I had all good intentions of hitting the peep meet at Bad Boyz on Saturday, but my Playa pacing needs a tune up! I ran out of steam every evening! Nonetheless, it was fun reading about places I visited (but have not had time to do a trip report on or took such great photos of) while there, it takes me back!

Glad you are enjoying the report. Next time try to hit up a peep meet. They really are a lot of fun and of course you will meet some great peeps-in person!!

Originally Posted by cpfstich

Excellent Chris!!!

Thank you!

Originally Posted by roni

This:

Viva Veracruz - Musings from and about living in Mexico

and several blog posts before it are about the long vacation in and around Puerto Escondido of an expat living in Veracruz state.

Looks great Roni, will check it out. Thanks

Originally Posted by UnoMasMezcal

Oh my GAWD that food looks good!

Oh my gawd it WAS good!!
Maybe next year if you can make it past 7 we can go to dinner!

[cmsitaly]

Tuesday February 23

Off to the get chairs on the beach and then some breakfast. I am feeling push carts, but Josh wants breakfast at El Bistro again…or he just wants a regular breakfast. I think he means American…well to compromise we end up going to Garden of Eating. We hadn’t tried it yet and we only have so many mornings left!





So we stroll over and are greeted by the owner Karen. She is very nice and tells us to sit anywhere we like.



It is a charming little garden area, that kind of reminds me of La Cueva del Chango









I think it’s my new La Cueva del Chango! We really enjoyed our experience there. It is a cute garden setting that you wouldn’t expect from seeing it from the street. We were sat toward the back of the garden on the main level by the fountain.



I had the vegetarian omelet (mushrooms, cheese, chaya and onions) it came with fresh fruit and home fries. The omelet was delicious!




The homemade red sauce that came on the omelet was excellent, and the home fries had good flavor, but weren’t crispy like Josh likes. I imagine it is hard to get them crispy down here, especially today…it is very humid. Also had a fresh squeezed OJ for only 10 pesos.


Josh had the breakfast burrito with cheese inside and bacon on top. Again came with home fries and a side of that yummy red sauce.




The bacon was a little flimsy, but the burrito was excellent

Altogether the bill was 95 pesos. So crazy how inexpensive it is to eat down here.




Here are some pic of the menu






Then off to the beach relax. We hang out under the palapa today we got plenty of sun yesterday at El Paraiso.

Walked the beach a little, saw Jan and her niece and nephew soaking up some last minute rays before they head home. Again, it is so nice to see people down here and get to chat with them! Jan says she will be bringing her newest addition Chuy to Luna Blue later! I have seen pictures and he is the cutest little puff ball ever-can’t wait to meet him

It is pretty hot today, no breeze really. Lunch time comes and I really want ceviche again from Cocktelria Veracruz, but with it being in town and the heat, we opt for La Tarraya since it is close and on the beach





Our view




They still have great prices for shrimp ceviche. We order guac and a couple of shots of Don while we are waiting.








Shrimp ceviche and guacamole





The shrimp ceviche is really good here, the guac is ok. It just seems to go together. I remember last time I had the Fish filet veracruz and it was very good as well and well priced, especially for on the beach.
Back to the chairs for some more relaxation and strolling on the beach. It cools off a little and I decide that wasn’t enough for lunch. Shall we stroll out Util pasta to do come comparison pasta eating?

OH YES LETS!!!!
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Hoofing it out there are we are roasting. So much for it cooling off a little. Now this place is on calle 30 and avenida 25. I recognize the owner from Stewart G’s pics. He is very nice and he helps us with the menu. You can pick your pasta and pick your sauce.





We order the lasagna and four cheese gnocchi or ravioli...I can't remember for sure.



The lasagna is awesome!! Better than the one we had at Antica the other night. One of the best lasagna's I have ever eaten, and at 80 pesos and good value too!






Four cheese ravioli




The ravioli is really good too, but the lasagna won for sure. I would absolutely recommend this place. The only thing is there is no ambiance. There are a few small tables inside, but it was about 15 degrees hotter in there, so we opt to sit outside. I guess they don’t get a lot of eat in, cause when we sat down the owner said "oh you eat here?" We said yes, and asked if it was. He said of course! But I could tell it wasn’t the norm. While we were waiting there were about 3 different people coming in to get to go orders and they delivered 2-3 different orders. So they do deliver which is nice. So I am guessing that is the bulk of their business. The owner, the server and the lady cooking our lunch all came by our table to see if everything was ok which is nice. Sometimes in Playa you get your food and that’s it for a while. So food and service get big marks, the only thing lacking here is the ambiance. So take that into mind, when you go get the lasagna!! Don't miss this place only because of that!


Oh, look they have pole dancing lessons!




Might be a good way to work off all this food!!

On the way back to the hotel we walked by a apartment complex and it had a tall concrete wall for security...Josh noticed some extra security on the top of the wall



Back to the get the stuff from the beach and it’s nap time once again.


WAIT!!



Not before we go buy some Don Julio for later. I think this is the first bottle of tequila I have bought in Mexico that wasn’t for someone else. I feel like I have crossed over or something.
Actually we did a lot of things differently this trip. Drinking tequila and beer, no HC Monterrey, no mojitos (yet), no caiprihina, and no happy hours…hmmm. It’s a great trip, just different

Nappy time…

Wake up and off to Luna Blue. Not before we have a little Don and then I decide we need to have a marg from Posada Freud. I have heard they are great and timing never worked out to have one. SO we stop in and meet Morrix the bartender. We order 2 and I gotta say they are the best margarita I have had in a long time. So smooth, no yucky mix. Just tequila, lime juice and controy. I savor mine. We talk to Morris a little, he is from Guadalajara, planned on being here a year, but 2 years later he is still here. He also DJ’s a little too and he plays some music for us. Laid back funky music with a nice beat. and I ask him if he would burn a CD for me. I give him some $$ and tell him we will come back tomorrow or the next day to pick it up.


Here he is





Jellyfish lamps on 5th.





We actually bought a beautiful one this trip!!







Off to Luna Blue. Like Kim said it was a peep-o-rama! More peeps in today so some new faces this trip…faces we haven’t seen in years! DavidB, Tammy and Shammy and we see Jez for the first time this trip too. So nice to see some old familiar faces


Snack time. Off to La Pumarola for more pizza! Remembering the tip Tina (kirbyfan’s wife) gave me the other day is to order it "well done"







It is yummy once again!




Can’t say the same thing for the margaritas…way to sweet. The server comes back over and asks about them and I say they are a little sweet, he said no problem, so he goes to fix it. I think he just added more lime, cause now they are too limey AND too sweet. I couldn’t even drink it all. But they look pretty




Back to the Luna Blue and more peeps have arrived. And Chuy comes in shortly after! He is so freaking cute I just want to squeeze him! Only he is a tiny little thing, he is definitely one of the cutest puppies I have ever met.




Got to play with Lenny again too. Dog party and a peep-o-rama!

JimmyMN is here too, so we chat it up a little with him and decide it is time for bed. That last tequila shot turned my tummy a little. He is off to Dirty Martini bar. I wanted to go, but tummy said go home. So we did…

[LucyE]

Chuy is so adorable!!!