Tag Archives: mexican food

Mexican Food – A Unique and Tasty Experience

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Finding someone – anyone, who doesn’t like Mexican food is a rather difficult task. One of Mexico’s biggest contributions to the world is its culinary delights! Everyone in North America knows how delicious Mexican food is. Can you think of very many places that you have visited where you can’t get Mexican food? And we are not talking Taco Bell. Mexican food isn’t just tacos, burritos and tamales. It also includes fully prepared dishes that use fresh fish, pork and chicken as the main ingredient/course.

“Tastes great and is good for you!”

Mexico is noted on CNN’s Top 10 World-Best-Food list. CNN Travel boast that they “Celebrate the best cultural foods and lambaste the others”. Mexico’s unique cuisine is not only tasty, but quite healthy as well. By using such ingredients as peppers, avocados, limes and plenty of beans provide you with an abundance of antioxidants, proteins and other nourishing vitamins and minerals. It “Tastes great and is good for you!” What more do you need?

Anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to try ‘real’ authentic Mexican dishes are missing out. You won’t get them from corporate chains or fast food joints. You need to search out places that are not so popular or not-so fancy looking buildings. Although, the best option is to visit Mexico itself. Mexican families who own or operate restaurants are the ones who usually prepare the most unique and authentic Mexican food.

Delicious dishes some people haven’t tried

CNN Travel site rated Tacos – soft shell, and Fajitas – mixed meats, being among India’s Masala Dosa (crepes), the UK’s Fish & Chips and Pecking Duck from China as some of the best foods in the world. However, Mexico has many prepared foods that most people have never tried let alone heard of. Such dishes as:

  • Chilaquiles – a breakfast dish that consist of fried corn tortillas, chili peppers, eggs and chicken served with a cheese and sour cream topping.
  • Pozole is a soup that is served with a broth that has chicken, hominy and plenty of herbs and spices. It is topped with radishes, onion, lime and chili.
  • Chile en Nogada is one of Mexico’s most patriotic dishes that displays the colors of Mexico’s flag. It is a Poblano pepper stuffed with a variety of ingredients that is well known to the region.
  • Enchiladas are one of the favorite dishes for visitors to Mexico. They are corn tortillas stuffed with your choice of meats, beans, rice and vegetables top with a green or red sauce and cheese.
  • Mole (pronounced Mol-eh’), is a sauce that is made up of approximately 20 ingredients that include Mole Poblano chili. It is a deep brown in color and is poured over a variety of prepared foods.

The above are only a few popular dishes that are “Must try” cuisines. The more common Mexican foods we are familiar with are tamales, tostados and guacamole. Mexico uses all the food groups to create their delicious dishes. In addition, poultry, pork and seafood seem to be the most popular choices.

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Some history about Mexican food

Mexico’s world renowned cookeries started out over 7,000 years ago. Several Mesoamerican communities – tribes such as the Mayans, Olmec, Huastec, Zapotec and Purepecha to mention a few – are responsible for these now favorite cuisines. The Aztec Empire brought all these multi-ethnic societies together along with their culinary creations. Even though wheat and rice where introduced to Mexico’s culture, corn and chili peppers stayed as the main ingredients.

Enjoying authentic Mexican food either abroad or in your home town, its a unique and tasty experience. Every cuisine has a complimentary cordial that accents the experience. Mexico also has several adult beverages that are very popular and that’s cerveza – beer, and tequila. Add all these elements together, along with the colorful ambience that the Mexico’s culture brings and you have a perfect dining experience. “Disfruta!” (Enjoy).

Mexico’s Independence Day in Playa del Carmen

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The day is finally here! Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 15. If you’ve already lived this experience, perhaps you already know how it is to have a Mexican style party; but if this is your first time celebrating this huge event in Mexico, be prepared to have an awesome night.

Let’s sum up in a few words what’s Mexico’s Independence Day. Back in September 15, 1810, El Cura Miguel Hildalgo, one of the nation’s leader, motivated the town to revolt against the Spanish soldiers. His speech is known as El Grito de Dolores, Cry of Dolores in English. Although Mexico’s definitive liberation was on September 21, 1821, Mexicans celebrate their Independence Day on September 15.

Needless to say, this date is extremely important for Mexicans, who will transfer their Mexican spirit to any foreigner willing to celebrate this holiday. If you’re looking for ideas for how to celebrate El Grito, here’s a list of great places in Playa del Carmen where you will surely have fun.

But if you want to celebrate like a Mexican, then you should go to the plaza 28 de Julio, where you can witness the traditional ceremony, followed by fireworks. This event is starting at 7:00 pm.

  1. Mexican Party at The Carmen Hotel

On Friday 15, The Carmen Hotel will be hosting a Noche Mexicana. This party will include live music, Mariachis, art exhibition, Mexican games and a Frida Kahlo characterization contest.

This party starts at 8:00 and ends at 12:00 am.

Where? Calle 8 with beach

  1. La Reina Roja

Mexican Party at La Reina Roja Hotel will open its doors Friday 15 at 7:00 pm. This party will include a Taco Buffet, better known in Spanish as a Taquiza. Eat as much tacos as you want at the price of 2×1.

Have a magnificent and unforgettable Mexican party at a singular and unique place: La Reina Roja.

Are you planning to assist to this event? Then head to 28 street between 5th Avenue and 10 street.

  1. Merendero Surf

Is there something better than Mexican food? Well, Merendero Surf will be hosting an amazing Mexican party this Friday the 15 at 9:00 pm. They will offer live music, Mexican food, drinks and much more to make this night unforgettable.

If you would like to join this event, go to 5th Avenue between streets 30 and 32.

  1. La Vagabunda Mexican Food with a Twist

This Mexican cuisine will offer a Taco Buffet (Taquiza), Mexican snacks, games, Mariachis and much more! The price for adult is $250 pesos, $120 for children 11+ and free for kids under 10 years old. The open bar has a cost of $200 pesos.

La Vagabunda’s party will begin at 8:00 on Friday the 15. Where? 28 Avenue and Carretera Federal.

  1. Prana Hookah and Drinks

Are you ready to live a party in one of the most animated streets in Playa del Carmen? Well, then Prana Hookah Lounge is the right place! On September 15 visit this bar and take full advantage of the Tequila and Mezcal promotion. This Mexican party will include many surprises to make sure you have an amazing night.

Be ready to Prana Hooka Lounge at 8:00 pm on 12 street between 5th Avenue and 1st street.

  1. Art Hummus

Celebrate with Art Hummus this enormous national holiday. Art Hummus will be offering a menu which includes Mezcal Papa Diablo, organic Tacos al pastor, guacamole and dessert for $350 pesos. Dance all night and have an incredible Mexican Party at Art Hummus!

If you want to join this event, visit Art Hummus at Plaza Paseo Coba in Aviacion Avenue, Playacar. 

  1. Thompson Playa del Carmen

Join Thompson this September 15 at 10 pm and celebrate the Independence Day in an amazing atmosphere. Their resident DJ Shemaya along with DJ Flight will animate this party. Thompson will be offering Ladies Night from 10 pm to 1 pm.

How to get to Thompson? Go to 12 street between 5th Avenue and 10 street.

8. Zenzi

Zenzi will be hosting a Mexican party and every margarita sold will help people affected by the earthquake last week in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Help this great cause by visiting Zenzi in 10th street and the beach.

Have a great and unforgettable Mexican Independence Day! Enjoy all the Mexican parties in Playa del Carmen and tell us how your night goes. Live this incredible experience and get to know more about the history of Mexico and its culture.

 

Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Mexico

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The first in a series of topics: “Preparing yourself physically and mentally”

Imagine waking up one morning in a place that now you call home. How would your body handle a different environment where your diet would change and your physical abilities could be challenged on a daily basis? These are things you need to be prepared for when you decide to live in Mexico for any length of time. This isn’t a bad thing by any means, but needs to be taken into consideration nevertheless.

When at home life becomes a routine and your body grows accustom to a systematic pattern. When changes suddenly interrupt your biological and mental time clock, it can make for a rough going. So it is very important to begin the reprogramming process before your new life’s adventure starts. The following recommendations will make your transition into living in Mexico much easier. It will also help you put your best foot forward with the locals.

Let’s talk about the body’s ‘Physical’ ability and how it will react to Mexico’s tropical climate, adverse heat and terrain. Mexico’s near perfect weather is filled with lots of sun, plenty of humidity and warmer temperatures. If you have been thinking about dropping a few pounds or starting a daily exercise plan, this would be the time to do it. If you are investing in Mexico real estate and are looking to be close to everything, most likely you will be walking to all your favorite spots.

There are days where there are nice breezes, and then days there are not. Walking is a great way to easily get around Playa del Carmen. Being in shape cuts down on exhaustion and fatigue. Be careful to not get dehydrated and drink plenty of bottled water. For every adult beverage enjoyed, drink water in between. In the beginning, limit your exposure to the sun. Get acclimated to being in the elements – usually two, maybe three weeks is suggested.

Different foods can sometimes disrupt your digestive system. Mexican food is one of the most desirable cuisines in North America. The special spices that flavor this inviting cuisine consist of a variety of peppers, sauces and other authentic ingredients. A way to combat not upsetting your stomach and/or creating indigestion is to – a) not over eat, b) don’t consume a lot of alcohol and then eat, c) get use to spicy foods slowly. Work yourself into the local menus. Your body will adapt. Just give it time.

Your ‘Mental’ ability is the other half of your body that will need to adjust to a new life style. There are several similarities between living in America and Mexico. But again, there are a lot of surrounding elements that are very unfamiliar to all your senses. One of those elements is the language and the barrier it forms. Knowing some Spanish is a benefit that will relieve a great deal of stress. Walking around in an unfamiliar environment and hearing people mostly communicate in a language that isn’t fluent to you will mess with your mind. Concentrate on learning the speech.

When you visit Playa del Carmen’s stores, restaurants and other social gatherings they will have a structural likeness to back home (US), but that’s as far as it goes. Product merchandising, availability/choices, unit of measurements and cost will appear foreign to you. For example, converting pesos from the US dollar (USD) can sometimes be cumbersome. In the food marts and grocery stores, meats and solid substances are weighted in kilos (2.2 lbs.) Liquids are measured in liters (just under 4 liters is a gallon). You can install a very simple app on your mobile device that will calculate monetary exchange and weight and measurement conversions with a few simple key strokes.

Mexico’s retailers, including food, homewares or other necessities, can at times be limited in choice. If it’s a product you need immediately, you will sometimes have to get creative with what they have to offer. But don’t fret over it. When the exact item becomes available, and it will one day, buy it for the future. Do like you would do at home and shop multiple outlets and local stores. What one store doesn’t have, another might.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? This is so evident in Mexico and especially when roaming the streets for a place to eat. Don’t let the outside façade trick your mind into judging its quality of food, because what’s behind it will surprise you. You will find some of the best dining experiences in places that seem run down and minimalistic. These family run eateries will serve up some of Mexico’s finest culinary delights with service that can’t be matched anywhere. Not to mention at a very affordable price!

When relocating to a country that has so much history and traditions like the Yucatan cities, it can sometimes slip our mind regarding specific “Do’s and Don’ts”. It is well advised to study the culture, important historical facts, and traditional holidays and celebrations beforehand. This will help you understand why native people to the region do certain things. Knowing more about their history will also earn you respect within the community. When talking with a local, don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding their traditions; they will be more than happy to explain everything you want to know and more.

All the above information will alleviate lots of confusing situations when mingling with the town’s people. Your emotions will be peaking on both ends of the spectrum. Being prepared is an important key to less stress physically and mentally when spinning your life in a 180 degree angle. Learning a different way of life will advantage you in so many ways. The effort spent will pay off two fold.

5 Restaurants in Playa That You Can’t Miss

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Life in Mexico is full of adventure, great weather… and delicious food. If you’re visiting or if you are thinking to retire in Playa del Carmen, here is a list of 5 restaurants that you must visit!

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Zenzi Beach Bar & Restaurant – This beachside eatery is located at the end of Calle 10 Norte and is situated directly on the beautiful white sandy beach in Playa del Carmen, along with Mexico’s beautiful Riviera Maya. You also have the advantage of looking out over the gorgeous Caribbean water as you enjoy your food and spirits.

Zenzi appeals to a large expat and retiree crowd who mixes well with the many locals who also come to enjoy the restaurant and its laidback ambiance. Almost every afternoon and evening you can listen to live music being played from one of Playa del Carmen’s many talented musical groups.

zenzi

The atmosphere is very beachy and offers plenty of open air seating. After the sun goes down, accented lighting around the palm trees provides an intimate feel with music and conversation happening in the background. Take your shoes off and feel the cool sand between your toes!

The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches and dinner entrees. The food is very well prepared and is complimented with great service. They also have a full bar that will prepare your special request or a menu to select an alcohol or non-alcohol beverage.

Zenzi is a great place for family and friends to get together, where couples can meet or just drop in for a quick bite or a cool refreshing drink. Sit back and enjoy the music while you’re relaxing in paradise!

Fah

Restaurant Fah Bar – Fah Bar is a unique restaurant that sits directly on the world famous Quinta Avenida (5th Ave), between near the corner with Calle 10 Norte. Fah offers lots of exciting street action that includes everything from break dancers to traditional mariachi music, to jugglers. It is also a great location to people watch from your street side table, booth or the open air dining area.

The off street dining area provides a tropical forest like feel with an oversized tree that provides a natural canopy but still allows the outside in. They have a variety of seating choices that consist of tables and chairs to padded sofa duets, and a back wall with bench seating that faces the bar, dining and stage areas.

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Entertainment is provided most every afternoon and evening. The music mixes very well with any mood. The menu is quite extensive and offers a cuisine that can be found in many fine dine restaurants. The service is very courteous and complete with complimentary servers who assist the waiters in keeping your needs met.

The drink menu offers some unusual cocktails served with or without alcohol. If you are an exotic connoisseur of martinis, you must try the cucumber martini or any of the other creative beverages. The relaxing atmosphere will provide a subtle comfort that can’t always be found in similar eateries.

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Pez Vela – Another great 5th Ave. restaurant and bar is Pez Vela. It is probably one of the longest standing eateries on Quinta Avenida, with an astonishing 28 years of existence. They must be doing something right to be around for that long. You can find this restaurant on the corner of 5Th Ave. and Calle 2 Norte.

They are more of a casual – lets hangout restaurant and cantina. Their walk up “U” shaped bar has swing seating that offers quick service and a full drink menu. Their clientele ranges from locals to vacationing singles or couples, to expats looking for a casual conversation. The atmosphere of the open air corner bar kind of reminds you of a Mexico version of ‘Cheers’.

PezVela2

The restaurant offers curbside dining which is great for people watching and other activities that are constantly passing by. There is an inside dining area, as well as a mezzanine that is ideal for group parties or a special occasion get together. The motif is traditional Mexican with a flair for color, and yes there is a big screen TV for watching your favorite sporting event.

The food is true Mexican but has its own special flavor. They have received awards from the Federal Tourism Board regarding their quality of cleanliness and kitchen preparation – a big plus for delicate stomachs. Their menu is fairly simple but covers all the desired dishes normally wanted when visiting Playa del Carmen. The service is friendly, prompt and very attentive. The prices are budget friendly and offer great value.

Oasis

El Oasis – El Oasis on Calle 12 Norte between 5th and 10th Avenidas is an eye-catching location. The eatery is a true seafood venue with an extensive menu of top notch dishes. They aren’t a high capacity restaurant like a lot of their neighboring peers. They do have a fully stocked bar, but their main focus is Seafood cuisine!

You have a choice to either be seated street side, on a small open-air covered patio or dine inside. The décor is styled very elaborately with a strong emphasis on a nautical theme. The walls, ceiling and seating are painted with bright colors that provide quite a novel experience.

Oasis2

The menu goes from ‘A to Z’ in seafood choices and cooked any way you want it. They pride themselves on fresh lobster, ceviche and their signature shrimp tacos. The food is plentiful, served hot and fresh and is extremely delicious. They serve a small cup of seafood chowder as an appetizer that will arouse your taste buds and tease you for what is ahead. The service is excellent with a smile every time they visit your table.

They do have a small bar area that offers Happy Hour specials, but not really known for having a cocktail hour crowd. However, they serve up a mean margarita that is crafted at your table with ingredients that you would never have imagined being in a margarita. It is actually served to you in a mortar type bowl with an accompanying straw. If you enjoy good seafood in a unique setting, then a visit to El Oasis is a must.

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Casa Sophia – Located on Avenida Aviacion between 10th Ave. & 50th Ave (Highway 307), Casa Sophia is a great place to have some good Italian food, great conversation and enjoy a glass of wine. Its cuisine is prepared authentically as if coming from its own origins.

The restaurant and bar is a stone’s throw away from Playacar and is very popular with the locals, as well as the area’s expats and seasonal residents. It has multiple dining sections that include a glassed in dining area with a full bar, two open air covered patio areas, and a smaller indoors area near the deli counter.

CasaSofia

Its ambiance is simple but casual and very comfortable. The menu is very detailed with some of Italy’s finest dishes. Their pizzas and pasta are handcrafted with true Italian style. They also have a variety of wines that compliment any meal. The table settings are reminiscent of the old country where dining is an art of ambiance and food combined. The service is exceptionally friendly and delivered in a professional manner.

Casa Sophia is somewhat off the beaten path and offers no significant similarities to its peers that reside beachfront or on Playa’s Quinta Avenida. There is no hustle and bustle or lapping waves or street entertainers. Just a relaxing setting for family, friends or couples wanting to enjoy a conversation. The pricing is very reasonable for the exceptional quality of food served. They accept pesos and USD only.
Enjoy Italy in the heart of the Riviera Maya!

Do you have any other recommendations for eating out in Playa del Carmen?

Let us know!

Remember… we make it happen!

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