Author Archives: Bea Lozano

The Best Budget Friendly Seafood Tacos in the Riviera Maya!

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The Riviera Maya is a foodie’s paradise, with people from all over the world setting down roots in this beautiful country, and bringing their traditional, cultural recipes with them. Causing a fusion of culture and flavors with so many restaurants that you are sure to find one that suit your mood.

Set right on the Caribbean Sea, the Riviera Maya is known for its fresh seafood caught daily by the local fisherman.  There are so many options, you could have fish, shrimp, octopus, calamari, the list goes on and on, and you can’t visit the Riviera Maya without trying the seafood tacos. Trust me, you will not be disappointed and they will probably go down in the books as the best seafood tacos you have ever eaten. Here are the top budget friend, delicious spots to enjoy the best seafood tacos around.

La Floresta

La Floresta is a no frills, large outdoor restaurant with delicious food. The food is so good that the restaurant is always full. This is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Immediately upon arriving you are served a bowl of homemade chips and Pico de Gallo, which is to die for. I suggest ordering the fresh fish tacos which are fried, light and crispy, cooked to perfection and the shrimp tacos which are delicious, they are both served in a homemade tortilla.  The tacos at La Floresta are only 20 pesos each. They also have a variety of ceviches and ice cold beer.

La Floresta is a cash only restaurant and they close early, so make sure to get there before 6:00pm.

La Floresta: Playa del Carmen

14 Norte and the Carretera federal highway

Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo

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Chiltepin

Chiltepin has really good food, ice cold beers and a small pool that you can take a dip in. What’s not to love!

This is one of my favorite place, it has reasonable prices good food with a mix of tourist and local alike. They offer a variety of tacos ranging from 22 – 40 pesos, so mix and match and try different flavors. They also have fresh ceviche and if you are not a fan of seafood they have arrachera tacos, hamburgers and beer bucket specials.

Chiltepin: Playa del Carmen

Calle 34 and 15th Avenue

Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo

(984) 147-2487

www.chiltepinmarisquillos.com

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Los Aguachiles

Los Aguachiles is a popular restaurant in the Riviera Maya, so expect to see a crowd outside and to have to wait for a table. Los Aguachiles has many delicious menu items and a wide variety of seafood platters including aguachiles, tostadas, tacos and several others!

I have tried all the tacos on the menu and I can’t pick a favorite, they are all so delicious. We often bring our friends or family who are in town to Los Aguachiles and it is always a huge hit. Feel free to experiment at this restaurant because you will not be disappointed!

Los Aguachilies: Constituyentes                                                   Los Aguachilies: Playa 34                                                            

Ave. Constituyentes Mz. 63 Lt. 3                                                   Calle 34 and 25th Ave.

Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo                                                               Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo

Los Aguachilies: Tulum                                                                   Los Aguachiles: Cancun

Ave. Tulum MZA. 40 LTE. 1 Centro                                                Ave. Nichupte MZA. 4 LTE. 1 Super MZA. 17

Tulum, Q. Roo                                                                                   Cancun, Q. Roo

www.losaguachiles.mx

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Mateo’s

Mateo’s is a beautiful place with a jungle setting to have a nice dinner. The price at Mateo’s ranges from 70 – 280 pesos, which is reasonable for Tulum.

The restaurant features a coffee shop, a bar and the restaurant, so there is something to suit everyone’s mood! Their classic margaritas is one of the best I have ever had. Mateo’s offers grilled fish, battered fish or shrimp tacos served on a flour or corn tortilla. The platter comes with four tacos, a side order of rice and beans for 120 – 170 pesos and you can also add a salad for 40 pesos. If you do not like seafood there are plenty of other options such as burgers, fajitas, and burritos.

Mateo’s: Tulum

Tulum Beach Road-Boca Paila KM 5.2

Zona hotelera Tulum, Q. Roo

(984) 179-4160

www.mateosmexicangrill.us

We hope you enjoy the gorgeous beaches, the beautiful sunsets, and the delicious restaurants in the Riviera Maya. Keep posted for more popular places to eat at around town!

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Tipping in Mexico: 5 Things You Need to Know!

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Mexico is a beautiful country full of diverse landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and prideful people. One of the things that stand out to many visitors is the joy by which Mexicans live their day to day lives, always with a smile on their face. This is evident when it comes to the staff working in customer service. You will often receive excellent service in Mexico that exceeds your expectations and that is when the question arises…

When and how much should I tip in Mexico?

There are the traditional tips we all give to waiters, bartenders and hotel maids, but there are also many other situations unique to Mexico where a tips are welcome, and it’s important for travelers or foreigners living in Mexico to know about these customs.

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  1. Restaurants and Bars: If you eating at a taco cart where one person is serving, cooking and charging you for the food it is not necessary to tip. If you are dining at a small business and there is a person who brings food to your table and takes care of you, you should leave at least a10% tip based on consumption. If you are dining in a fine dining establishment the tip should be at least 15% and if you receive exceptional service you might want to leave a 20% tip. Many restaurants in Mexico pay their server’s minimum wage and the server share their tips with the other staff members such as the bartenders, kitchen and cleaning crew. Tipping really makes the difference for these people and their families.

2.    Gas Station Attendant: In Mexico, all gas stations have full service attendants, meaning you will never have to pump your own gas again. Many of the attendants work on a voluntary basis and they depend on your tips to survive. For a regular service of filling your car with gas and cleaning your windshield, you can tip 5 pesos, if you need additional services such as checking the oil or the air in your tires, or vacuuming out the inside of your car, a 15 – 20 pesos tip is adequate.

3.    Groceries Bagger: This is another example of voluntary work, where school child or elderly people bag your groceries. If you are buying just a few items it is normal to leave a couple pesos. If you’re doing your weekly shopping you should tip between 5 and 10 pesos and if you need help carrying stuff to your car or to load something, you should tip between 20 – 50 pesos; depending on the size and weight of items.

4.    Musicians: While this is not mandatory to tip musicians at a bar or restaurant, you can leave a tip to show them that you appreciate them and enjoyed their music! Again many of the musicians survive only on the tips they are given.

5.    Outstanding Job: If someone exceeds your expectations and they were particularly helpful or just made your day, it is important to recognize their service and offer a tip. Many times they will insists on not taking your money, you can always say: para tu refresco, which means for a soda, this usually shuts the discussion down and the person graciously accepts the money.

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Mexico is very different from other parts of the world and many foreigners are not aware of the costumes and ways here. We hope this has answered all of your tipping questions and helps you get around in Mexico.

Valentine’s Day Dinners in the Riviera Maya

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True romance with a private dinner at the beach!

Valentine’s Day dinner in the Riviera Maya is something you cannot miss! Whether you own a piece of real estate paradise, or are just visiting, there is no better place to reignite romance than a beautiful and romantic private dinner served on the beach.

Here at Top Mexico Real Estate, we strive to make you look good! So we have been researching good places to have a romantic dinner with your significant other. Remember, this is a date when everybody wants to go out for dinner, so early booking is recommended!

Valentine’s Day Dinners in the Riviera Maya: Pavo Real by the Sea

This beautiful bar and restaurant is located on Maroma Bay, and is named the “most exquisite secret in Mexico” by the Travel Channel. Pavo Real by The Sea offers lunch and dinner in an exclusive salon, an open air terrace, in the garden, or even on the beach!

Pavo Real’s French Chef, Guillaume Raynal, will prepare an exquisite meal by combining French classics, tropical, Mexican and native Mayan influences in an exuberant menu. Only the freshest and best ingredients are used in the restaurant, and the seafood is freshly bought from local fishermen.

Dinners can be personalized, and accompanied by their extensive wine collection to compliment your food. Reservations are required for both lunch and dinners; so plan ahead and make sure you give them a call as soon as possible if you are interested in having a romantic dinner here.

More information:

Phone US: (011) (521) 984 135 5559

Phone Mexico: (984) 135 5559

Email: innkeeper@pavorealrestaurant.com

Website: www.pavorealrestaurant.com

Pavo Real by the Sea is located in Maroma Bay, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Just off the Cancun-Tulum highway between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.

Valentine’s Day Dinners in the Riviera Maya: Indigo

If you’d rather stay in the Playa del Carmen area and enjoy a walk on 5th Avenue, or go back to your romantic hotel after dinner, then Indigo is an excellent option to dine under the stars. At this exclusive restaurant, you will have the opportunity to have a private candlelit table on a quiet beach and enjoy a delicious, romantic gourmet meal.

Indigo carefully crafted a delicious mix of romantic, contemporary Mexican dishes! Your dinner can be personalized to fit special requests or dietary restrictions.

The only thing you have left is to choose your decoration and setting in order to create a special night full of magical moments. Indigo features exceptional service, personal attention, and special prices on a bottle of Champagne, everything to have the most romantic evening with your loved one.

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More information:

Phone: +52 (984) 803 2222

Website: www.indigobeach.com.mx

Indigo is located in Playa del Carmen at Calle 14 and the beach

Valentine’s Day Dinners in the Riviera Maya: Alux

If you are looking for something different than the typical romantic dinner under the stars and on the beach, then check out Alux Restauarnt. This place was created by nature and it is a majestic spectacle. Alux Restaurant, Bar and Lounge emerges within the depths of a naturally formed cavern that has metamorphosed for thousands of years to create the visual spectacle of countless stalactites and flowstones.

At Alux, you will awe your senses and delight your palate with their gourmet, Mexican and International cuisine. However, nature itself is the star attraction within Alux!

This beautiful, cavern restaurant provides a cozy and romantic candlelit dinner in a unique setting. Their gourmet menu includes pre-hispanic, Mexican and International cuisine, served in one of the most impressive settings in Mexico. Alux is more than a restaurant; it is a unique and unforgettable experience.

photo Alux_zps2ji3gavu.jpg

More information:

Phone: +52 01 (984) 206 2589

Email: info@aluxrestaurant.com

Website: www.aluxrestaurant.com

Alux is located in Playa del Carmen at Ave. Benito Juarez and 70th Ave. Sur

Don’t wait any longer to make your reservations for Valentine’s dinner! Remember, this is a busy day around the world, let alone in a popular touristic hotspot, so book your favorite restaurant quickly!

Top Mexico Real Estate is a local company with national coverage; we aim to provide excellence in real estate services and cater to foreigners looking for their dream home in Mexico.

Please feel free to browse our beautiful properties or contact our professional Real Estate Agents; we are here to help you become a happy homeowner in Mexico. Stop dreaming about owning a piece of paradise and act now!

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

Romantic Getaway Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres

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Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it is a beautiful time of the year to be in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking to surprise your significant other, why not plan a romantic getaway? There are so many special places to rekindle the romance, relax and enjoy each other’s company!

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A perfect gift to pamper your partner and yourself, is a romantic escapade to a particularly romantic destination such as Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun, a place providing the perfect Caribbean setting to hold hands and fall in love all over again.

Let the professionals do all the hard work! These hotels have an aura of romance and a perfectly trained staff to make all of your dreams come true.

  1. Romantic Getaway Isla Mujeres: La Casa de Los Suenos

There is not a more fitting name for this place, “The House of Dreams”, is a place that will let you feel at home and have a romantic out of this world experience.  Just entering the hotel, you will be received by traditional Mexican decor and a sense of tranquility.

La Casa de Los Suenos is located south of the island on the road to Garrafon, it has 9 suites and one presidential suite with an amazing ocean view, and 7 are exclusivly for couples. Each room has a private balcony with breathtaking views, where you can talk, share and dream together.

The rooms are spacious and luxurious with an air of serenity that can be enjoyed from every corner. This is a small hotel taking great care all the way down to the small details, every guest is unique and the staff goes out of their way to accommodate any request.

Enjoy the delicious food and the bar service, a la carte breakfast is included in your stay. There is also a pool with direct access to the beach, spa services, fitness center, bicycles and snorkeling equipment are included.

La Casa de los Suenos doesn’t have a Romantic Package but here are some prices to get an idea of the costs.

  • 2 nights’ accommodations: 600 USD
  • A couple’s massage for 60 minutes: 166 USD
  • Private dinner in a romantic setting with 4 courses, private service, a bottle of sparkling wine: 175 USD

More Information:

U.S. 877-372-3993

Mexico 998-888-0370

www.casasuenos.com

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  1. Romantic Getaway Isla Mujeres: Hotel El Secreto

This hotel offers an intriguing mix of elegance, privacy and luxury, with a fascinating architecture and an original design. Hotel El Secreto is a boutique hotel, with only 9 suites with private terraces and a magnificent sea view.

El Secreto is highly recommended for its excellent service, location and seclusion. It is such a secluded place, that after following the windy road it is a big surprise to arrive to the reception area to check-in, the vibe is more like friend’s private home on the beach than a hotel.

The surroundings are breathtaking, and there is a sense of peace in a luxurious setting.  Not only El Secreto has easy access to the beach, there is also a pool and friendly staff ready to keep the cold drinks coming.

More Information:

Mexico 998-877-1039

reserv@hotelsecreto.com

www.hotelsecreto.com

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Here are just a few of the beautiful places to celebrate your love and Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for the ultimate gift surprise your significant other with a dream home in paradise. Please feel free to browse our beautiful properties or contact our certified and experienced Realtors!

We have helped hundreds of foreigners become homeowners in Mexico, in a quick, safe and legal manner. Stop day dreaming of a second home in paradise, here at Top Mexico Real Estate, We Make it Happen!

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways in Bacalar!

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Valentine’s Day is getting closer and closer, and it is never too early to plan a romantic getaway with that special person. We recently wrote about some romantic places to escape to in Holbox Island, but there are other options in the Riviera Maya, like the quaint village of Bacalar.

Bacalar is located 213 miles south of the Cancun International Airport, but it feels like a world away. Most of the accommodations in Bacalar are quaint palapas by the lagoon, far away from the crowds and big all-inclusive resorts.

Bacalar is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway; there are many activities that you can be a part of or you can just relax and enjoy nature. We hope you have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways: Centro Holistico Akal Ki

Akal Ki is a dream come true, where romance and relaxation are in the air. Enjoy the views overlooking the gorgeous lagoon from your private deck, get a massage or just relax in a hammock.

Some of the amenities at Akal Ki include a restaurant serving international specialties, as well as concierge service and wireless internet access. There is also free kayaks and bikes available for the guests.

Akal Ki doesn’t have a special Valentine’s Day package, but you can check back with them directly to keep you posted on any specials coming up. Here is a list of services and costs for you to get a general idea, but these are not written on stone – they can change.

photo AlkalKi_zps38752d58.png

1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front STD

Cost: MXN $ 7530.00 TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults *3630 MXN
  • 1 Romantic dinner by the lagoon on a private pier (includes a 4 course dinner, alcoholic drinks are not included) *1700 MXN
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (YANZU Massage on the lagoon) * 2200 MXN

More information:

Ms. Daniela Hardouin

From Mexico: 045 983 106 1751

From the US: +52 1 983 106 1751

reservaciones@akalki.com

Valentine’s Day Romantic Getaways: Hotel Rancho Encantado

Rancho Encantado is a favorite, and one of the oldest hotels in the area. With easy access from the federal highway 307, and a little bit further from the town, it offers relaxation, beautiful views and superb service.

Rancho Encantado is often completely booked in high season and on national holidays, so if you are planning to stay here, the sooner you make your reservation, the better. For Valentine’s they have a Romantic Package Available.

*Prices available from JANUARY 2nd TO APRIL 12th, 2015

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1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front STD

Cost: MXN $ 6826.00 TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults
  • Plan HB: 2 meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (Relaxing Massage 45 min.)
  • 1 Complimentary romantic cocktail
  • 1 Romantic Dinner by the Lagoon with private service (includes a 3 course menu, bottle of sparkling wine, a soft drink per person and coffee or tea)
  • Romantic Room Decoration
  • Transportation Chetumal Airport – Hotel

1 Caribbean Cabin-Lagoon Front with AC

Cost: $ 7126.00 MXN TAX INCLUDED

This package includes:

  • Accommodation 2 nights/ 2 adults
  • Plan HB: 2 meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner)
  • 1 Spa treatment for 2 adults (Relaxing Massage 45 min.)
  • 1 Complimentary romantic cocktail
  • 1 Romantic Dinner by the Lagoon with private service (includes a 3 course menu, bottle of sparkling wine, a soft drink per person and coffee or tea)
  • Romantic Room Decoration
  • Transportation Chetumal Airport – Hotel

More information:

Ms. Nelly Boulos

info@encantado.com

www.encantado.com

Cell. + 52 998 1113771

Phone + 52 998 8841181 ext. 107

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya: lifestyle, culture, cuisine… we have helped hundreds of clients to become homeowners in Mexico.

If you are looking for your dream property in Mexico or in Bacalar, feel free to browse our beautiful properties and contact one of our Top Buyer’s Representatives. Stop dreaming and start living the dream!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

A romantic getaway to Holbox Island!

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A romantic getaway to Holbox Island: After all the Christmas festivities in Mexico, many people can feel pretty drained. Let me tell you, between kids activity’s, parties and having family in town, one could need a vacation from their vacation.

Living in the Mayan Riviera gives us a wide variety of romantic little known spots to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and our daily responsibilities: Tulum, Bacalar and Holbox, just to mention some!

We had been in Holbox many times, it’s a perfect relaxing, romance getaway!

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About Holbox:

Holbox is a small island located in the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Famous for being a whale shark sanctuary, this island is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a tranquil setting to enjoy the beach.

Holbox is 26 miles long and about 1 mile wide, and it offers pristine beaches with white coral sand. The island is located within the Yum Balam Natural Reserve, as a result, the marine life of the island is diverse and abundant: from whale sharks, dolphins, lobsters as well as octopus, stingrays and sea turtles, just to name a few.

How to Get There:

To get to Holbox, first you need to get to the town of Chiquila. You can drive which will take about two hours from Cancun or you can take a 20 minute plane ride. Also, there is a new toll road from Playa del Carmen, but there is also public transportation available.

Once you reach the town of Chiquila, you need to find a safe parking spot for your car and then take a boat or ferry to Isla Holbox. A big boat will charge around 40 pesos per person for a 25 minutes trip to the island, if they are not available you can hire a local fisherman and pay about 250 pesos per boat (for 6 people and their bags).

Attractions:

Its shallow, turquoise waters allow people of all ages and abilities to swim at ease; ideal for snorkeling or paddle boarding. Holbox is also the ideal place to learn or practice kitesurfing, as there is always a strong breeze.

During the months of June to September, Holbox is host to the largest congregation of whale sharks: the largest known fish. These majestic creatures, which can grow up to 15 meters, come every year to feed on plankton. Because of its peaceful nature, you can swim alongside these gentle giants and observe them in their natural habitat. Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience.

Sport fishing and fly fishing is a popular activity, the ocean is full of fish such as: bonefish, barracuda, snapper, pompano and mackerel, among others. Bird watching is another popular activity, where you will be able to see: flamingos, white and brown pelicans, cormorants, reddish egrets, roseate spoonbills and herons.

There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Holbox like horseback riding, diving, kayaking through the mangroves, kitesurf, or swim in Yalahau.

Romantic Getaways:

Here are two romantic getaway packages I found in Holbox:

Sweet Escape in Hotel Casa Las Tortugas

holboxcasalastortugas.com

Whether you are celebrating a wedding anniversary, a special birthday or an engagement, this Sweet Escape package is a perfect way to say ‘I love you’. This romantic retreat includes a surprise candle-lit dinner on the beach and some of their best spa treatments.

This Package includes:

  • Three nights in a Standard room
  • Half-board for two people (breakfast and lunch)
  • Spa package for two people (Honeymoon package)
  • Romantic dinner on the beach for two people

For only $1175 USD*

*Room upgrade on request.

*Transfer on request.

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Romantic Escape at Casa Sandra

casasandra.com

Casa Sandra is a very romantic and intimate home, conceived with art, music and coziness in mind, where every detail is created with love. This boutique hotel provides personalized service and a friendly atmosphere, allowing loved ones can connect more deeply.

This package includes:

  • Three nights’ accommodation with upgrades
  • Daily American breakfast (including one room service per stay)
  • Romantic amenities in your room
  • One hour massage per guest
  • Romantic dinner on the beach with personalized service, a bottle of wine and a special menu
  • Evening cocktails and seasonal fruit platter, one per stay
  • One hour daily golf cart rental
  • Early check-in and late check-out
  • Ground transfer and private plane, one-way each

For Only $2645 USD*

*10% Discount for locals with State issued ID

photo CasaSandra_zps1ea07195.jpg

If you are looking for an ideal romantic getaway, do not search any further than Holbox! Holbox is the ideal destination for of those looking to rekindle the spark or just recharge. Let the professionals pamper you and your significant other and enjoy everything Holbox has to offer.

Top Mexico Real Estate is your one and only stop for everything Riviera Maya, we thrive to offer our readers the best possible information. We have also helped thousands of clients find their dream home in Mexico. Live the life, Live in Mexico.

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!

Thomas Lloyd Stars in a Podcast about Retiring to Mexico

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Thomas Lloyd, CEO and president of Top Mexico Real Estate was recently ask by George Puckett to be a guest on his podcast show, Choose Mexico to Retire. Choose Mexico to Retire is a show that discusses all thing having to do with retiring and living in Mexico.

In this podcast, Thomas Lloyd discusses what brought him to Mexico, how he got into the real estate market and the education and certification he took to become a qualified real estate agent. Thomas and George also discuss why Mexico is such a desirable retirement spot for retires. Thomas goes into the events, groups and organizations that expats to get involved in while living in Mexico. George asks Thomas to educate the listener on what AMPI is and why you should have a good buyer’s representative when purchasing real estate in Mexico. Thomas tells George about his new venture creating an original new series, “Mi Casa es tu Casa”. Thomas and George discuss all of this and many more interesting fact you might want to know about retiring and living in Mexico on this edition of choose Mexico to Retire.

In the podcast, Thomas Lloyd tells George that it is possible to invest and retire in Mexico.

Now if you have any question about how to move to Mexico or about any of the TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE properties we have listed anywhere throughout Mexico, please feel free to contact any of our Top Mexico Buyer’s Representatives and we will be glad to help you find your very own piece of paradise.

And remember, here at TOP MEXICO REAL ESTATE…

We make it happen!

New Year’s Eve, Playa del Carmen 2015

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It is hard to believe we are already making plans for the end of the year! 2014 has gone by so fast and it has been a great year for us at Top Mexico Real Estate. Throughout the year many new and exciting projects were born, happy customers lived their dream of owning a home in paradise and our sales team grew, becoming greater than ever!

If you are visiting or live near the Playa del Carmen area, we have compiled a list of places that are offering New Year’s dinners to say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2015. Remember that good places get booked quite quickly, make your reservations as soon as possible!

I M P R E V I S T · Resto & Wine

1 Avenida Norte Entre Calle 14 Norte y 16 Norte Bis SN

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

+52 984 168 7025

reservations@imprevist.mx

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For only $130 USD you will enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner in a nice and romantic setting. Your dinner includes admission to a night full of live music and dancing at the 1st Annual Plank New Year’s Eve Bash!

Alux

Av. Juárez Mza. 217 Lote. 2 Col. Ejidal entre diagonal 65 y 70.

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

52 01 (984) 2062 589 / (984) 1471 563

info@aluxrestaurant.com

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If you want to experience a unique gastronomic experience in an amazing place, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy your New Year’s dinner at Alux. This beautiful restaurant offers not only the best food and wine in town, but also a mesmerizing ambience: located in a subterranean palace adorned by stalagmites and stalactites and special lighting to create a magical atmosphere.

Enjoy this natural attraction unlike any other; do not forget to bring your camera. Their excellent selection of menus and extensive wine selection combined with a unique setting make for memorable destination dining.

Kool Beach Club

Calle 28 y Playa

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

01 (984) 803 19 61

eventos@koolbeachclub.com.mx

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Kool Beach Club is offering a full night of fun on the beach for @ $140 USD. This gourmet 4 course steak and lobster dinner includes a premium open bar from 9pm – 1am, New Year’s Eve party kit, DJ and other entertainment. Ring in the New Year at a Kool, hip location on the beach.

Wah Wah Beach Bar

Calle 2 Nte y Playa

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

52 984 143 6009

wahwahbeach.com

photo beach_zpsfbd78a12.jpg

Wah Wah offers the best party in paradise! No cover, no expensive meal, and no reservations needed! Just come as you are and have FUN! Wah Wah’s will be offering their full menu. Renato and The Jam Session Combo will be rocking the stage all night long and at midnight they will have their annual Balloon Drop.

It’s better on the beach!

Wah Wah Annual Hangover Haven

Just when you thought the party was over, celebrate the First Sunrise of 2015, at Wah Wah’s 1st Annual Hangover Haven! Wah Wah will be serving an all you can eat breakfast buffet with unlimited bloody mary’s and live music for only $220 Pesos. Wah Wah Annual Hangover Haven is from 6am – 11am on January 1st.

Rise and shine into the New Year!

Top Mexico Real Estate wishes you a Happy New Year!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…We Make it Happen!

Piñatas: a Colorful Tradition for the Holidays!

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Piñatas are an important part of the Mexican culture, you see them everywhere, and they are a big part of birthday celebrations in Mexico. Made in a wide variety of shapes and forms, and with materials that vary according to the region, the Piñata is recognized everywhere as a Mexican staple.

Even though the origins of the piñata are unknown: some say they come from China, others from Italy… what we know is that they bring joy to everyone. From their bright colors, the process of breaking it and the shower of candies after, it all reminds us of our childhood.

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Piñatas:  Have them ready for the posadas, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

As the holidays approach, piñatas are available in markets, sold by street vendors, and even in some supermarkets! They can be a beautiful element to decorate your deck or patio, but they can also be a big part of the holiday spirit.

The most traditional piñata is the star with 7 points, which refer to the 7 capital sins. There is a moral meaning behind the breaking of the piñata. The shiny colors and delicious treats represent the devil who draws man with superfluous pleasures. The blindfolded person would test his or her blind faith, and destroy temptation, with a stick that embodies the virtue. The piñata signifies overcoming temptation, to ultimately triumph over sin.

photo 7PointPinata_zps20706519.pngPiñatas are an important part of the Posadas, a series of parties hosted before Christmas Eve. Traditionally the piñata is filled with: candy, peanuts and seasonal fruit: oranges, limes, tangerines, jicama, pieces of cane and others. An appropriate location is chosen to break the piñata, preferably a garden or patio, where it is tied with a strong rope and hung from the branch of a tree or a roof beam, where the piñata can be easily be pulled up and down.

Line the children from smallest to the tallest, older kids and adults must be blindfolded. The child take the stick and is turned three times in circle to lose his or her bearings, then tries to hit the piñata. The person holding the rope moves the piñata up and down, making it difficult to hit while everybody sings.

photo Candy_zps231d633a.jpgIf you are considering hosting a Posada or holiday party this season, bring this beautiful tradition to your gathering; even adults enjoy hitting the piñata and the delicious treats that fall from the sky!

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Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Cochinita Pibil!

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Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Yucatecan cuisine is the delicious result of a culinary mix that combines Mayan, European, Caribbean and Cuban influences. The culinary delights of the region are made of an exquisite blend of Mexican and European flavors, favoring the use of pork and chicken for their traditional recipes.

A bit of history will explain the strong European influence: the Yucatan Peninsula was considered inaccessible and far from the rest of Mexico, there were only a few roads and they were very dangerous.  Most of the commerce and transportation was made using ships with cultural and commercial dealings with Europe, New Orleans and Cuba; influencing the Yucatecan clothing, architecture and cuisine.

If you want to celebrate your Christmas dinner with a twist, why not prepare the most traditional dish in the Peninsula?

We present: Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatecan delight that requires very little prep and will surprise all your guests with the delicacy of the flavors and the juiciness of the meat.

Christmas Dinner with a Twist: Cochinita Pibil

Ingredients (servers 10 – 12):

– 2 leaves of banana, you need to roast them on the stove so they become softer (you can get      them in your local supermarket, they are big folded green leaves)

– 1 ½ kilo or 3.3 pounds of pork leg

– ½ kilo or 1 pound of pork loin with rib

– 200 grams or 7 ounces of achiote seasoning (sold in every supermarket, outside of Mexico buy it online or in Latin stores)

– 1 cup sour orange juice or mix half vinegar and half fresh orange juice

– ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon white pepper powder

– ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

– You might add coarsely ground allspice to taste

– 3 cloves garlic smashed

– ½ teaspoon chili powder

– Salt to taste

– 125 grams or 4.4 ounces of lard/ butter

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Sauce:

– 8 radishes well washed and finely chopped

– 1 small red onion, finely shredded

– 4 habanero peppers finely chopped

– ½ cup finely chopped cilantro

– 1 cup sour orange juice

– Salt to taste

Preparation:

  1. Get a baking dish big enough to hold the meat and cover it with the roasted banana leaves, leaving it long enough to wrap the meat.
  2. Place the meat pieces in the baking dish and use the leaves to cover everything well.
  3. Dissolve the achiote paste in the sour orange, then add the spices and pour this mix on the meat.
  4. Marinate the pork for at least eight hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Once you are ready to cook the pork, melt the lard or butter and make sure to cover all the meat, rewrap the banana leaves and cover with foil.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 °C or 350 °F for 1½ hours, the meat has to be so soft that almost falls apart.
  7. Shred the meat with a fork and serve with the sauce and plenty of tortillas!

Sauce:

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1.    Mix all the ingredients and let them marinate for at least three hours.

Presentation:

Use a piece of banana leave to cover the bottom of a serving dish, place the Cochinita on top and garnish with some red onion or cilantro leaves.

Hints and tips:

Remember that habanero is an extremely hot chili, you need to warn your guests and let them add the sauce to taste, accompanied by corn tortillas.

One of the beauties of Cochinita Pibil is that is not only a very popular dish, but also the leftovers can be eaten in tacos, tortas, fried tacos and so on.

Also, some people prefer to cook the Cochinita in the slow cooker, which is possible by lining the cooker with the banana leaves. Then you need to pour ½ cup water around the meat, fold up the banana leaves to roughly cover everything, then turn on the slow-cooker.  Slow-cook for 6 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender (the dish can be held on a slow-cooker’s “keep warm” function for an additional 4 hours).

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