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Shout Out: Al Chimichurri

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to a perennial PM favourite, Al Chimichurri. When they opened more than 10 years ago we didn’t even know what an empanada was, let alone what a chimichurri was (some kind of animal?) Now many years and countless empanadas later, we know and love our Uruguayan cuisine and we are hooked on their home-made chimichurri…though we still have trouble spelling it.

Eduardo was the man behind the grill in those early days. I remember chatting with him while he pounded out the empanada dough by hand every day, before grilling beautiful steaks all night in his sweltering, tiny restaurant kitchen. I used to joke that his kitchen was not much bigger than a phone booth, and at any time, at least a third of it was on fire.

Local Tip: Order the Lomo en Salsa Madera. It’s the specialty of the house and comes with a flavourful gravy that takes days to make.

Later he added a handcrafted, wood-burning oven that was based on an ancient design from Uruguay. This is where they bake wonderful fresh bread and pizzas.

The real secret of Al Chimichurri is that it is a family operation. Luckily Eduardo has a very big family! On any given night you can see the siblings working side by side.

Al Chimichurri has a wide menu featuring steaks, chicken, pizza, salad (with or without carne) and those wonderful empanadas. With a full bar, they also have a good selection of wine. We like the Norton Malbec from Argentina.

And, if you have room, they have delicious desserts.

In the last few years, they have expanded their seating with the addition of a beautiful back garden. During high season reservations are highly recommended. Find their contact information on our restaurant page They are open evenings except for Monday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Al Chimichurri…hard to spell, fun to say, delicious to taste.

This post is part of a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT to one of our local businesses, people or hints that could improve your time In Puerto Morelos. If you would like to be a part of this feature click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

Photos courtesy Al Chimichurri

Shout Out: DK

30. October 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: dk

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to Puerto Morelos’ only container restaurant, DK.

DK (short for Dive Kitchen) has just reopened after Luis and the guys took a well-deserved vacation. We can’t wait to go back for their Gingermiel (Honey Ginger) Chicken. This dish is a yummy combination of Mayan honey, ginger and chicken cooked to crispy perfection and served over a bed of coconut rice.

DK is also one of the few restaurants in town that are helping to protect our reef by serving Lionfish. They have Lionfish Tacos, Lionfish Burgers and Thai Lionfish. The more of these fish we eat, the better it is for our reef as they are an invasive species with no known predators. So eat up!

DK prides itself on “excellent food quality, prepared with fresh ingredients and mostly local, served quickly in a low-key environment”. Which is all true. They do not disappoint. Check out the rest of their inventive menu here.

DK is PM’s only container restaurant, with a special emphasis on being eco-friendly, using recycled and sustainable materials in all their operations. Their innovative design even made it to the prestigious Architectural Digest magazine. To see the transformation of an old shipping container into a full-scale restaurant with a cocktail bar, click here.

Local Tip: Order the Bruce Lee… if you dare!

DK is located on Calle Rafael E. Melgar, south of the square. They are open from 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special events and movie nights.

Shout Out: Colonia Tour

23. October 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: la colonia, walking tour

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to the walking tour of La Colonia by Ana.

A lot of visitors to Puerto Morelos miss La Colonia (the Colonia), which is a shame. The Colonia is easy to find, it is the district of Puerto Morelos that is located directly on the west side of the main highway that splits the town. The Colonia is big and growing bigger every year. Most of PM’s population now resides there. There are lots of stores and restaurants that are well worth checking out.

An excellent introduction to the are is offered by Ana Trepanier, who offers a fun and easy walking tour of the area. Ana’s tour begins on the port side of the town. She meets you in the square where she tells you a bit of history of the town. Then she shows you how to take the collectivo (public bus) up to La Colonia.

Once there she takes you on a walking and food tour of the area. She shows you how the local fruit and vegetable stands operate, telling you about the produce you may not be familiar with. You even get to taste test some of the more unusual items.

She takes you past the library, the DIF and other notable sites in town. You will learn you can buy practically anything in the Colonia, as long as you know where to look. As you go, you can ask as many questions as you like.

The tour continues for about 2 hours with history, information and tastings along the way. If you want to really get to know Puerto Morelos, this is a great way to get started.

Local Tip: Ask Ana!

Besides the walking tour, Ana has some new experiences coming. Check with her about these. Tours are arranged on an individual basis. To book your walking tour of La Colonia, contact Ana on Facebook or by email at welovepuertomorelos@yahoo.com.

This is a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT to one of our local businesses, people or hints that could improve your time In Puerto Morelos. If you would like to be a part of this feature click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

And be sure to check out our suites at CasaDeLosViajeros.com

We still have some good dates available for 2018 & 2019

Shout Out: Ecab Explorer

16. October 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: Ecab Explorer

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to PM’s premier private tour guide, Eric at Ecab Explorer.

Many of our guests at Casa de los Viajeros ask us about tours to the see the many attractions of our area including ancient ruins, swimming with whale sharks, seeing flamingos or cruising on a boat through the jungle.

Eric is PM’s most experienced tour guide and he has thoughtfully crafted his tours to provide the best possible experience for his guests. Originally from France, Eric fell in love with Mexico many years ago and has made Puerto Morelos his home. He has a curiosity and enthusiasm about the area that is infectious and his vast knowledge means no question goes unanswered.

Local Tip: Eric speaks Spanish, English and French

Eric offers small group tours to the popular ruin sites of Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam and Tulum, but he also offers unique tours you may not have thought about. You can visit the flamingoes at Rio Lagartos Reserve, or discover the uncharted Mayan ruins of Holbox, enjoy a boat ride from Punta Allen through Sian Ka’an to see aquatic birds nesting, sea turtles and dolphins swimming or visit the Mayan site of Muyil for a walk through the jungle, and a boat ride down a lazy river.

In the summer months, you can swim with the whale sharks, an amazing adventure.

Make sure you reserve your tours with Eric early as he does book up in the high season months. You can reach him through his website or his Facebook page. Private tours and van rentals for shopping trips or larger group airport pickups may also be booked through Ecab Explorer.

This post is part of a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT, highlighting a local business, person or experience to enhance your time In Puerto Morelos. Look for the “local hint” for insider tips.

If you would like to be a part of this feature or suggest a SHOUT OUT, click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

And be sure to check out our suites at CasaDeLosViajeros.com

We still have some good dates available for 2019!

Shout Out: My Paradise

09. October 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: My Paradise Beach Club

Michael News: Tropical Storm/Hurricane Michael passed through the channel between the Yucatan and Cuba and did not hurt Puerto Morelos at all. Michael “power-washed” our beaches leaving them flat, smooth and clean.

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to everyone at My Paradise Beach Club.

Located on the best part of the beach in Puerto Morelos, My Paradise Beach Club is “the” place to be on a hot afternoon in Puerto Morelos. The drinks are big and cold, the staff is fun and they are located on our beautiful white sand beach. What more could you want? Beach chairs and food? They have all that too.

The guys behind the bar are lots of fun. Walk right up and get a drink from them or relax on the beach and have the attentive waitstaff bring you whatever you would like.

Local Tip: Listen for the conch shell. When it blows, it’s happy hour!

My Paradise Beach Club is a favourite with ex-pat locals. You will find the place packed, even during the low season, especially between 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm it’s Happy Hour.

VACATION RENTALS IN PUERTO MORELOS

They are open every day (except Wednesdays in low season) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. You can find them here. They are just steps from Casa de los Viajeros, so close in fact that we can hear the conch shell blow, tempting us away from our housework to join the fun at happy hour.

You can contact My Paradise through their website or follow them on Facebook. They are available for special events. Be sure to check out My Paradise Beach Club next time you are in Puerto Morelos,

It will be YOUR Paradise too!

This is part of our new feature where we send a SHOUT OUT to one of our local businesses, people or give you hints that could improve your time In Puerto Morelos. If you would like to be a part of this feature click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

Shout Out: El Campanario

02. October 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: El Campanario

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to Arturo and the gang over at El Campanario. This small, family owned & run restaurant popped up in Puerto Morelos a few years ago and instantly became a town favourite. The staff always make you feel like part of the family. The service is friendly & attentive and the food is excellent.

El Campanario, which means “the bell tower”, is the family’s second restaurant. They have another restaurant of the same name in the state of Guerrero on the west side of Mexico.

El Campanario’s specialty is steak done to perfection on la parrilla (the grill), Argentinian style. Our personal favourite is the Chateaubriand for two! So good.

Not only do they have flavourful steaks, but they also have excellent empanadas, several different kinds of kinds of pasta, salads and delicious tortilla soup. Add a bottle of red wine and you can’t go wrong.

Local Tip: If you enjoyed your meal, ring the bell on your way out!

Prices are very reasonable. El Campanario is open from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday. They are located here on the port side of Puerto Morelos. Reservations are recommended during high season as they are very popular. You can contact them by phone or Facebook.

This post is part of a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT to one of our local businesses, people or hints that could improve your stay In Puerto Morelos. If you would like to be a part of this feature or suggest a Shout Out, click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

Shout Out: Jungle Spa

25. September 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: Jungle Spa

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to Sandra and the ladies out at the Jungle Spa. If you have never had a Mayan massage before you are in for a treat. The Ixchel Jungle Spa is a real Puerto Morelos success story.

The spa was started by Sandra Dayton and her late husband Dan after they saw a need for the women of Puerto Morelos to be able to earn a living right in their own village rather than having to do long commutes to work at the big hotels and resorts.

The couple donated the land where the spa is located, and through fundraising, they were able to build the structures and pay for the training that the woman needed to start the spa.

Now, 14 years later, the spa supports over 70 extended families in and around Puerto Morelos.

Local Tip: A taxi from the square is only 60 pesos. Tell the driver you want to go to see Sandra (important to mention her name) at the Jungle Spa on Calle Dos.

Many treatments are available, including a luxurious aloe vera and banana leaf wrap and massage! (Or a chocolate massage … does it get any better??) For men, there is the “Mayan Macho” massage. You’ve never had a massage like this! They even have special massages for young adults. How about a 60 minute four hand massage? You will leave a different person!

Visitors to PM and the nearby all-inclusive hotels get a taste of real Mexico while getting the best massage of their life. The spa is so popular that you have to make an appointment either by telephone, email or Facebook to ensure you that you get in. Appointments are available Tuesday-Saturday and limited appointments may be available on Sunday. The spa is closed on Monday. Spa prices are much lower than you will find at your resort and proceeds go directly to the Mayan families that work at the spa.

Remember, when you pamper yourself at the Jungle Spa or buy a unique gift at their market, you are directly supporting Mayan families!

Local Tip: This spa is located in the jungle, so keep an eye out for monkeys.

This post is part of a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT, highlighting a local business, person or experience to enhance your time In Puerto Morelos. Look for the “local hint” for insider tips.

If you would like to be a part of this feature or suggest a SHOUT OUT, click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

And be sure to check out our suites at CasaDeLosViajeros.com

We still have some good dates available for 2019 & 2020.

Shout Out: I Wanna Pizza

18. September 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: I wanna pizza

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to Marco and the staff at I Wanna Pizza. They have tasty, fresh, thin-crust pizza as you might expect, but they also have some sensational and unusual topping combinations that you have likely not seen before. Our personal favourite is the Especial… but the Tomorrow Land is not to be missed. There are many more to choose from, and Marco is always up to new challenges and is easily inspired. Do you have a special pizza combo you want? Just ask him! Recent classics have included his corned beef pizza for St. Patrick ‘s Day and pizza that looked like an American flag for the 4th of July. And don’t forget to ask what they have for dessert.

Local Tip: Order the salad, it is HUGE!

Not only is the food great, but I Wanna Pizza is a fun place to hang out. Marco and staff are fun and attentive hosts. We always have a great time there.

And as much fun as it is to hang out with the guys at I Wanna Pizza, it is great to know that they also deliver for those nights you just don’t want to go out. Orders can be placed by phone at 998-281-3036 or 998-256-6821. Be sure to tip your delivery guy 🙂

If you would like to be a part of this feature or suggest a SHOUT OUT, click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

And be sure to check out our suites at CasaDeLosViajeros.com

We still have some good dates available!

Shout Out: La Sirena

11. September 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: bar, La Sirena, music, restaurants, schedule, sirena

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to the rooftop bar at La Sirena Resturant and Lounge. In the last year, Anthony and the staff have really upped their game by adding a beautiful rooftop terrace to their restaurant. It is a perfect place to enjoy a drink and tapas at sunset, or well into the evening. Here’s the view!

Local Tip: They have a happy hour from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.

All this, plus they have a full restaurant downstairs that offers locally-inspired Mediterranean Cuisine using local ingredients. In the morning, they are open for breakfast and they have a New York Style deli that is open in the afternoon. Check their extensive and diverse live music schedule for what bands will be playing and if you are looking to go salsa dancing, stop by on Friday nights. Monday evening is all about jazz. And if there is a sporting event you want to see, they are more than happy to show it on their screens.

If you would like to be a part of this feature or suggest a SHOUT OUT, click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!

And be sure to check out our suites at CasaDeLosViajeros.com

Shout Out: Tigres!

04. September 2018 · Comments Off · Categories: Beach Reads The Blog, Shout Outs · Tags: Tigres

This week’s SHOUT OUT goes to The Tigres de Quintana Roo. The great Yogi Berra once said, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.” And we can think of no better way than to spend a warm evening watching the Tigres de Quintana Roo and having a few cold beers in Cancun. If you haven’t been to a game yet, we highly recommend it. The tickets are inexpensive, easy to get, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The Tigres de Quintana Roo are a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team that play in Cancun. The team is part of the “Zona Sur” (Southern Division) of the Mexican Baseball League and are owned by Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. The Tigres won the Mexican League championship in their inaugural season and were dubbed: “El equipo que nació campeón” (The team that was born as champions); unfortunately, they have not had as much success in recent years, but we are looking forward to the 2019 season.

PUERTO MORELOS VACATION RENTALS: Contact us today!

Local Tip: Get a guy!

The ball is fun to watch, but just being in the stands is an experience. There is always a lot of excitement going on. The music is loud. Hawkers walk up and down the aisles selling everything! Food and drink of course, but also unusual souvenirs and noisemakers. There is a Tiger mascot who has loads of personality, and they even have cheerleaders with energetic, if not necessarily synchronized dance moves.

The best part is that once you find your seat, you never have to leave it to get a drink or snack. When you first sit down, you will be offered something to eat or drink by a man in the stands. He is now “your guy” for the evening. He will run back and forth to get you whatever you want. Beer, tacos, popcorn…. you name it! You don’t have to miss a minute of the game. At the end of the game, he will present “la cuenta” before you leave. At that time you pay him for your food and drinks along with a nice tip for all of his running back and forth. It is a very civilized arrangement.

Even if you did not like baseball, you could go to a game just for the food. You can get pretty much anything from ballpark classics like hot dogs and cotton candy to more Mexican favourites like tacos al pastor.

The Tigres de Quintana Roo’s season runs from April to September. You can find the schedule below for the 2019 season.

And you can buy tickets online here or at the ticket booth at the stadium in Cancun.

The Tigres play at “Estadio de Beisbol Beto Ávila“ which is near Costco and the downtown Wal-Mart. You can take the ADO bus to and from the game, just keep an eye on the time at the ballyard to ensure you don’t miss the last bus back to Puerto Morelos. Eat, drink and enjoy watching the Tigres de Quintana Roo.

This is a new feature where we will send a SHOUT OUT to one of our local businesses, people or hints that could improve your time in Puerto Morelos. If you would like to be a part of this feature click here to find out how you can join in on the fun!