Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : Restaurants/Bars, Events

Notes on Napkins - Dangerous Liason in Puerto Morelos?

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:03:00 GMT

Stop the presses!! Breaking culinary news out of Puerto Morelos!!

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Entrepreneur Catriona Brown (The Little Mexican Cooking School and Casa Caribe B&B) and Chef John Gray (John Gray's Kitchen and John Gray's Merida) are partnering up in May this year! They both have independently pioneered successful new ventures in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and are great promoters of the region garnering international and national recognition. Both Catriona Brown and John Gray are people watched by locals in the region who are never sure what they will do next.

It was announced today that John Gray will be teaching class for the first time at The Little Mexican Cooking School on Tuesdays commencing May 2nd for 4 classes only. "I am excited to be able to share my passion for authentic Mexican food and to demonstrate how these flavours can be used at home" Gray said while designing the new menu for the school on the breezy, tropical terrace of Casa Caribe in Puerto Morelos.

Brown says " I am delighted to be working with John Gray. I have always respected his passion for presenting the best to his clients." Brown opened The Little Mexican Cooking School in 2009 when it quickly rose to number 1 attraction on the Yucatan Peninsula and it has continually presented entertaining and educational classes in authentic Mexican cuisine to curious travelers.

Also announced was that for Sunday, Mothers Day May 12th, John Gray has added his touch to the already great Brunch menu at Casa Caribe. "This will be our last Sunday Brunch until November and we will look forward to seeing all our friends and visitors for a great fun day in celebration of all our wonderful Mothers".

Sunday Brunch at Casa Caribe in Puerto Morelos quickly became a tradition in the region when it opened two years ago, with two different chefs from The Little Mexican Cooking School serving up wonderful Eggs Benedict as well as Mexican specials and Berry Crepes. Now John Gray adds his touch promising a great Brunch. The lovely outdoor terrace provides an elegant location for the gathering of friends before relaxing on the beautiful Puerto Morelos beach.

When asked about future business planned together Brown said " We have some ideas!" As we said, people to watch.

Reservations for Brunch May 12th , 9am - 1pm, can be made direct to the hotel info@casacaribepuertomorelos.com or 998 251 8060. A map to the location can be found on the website http://www.casacaribepuertomorelos.com. Bookings taken for 4 or more people.

Reservations for John Gray's classes at The Little Mexican Cooking School can be made through the live calendar on the website http://www.thelittlemexicancookingschool.com, seats limited.

Wine Pairing Dinner to Raise Funds for Rotary Projects

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:24:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside Chapter is holding a fabulous fundraising Wine and Food event on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 7:00pm at Casa del Agua Restaurant Roof Garden located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 2. The event is organized by Playa's new English speaking Rotary Club and is open to the public.

Funds raised from this exciting event will go towards providing computers, scholastic programs and educational materials for disadvantaged children in Playa del Carmen. More information about this important Rotary Club initiative can be found HERE.

The menu will consist of 4 courses each served with a wine specially selected to accompany the dish:

Hacha Scallops served with Ardeche Chardonnay
Norwegian Salmon with Quinoa-seed Risotto with Punti Ferrer Sauvignon Blanc
Portobello Mushrooms on Bread with Goat Cheese & Mushroom Mousse with Black Truffle Oil, served with a Clasico Malbec
Short Ribs marinated in Dark Beer, Garlic and Red Wine with Ikus Cabernet Sauvignon.

The cost is $400MX per person and the proceeds will go to support ongoing projects of the Playa del Carmen Rotary Club Seaside Chapter.

Please contact Trish Youngstrum pyoungstrum[at]gmail.com or Adriana Vela letstalk.listings[at]gmail.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended.

This promises to be a night of great food, great wine and great fun - We look forward to seeing you there!

Super Bowl XLVII on the Beach at Lol Ha Akumal

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Super Bowl Sunday, like Mother's Day, New Years Eve and Valentine's Day is kind of a sh@t-show in most restaurants. Owners and managers, knowing they have a captive audience at their mercy, try to maximize profits where ever possible. Usually that includes adding seats without adding extra staff to properly cover them and stripping the menu back to a fixed selection of items with the lowest food and labor cost. Others create a whole new menu of ambitious dishes that the kitchen staff is unfamiliar with and unable to put out consistently and in a timely manner. For this reason, and having spent a few years in the restaurant business, I have learned to take these celebratory meals either a day before of after the actual holiday to avoid the hassle and the inevitable disappointment. As it is impossible to postpone one's Super Bowl festivities, we made a reservation at Lol Ha in Akumal. Imagine my surprise when the food and service at Lol Ha were not just up to par but actually well exceeded their usually high standards!

This is our 8th Super Bowl in Mexico but our first in Akumal. Our team, the New York Giants, didn't make it in this year so, without any skin in the game, we really just wanted to be somewhere nice with good food, where we could sit comfortably and enjoy the evening. As Rob and I are still meat-free and not really drinking much anymore, the all-you-can-eat buffet and cheap beer offerings did not really appeal this year and I was left with the task of finding a more suitable venue. Lol Ha has always been a favorite stop for lunch so when I found out that their Superbowl party was a big deal in Akumal, I thought we would give it a go this year. Luckily, Laura and Sam were able to wrangle a table for us in front of the big screen, outside of the south palapa.

Of course, tables and chairs has been added and rearranged to accommodate as many people as possible but in no way did we feel jammed in. The servers had plenty of space to dash about and maneuver between guests to drop and clear plates and glasses. The regular menu was in place with all items available. I don't know how many cooks they had behind the line but the speed in which our food arrived was amazing. As we were there for several hours enjoying the game, we kind of ordered in drips and drabs as we got hungry. It was pretty cold that evening and I must have ordered at least 5 cups of hot tea (quite a party animal, right) to make it through the game and at no time did I have to look around for our server, Jesus.

On any given day, the food and service at Lol Ha is excellent. On this evening it was exceptional and much appreciated. Hats off to Laura and Sam for getting it right and to Jesus for great service with a smile!

Notes on Napkins - Breakfast is Served at Co.Cos Cocina!!

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Coty Villareal has made a quite a splash in our culinary community since beginning her top notch cooking classes to Playa del Carmen. This week Coty invited her friends and supporters for an Open House to inaugurate the new "Breakfast and Deli" at Co.Cos Cocina Cosmopolita where she will be serving breakfast and lunch. The casual bistro dining space is set up in front of the cooking "theatre", spilling out onto the covered terrace surrounding the impressive Aldea Thai complex.

If you haven't participated in one of Coty's cooking classes, I highly recommend you do so. Those of you who have enjoyed her classes already and love her cuisine will be happy to know that Co.Cos will now be open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

For the Open House, Coty and her team set out some light fare to give us all a small taste of what we can expect from her deli lunch menu. Everything was fresh and full of flavor and the prices are very reasonable. I see no reason why this new aspect to her already booming business should not be an overwhelming success!

Chicken Caesar Sandwich on whole grain bread with Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing

Marinated Tuna on freshly grilled bread with cucumber, avocado, sprouts and mango-mint sauce

Sopa de Limon

Shrimp Salad with jicama, avocado, mango and tamarind dressing

Co.Cos Cocina Cosmopolita is located on Avenida Cozumel in the Aldea Thai resort complex in Playa del Carmen. For more information about the new cafe, the cooking school or catering services you can contact Coty at info@cookinplaya.com or 984-803-0743.

I moved to Mexico with my family in 2004 with the hope of offering our children a more global education and world view. Since then, we have traveled through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, gathering friends and life experiences and learning a lot about ourselves along the way. When we are not out and about exploring, Rob and I own and operate BuyPlaya, a Playa del Carmen real estate company and FurnitureMex. "Life's a Beach" is a catch-all blog where you may find anything from restaurant reviews, to recipes, gardening tips, commentary about expat daily life, local events, information about moving to Mexico and educating children in Playa del Carmen. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

UNO to Go! Celebrates with a Grand Inaugural Party!

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:19:00 GMT

Friday night, Susan de Lima and her team opened the doors of UNO to Go for their long awaited Grand Inauguration Party. Her chic UNO sign could be seen for blocks on all sides, lighting up the Colosio at the new gourmet deli on 5th and 48th, a new base of operations UNO Events & Catering. Nearly 100 people turned up to check out Susan's latest endeavor and to celebrate the success of a friend and fellow expat! Cameras were flashing everywhere as guests mingled and chatted and enjoyed the menu offerings for the evening paired with hand selected wines.

Rob and I have always been a big fan of Susan's catering and personal Chef services. It is so nice to know you have someone as professional and creative as Susan and her Chefs to recommend to our friends and customers. We can always rest assured that we will hear rave reviews about her food and event planning services! As a matter of fact, a few people who we have referred to Susan over the years were in attendance on Friday night, lined up to congratulate her in person.

Susan had a chance to show off some of her most popular hors d'oevres as well as a few of her new culinary creations. There was a little something for everyone, including the considerable number of vegetarians and vegans in the group. It was all delicious and really showcased the fresh healthy cuisine that Susan is known for. Inside, the cold case was stocked up with perfectly seared sesame tuna, quiche, vegetarian calzones, fresh crisp salads, a large variety of dips and sauces and Susan's own gourmet aguas frescas.

A small sign in the deli case announced the services of a certified holistic nutritional planner and eating plans. Each meal will come with a complete nutritional analysis and be prepared by Susan and her Chefs in the UNO To Go kitchen on a daily basis or as needed. As Playa del Carmen grows, it seems more and more people arrive who are diabetic or suffer with food allergies or gluten sensitivities. There are others who are looking for guidance with a weight loss plan or require meals to support an established weight loss plan like WeightWatchers. This nutritional counseling is going to be a great resource and UNO to Go makes it all manageable!

What kinds of cuisine can you expect to find at UNO To Go? Asian, Mexican, Indian, Italian, Caribbean, Vegetarian, Vegan and meals to accommodate special dietary needs.

When will UNO To Go be open? Monday - Saturday from 1pm - 5pm. Following the current food truck trend, a certain amount of meals will be created every day. When they're gone, they're gone so don't wait until the last minute if you are hoping to grab dinner to go!

Where is UNO To Go located? The new shop is located on 5th Avenue and 48th street. A word to the wise: Drivers may no longer turn north onto 5th Avenue from CTM. You must head north on 10th and swing back down to 5th at Calle 50. There is plenty of on-street parking near the new store.

How will you find out what is on the UNO To GO daily menu? The daily menu is announced via email and various social media channels, so be sure to follow UNO To Go on Facebook!

If you would like to make a special menu request or would like to inquire about chef/catering services, call Susan at 984 129 8902 or shoot her an email at susan@unoevents.com. UNO Events & Catering will also be a participant at Taste of Playa 2012 so be sure to stop by their table and say "hola"!

Diamonds International Taste of Playa Announces Participants for 2012 Culinary Event

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:39:00 GMT

Diamonds International^TM Taste of Playa's Executive Committee announces their participating restaurants and bars for the 4th annual event to be held on November 18, 2012 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

"We are very grateful to our repeat and new participants for helping us to make this event possible," Stated Armando Elizalde, Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee. "We are delighted with the response we have had from the food and beverage community of the Riviera Maya" he added.

The participants of the 4th annual Diamonds International^TM Taste of Playa are:

Kartabar, Mahekal Beach Resort, Chez Celine, Curry Omm, Karma Bagels, Canibal Royal, Los Aguachiles, Diablito Cha Cha Cha, Fusion, La Mission, La Rana Cansada, Dirty Martini Lounge, Tequila Barrel, Tropical, Sapori di Casa, Zenzi, Ula Gula, La Casa del Agua, Pachamama, Co.Cos Breakfast & Deli, Uno Events & Catering, Cocotte Cita, Luna Maya, El Puerto, Java, Madre Tierra, Wah Wah Beach Bar, Wicky's, Mr. Chile, Elemento Ecofriendly Restaurant, Catering Tina, Ziggy Beach, La Exquisita de la 38, Babes Noodles & Bar, PDC smoked meats and more, Raices, Off the Vine, La Bodeguita del Medio, Blue Lobster, Turtle Bay Cafe.

The Executive Committee would like to thank all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers that help make this event so successful every year. See our participant's page with links to their websites: http://www.tasteofplaya.com/restaurants/restaurants-2012.html

Sunday Kids Art Club! NEW at Zenzi Beach Club

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 22:03:00 GMT

The Riviera Maya just keeps getting more and more "family friendly". As a Mom, I can't tell how pleased I am to have so many great options for kids sports and activities in Playa del Carmen. Now Zenzi Beach Club is offering an entertainment for kids during their popular Sunday BBQ!

The adorable Miss Sarah Kenyon will be channeling her creative talents into a Sunday Kids Art Club. Sarah is proving all materials and will be on hand every Sunday from 2pm - 4pm to guide your budding Morisot's and Monet's toward their artistic dreams. The cost is just 50 pesos per child!

The club is open to Playa kids and visitors alike and should make for a great opportunity to meet new friends! So come on down to Zenzi Beach Club and sink your toes into the sand while your kids enrich their minds and have some fun.

Zenzi Beach Club is located on Calle 10 on the beach.

Diamonds International® Title Sponsor for Taste of Playa 2012

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:49:00 GMT

Taste of Playa's Executive Committee is very pleased to announce that Diamonds International® has signed up as Taste of Playa's title sponsor for the second year in a row. Diamonds International® Taste of Playa will be held on November 18, 2012 in Parque Fundadores at downtown Playa del Carmen, on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.

With more than 125 locations in the Caribbean, Mexico and United States, Diamonds International®, is the largest duty free jeweler in the world. Renowned for their top-caliber customer service, extensive selection of quality merchandise and value pricing, Diamonds International® has pioneered the art of duty free shopping in the Caribbean and online.

Diamonds International® offers a wonderful selection of classic, fashionable and modern fine jewelry from some of the most sought after designers in the world, all crafted by master jewelers who understand the true meaning of quality. With customers from around the world, Diamonds International® provides the finest jewelry brands to satisfy their wide range of trends, tastes and prices. Diamonds International® understands that jewelry is an expression of the person wearing it.

"We are very pleased that Diamonds International® is willing to participate as title sponsor for the second year in a row." said Armando Elizalde, Marketing Co-Chair. "Diamonds International® is at the top of the fine jewelry world. Their brand is positioned as a synonym of high quality and service; we know that their sponsorship will continue to contribute to our vision of Taste of Playa as an international destination event. We are very proud and honored to present Diamonds International® Taste of Playa 2012."

Diamonds International® Taste of Playa will offer residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines from 40 different restaurant and bar participants from all along the Riviera Maya. In its fourth year, 7500 people are anticipated to attend this day-long event.

Diamonds International® Taste of Playa is a community-oriented culinary event celebrating the creativity and diverse cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event is open to the public with "Playa Pesos" and VIP passes available for sale on the official event website http://www.tasteofplaya.com

Fundraiser for Otoch Paal Montessori School in Akumal

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:01:00 GMT

Saturday Aug. 11, 2012 Tiramisu Restaurant in Puerto Aventuras will host a fundraising dinner and evening of entertainment to support the Otoch Paal Montessori School in Akumal. Cocktails will begin at 7:15 pm with dinner and entertainment starting at 8:00 pm.

Please come along to this very worthy cause. The Otoch Paal Montesorri School is a wonderful facility offering a very high level of learning to all local children. Otoch Paal is a community school financed by donations and parent work-share which provides the children of Akumal and surrounding communities with a solid education based on the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Funds raised from this event will go toward building desperately needed new classrooms. Tours of the school are available upon request. Please contact the Otoch Paal Parents Committee through their Facebook page for more information.

Ticket holders are welcomed to enjoy a buffet including four different lasagnas, bruschetta, garlic bread and beverages (wine, beer and soft drinks).

2 x 1 Margaritas will also be available ($75 pesos for two). Tiramisu will generously extend the 10% local resident discount on all menu items, including desserts and drinks for those who would like to order something from the regular menu. (Cash sales only, please.)

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy a selection of traditional songs and Mexican dances performed by the students of Otoch Paal followed by a family-friendly comedy show featuring Tony Gabriel performing as the Mexican recording star and winner of 13 Grammy Awards, Juan Gabriel, el Divo de Juarez. You will spend an unforgettable night listening to the greatest hits of the "Mexican Sinatra" and entertainment from other special guests!

Tickets are available through the Otoch Paal Parents Committee and at Tiramisu in Puerto Aventuras. The cost is $400 mn for adults and $200 mn for children ages 11 and under. Cash donations through the website www.otochpaalakumalmontessori.org are welcomed and tax deductible!

Tiramisu is one of the original restaurants on the dolphin marina and is constantly rated one of the best restaurants in Puerto Aventuras on Trip Advisor. Enter Puerto Aventuras Village and follow the signs for the Golf Course. Restaurant Tiramisu is across the road from the Golf Course parking lot. Follow the small path to the dolphin marina and the restaurant is on your left.

Diamonds International Taste of Playa 2012 VIP Passes are Now Available!

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 15:49:00 GMT

Limited release all-inclusive VIP Passes and discounted Taste of Playa "Pesos" are now available for Diamonds International Taste of Playa 2012 through advance purchase online at http://www.tasteofplaya.com. Diamonds International Taste of Playa is a community-oriented culinary event that celebrates the creativity and diverse cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. Diamonds International Taste of Playa 2012 will take place on November 18 in Playa del Carmen's Parque Fundadores. The event is open to the public and proceeds will go to a food education program initiated by the Rotary Club in Playa del Carmen that will directly benefit the children and families of the Riviera Maya.

40 area restaurants, bars and specialty food retailers will participate in the daylong festival, which celebrates the cultural diversity and culinary traditions that have helped make the Riviera Maya one of the top travel destinations in the world. Last year's premiere event was so successful that organizers anticipate attendance to more than double this year, and VIP Passes are expected to sell out quickly. The passes, which cost $40 US, give holders early entrance to the event where they can mingle with the chefs and be the first to sample the signature dishes. VIP Pass holders will also have access to the exclusive VIP lounge, a comfortable seating area reserved especially for them.

"All of the VIP Passes sold out well in advance at last year’s event and we anticipate that the VIP Passes will again be in high demand for Diamonds International Taste of Playa 2012," said Executive Committee Chairperson Monica Hartlief, "This year, we want to make sure everyone who wants a pass has a chance to purchase one ... but don't wait too long, because there are only a limited number of VIP Passes for sale."

Taste of Playa "Pesos" will be available for sale in advance and at the event. To purchase your "Pesos" and VIP Passes, or for more information about the festival and its participants and corporate sponsors, visit http://www.tasteofplaya.com.

Date Set for 4th Annual Taste of Playa International Culinary Event

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Great news from the Executive Committee for Taste of Playa! The first official press release for the 2012 culinary event has been distributed and we are thrilled to share the information with our readers and fellow foodies across the globe! For the fourth year running, BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors will be a corporate sponsor for this much anticipated community event. If you haven't attended one of the previous Taste of Playa festivals, take a peak at what you have been missing!

Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico - May 14th, 2012 - Taste of Playa, 2012 is proud to announce its fourth annual culinary event for Sunday November 18, 2012. Taste of Playa, a premier international event, will be held at Parque Fundadores, between “La Quinta Avenida” and the beach in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Taste of Playa offers locals and visitors a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of contemporary and traditional Mexican cuisine samples, created within the region. Distinctive restaurants from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya will prepare and present their gastronomic tastes.

“We are thrilled to have the support and commitment from many of our 2011 participants and corporate sponsors.” – Stated Tracy Redwood, This year’s marketing committee Co-Chair.

“Diamonds International is very proud to have been the ‘Title Sponsor for Taste of Playa 2011’- the event was truly amazing! The organization was excellent, the weather perfect and the food was the best – It was a great opportunity for Diamonds International and we look forward to Taste of Playa 2012” Said Lilia Gordian, Marketing Manager of Diamonds International.

Originally launched in 2009, Taste of Playa has gone from 25 restaurants and beverage providers, to over 40. Taste of Playa’s increasing popularity is expected to draw over 7,500 visitors in 2012.

Taste of Playa is organized by a Committee consisting of eight (8) local business owners in Playa del Carmen. The committee’s goal for Taste of Playa is to help develop and sustain community programs that will have a positive effect on the residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

Taste of Playa is a community-oriented culinary event that is open to the public and relies on partners and sponsors for financial support. Online sales of Taste of Playa ‘pesos’ and VIP passes start on July the 15th through the event website; and Taste of Playa ‘pesos’ can be purchased on the day of the event, which runs from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM. For more information, please visit http://www.tasteofplaya.com. You can also find updates on http://www.facebook.com/tasteofplaya and http://www.twitter.com/tasteofplaya.

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Media Contact:
Tracy Redwood, Co-Chair Marketing Committee
marketing@tasteofplaya.com
www.tasteofplaya.com

(+52)1-984-143-21-95 – Playa Del Carmen

Viceroy Riviera Maya Invites You To FLY FREE!

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:06:00 GMT

After our amazing evening enjoying the Chef's Table Dining Experience at this elegant beachfront resort, we just had to pass along this offer to all our loyal "LIfe's a Beach" readers!

Spend four heavenly days vacationing at the Viceroy Riviera Maya and the resort will pick up your airfare!

The all-villa Viceroy Riviera Maya's "Fly Free" program offers reimbursement of air tickets for up to three guests, the maximum occupancy in one villa, when you stay at least four nights. The reimbursement per villa ranges from $9,600 pesos to $42,000 pesos, depending on the season and the villa category you book.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a serene hideaway of sugary-white sands lapped by the warm Caribbean and a jungle ambiance of ferns, palms and guava trees. The resort merges every luxury amenity with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination. All 41 villas feature a private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling, thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. Guests enjoy fine dining on the sea-view loft of La Marea, Mexican-Mediterranean fare at beach-side Coral Grill, and state-of-the-art workout equipment in the fitness center. The resort has its own pier where guests can sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions. The six-acre resort is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula 40 miles south of Cancun International Airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen, known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife.

"Travelers are looking for more value today and our Fly Free program is an irresistible incentive," said General Manager Pedro Lara.

Fly Free is offered for stays now through December 19, 2012. Guests buy their own airfare and then at check-in present their receipt. The resort will apply the ticket amount, up to the maximum allowance for their villa category, as a credit to the bill. The credit may be applied towards food and beverage and spa services, but not the gift shop, spa retail or outside activities. The offer is subject to availability and blackout dates, and cannot be combined with other promotions, offers or packages. It does not apply to group or corporate contracts.

For more information and reservations, contact Viceroy Riviera Maya at 984-877-3000/ 01 800-012-3569 or reservations@viceroyrivieramaya.com.

Viceroy Riviera Maya's sister property in Mexico, Viceroy Zihuatanejo, is also offering a Fly Free program. For more information and reservations, contact Viceroy Zihuatanejo at 755-555-5500 or vz.info@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

Taste the Wines of Chile in Puerto Morelos

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:11:00 GMT

Tonight in Puerto Morelos, Casa Caribe and Tulipanes will present their last wine tasting event for the season featuring a selection of Chilean wines. The Vines will once again be providing us the opportunity of tasting a selection of wines from Quintay of the Maipo Valley Chile where the renowned Casablanca and Leyda sub-growing regions are situated. Guests will be tasting a nice selection of their wines including their Carmenere - Chile’s own signature grape.

This red varietal disappeared from European vineyards in the mid-19th century and reappeared among Chile’s Merlot vines a hundred years later. Today over 8800 hectares of Carmenere are planted in vineyards all across Chile. The deepest, darkest, purplest of all red grapes. Enjoy it with red meats and corn-based dishes, such as Chile’s favorite pastel de choclo (corn and meat pie), or take advantage of its natural fruity-spiciness and serve it up with Indian curry or a Mexican mole.

Chef Pablo Espinosa from The Little Mexican Cooking School will be serving appetizers: brown mushrooms with stewed tomatoes, olives and cloves and a cilantro chimmichurri; tuna tartare with avocado salad and chipotle dressing and sea scallops with corn cream sauce and green bell peppers.

Please call for reservations at 998 251-8060 or cat@puertomorelosliving.com.

Wah Wah Beach Bar to Open in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:53:00 GMT

Today is the day! After months of planning, construction and much anticipation Wah Wah Beach Bar in Playa del Carmen will welcome friends both near and far under its giant palapa on the beach, just south of calle 2 on the site of the old Cabanas Las Ruinas.

Wah Wah was conceived and created by Kim and J.J. Johnston and will be the new home to Playa del Carmen's beloved Nasty Bastards Band and the Jam Session Combo, two bands that have risen to the top of the Riviera Maya music scene, entertaining locals and visitors from across the globe. This exciting new venue will have live music Thursday through Sunday on the 70 sqmt stage and will welcome guest bands and performers from the United States and Canada.

The opening festivities will kick off today at 4pm with The Nasty Bastards Band taking the stage from 6-10pm.

On Sunday, February 5th, Wah Wah will host the biggest Superbowl Party in Playa del Carmen with music from the irreverent Chris Bolister and Blues musician Brent Parkin starting at noon. The game will be telecast LIVE on several screens including Wah Wah's 20' x 25' high definition projection TV screen, reported to be the largest on the Riviera Maya. The kitchen will be open and feature Smokin' John's signature smoked meats and BBQ. We are looking forward to the house made gourmet pizzas that will come out of the new handcrafted pizza oven.

If you like to hang out in the sun, drink cold beer, eat good food and listen to good music in a family friendly atmosphere, Wah Wah is going to be the place for you! We will be there tonight to christen the new bar. Stay tuned for an update with pictures!

Wah Wah!!!!

Got Turkey? Thanksgiving 2011 on the Riviera Maya

Rob Kinnon — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:11:00 GMT

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States and if you are an American expat living on the Riviera Maya or perhaps just here for a visit, you will be looking for a place to strap on the holiday feedbag and enjoy some good traditional Thanksgiving fare!

Here are a few options you may enjoy!

Our friends at Wicky's fave a fabulous feast planned for Thanksgiving this year. If you happen to be in Playa del Carmen for Thanksgiving this year, Wicky's Restaurant and Beach Bar will be the place to find moist roast turkey with all the traditional fixin's. Great food...with a view!

Fusion Beach Bar and Grill is the place to celebrate Thanksgiving on the beach.

A special "turkey dish", live music, drink specials, the famous fire show and belly dancer will be featured at this Thanksgiving event.

Fusion is located on the beach at Calle 6 in Playa del Carmen.

OM Tulum will be serving Thanksgiving Dinner this year. Reservations are required. info@omtulum.com.

Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal will be serving up a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with some traditional items and a few dishes that are destined to become new favorites!

Turtle Bay Thanksgiving Antipasto Platter
Wild Rice Soup with Maple Syrup
Roasted Turkey "Pibil" with French Bread Stuffing
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Slow-Cooked Green Beans
Honey Apple Glazed Carrots
Corn Pudding
Cranberry Mandarin Orange Relish

Your choice of dessert:
Traditional Pumpkin Pie with Fresh Whipped Cream
Apple-Cranberry Cobbler
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Everything-but-Bread Pudding with Sweet Cream

Dinner includes two glasses of red or white wine

There will be two dinner seatings for Thanksgiving Dinner, at 5pm and 7:30pm.

$395 pesos per adult, $150 pesos for children
Reservations Suggested 984-875-9138 or 984-151-9522
or via email turtlebaycafe@gmail.com

Bad Boys Beach Bar will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Day Pot Luck on November 24. The buffet will begin at 3:00 pm. Cowboy John will be smoking the turkeys onsite!

Cost is $150 pesos per person or bring a side dish to share and eat for free.

As always, J.J. and the Nasty Bastards will entertain the crowds and get you up and dancing from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Manne and Susie at Manne's Biergarten never disappoint and have always served up some of the best food in Playa del Carmen. This Thanksgiving Dinner is certainly going to be fabulous!

$180 mn per person. Serving from 5:50pm until 10:00pm.
Reservations strongly recommended 984-133-4484 or 984-876-5363.
Manne's is located on Calle 4 between Avenidas 10 and 15.

On Thursday November 24, Tirami...su Restaurant in Puerto Aventuras is offering a fabulous Thanksgiving meal. If you were lucky enough to make it over to Donna's table at Taste of Playa you know how good this is going to be!

Rosemary Roasted Turkey
Savory Sage Dressing
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Giblet Gravy
Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Sautéed Green Beans
Homemade Cranberry Mango Sauce
Caribbean Corn Bread
Homemade Pumpkin or Apple Pie

Tirami...su is located on the main marina in Puerto Aventuras.
250 pesos per person, $150 pesos for kids under 10.
Reservations Recommended (984) 873 5654 or donna[at]tiramisumex[dot]com

For something different celebrate "El Dia de Accion de Gracias" at Luna Maya! The Chef is putting a Yucatecan slant on the traditional Thanksgiving Day offerings with Pavo Relleno and Pay de Calabaza. This four course gourmet dinner with a special welcome cocktail will be $33 usd per person.

For Reservations: ventas@lunamaya.mx or call 984-151-2724

Ricardo at Off the Vine always knows how to put out a great spread so his Thanksgiving feast is sure to be delicious!

Oven roasted turkey with all the traditional sides paired with wines from around the world!

Dinner will be served at 8:00pm. Reservations recommended. 984-803-5244.

On Saturday November 26th, Lol-Ha Restaurant will be hosting a fun Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner-Dance in its palapa on the beach in Akumal! I can't think of a more beautiful place to spend the holiday weekend!

The festivities will be from 7pm - 11pm. Music by DJ Bob.