Search results matching tag 'Restaurants/Bars'

Kinnon Family Trip Report 2013 - PUJOL

435836 — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

One of the things that first attracted me to Rob when I was first dating him was his interest and appreciation of good food, good wine and quality spirits. At the time, I was selling wine for a very nice importer/distributor so we always had plenty of great wine on hand to pair with delicious food with my favorite restaurant accounts! Throughout our almost 15 years together, and especially during our travels, we have always enjoyed seeking out not just the best restaurants but also the best representations of regional food and drink. We are both adventurous eaters and up for trying anything and everything.

About three years ago, Rob decided to get serious about losing the weight we had packed onto him over a decade of unbridled dining. A year and a half ago, we both made the choice to go pescaterian, cutting out all beef, chicken and pork. Throughout the process, he has lost over 150 pounds and his cardiologist refers to him as his dream patient....almost....we still have those cigarettes to conquer.

So, we look good and feel good. But what about our beloved dining adventures? What about all those fabulous tasting menus with perfectly seared fois gras and unctuous pork belly. What about the translucent strips of carpaccio and sizzling bones oozing with marrow? Would we need to eschew our culinary capers in order to stay on the healthy straight and narrow? Not really. While we have chosen a meat-free path it doesn't mean our palates need to suffer for it! What we have found is that the better restaurants and the more innovative chefs seem to be leaning in the same direction we are. It seems that more and more often, menu options feature wild fish and shellfish or are meat-free altogether so we don't feel like we are missing out at all! Such was the case when we visited Pujol in Mexico City.

Rated the top restaurant in the city, #1 in the country and recently rising to the rank of #17 on the San Perregrino list of the best restaurants in the world, Pujol came up time and time again in my research and again when I took my search to the court of public opinion on Facebook. More than a few of my trusted foodie friends told me that a trip to Pujol was a must if we were planning to fine in Mexico City. The only problem? We would be dining with the kids. Did I want to spend 100 usd a head on a meal that they may not appreciate or even enjoy?

Yes. Yes I do!

Our taxi river had never heard of Pujol and even with the complete street address he had trouble finding the small modern building that houses the restaurant. The sleek facade is unassuming, save the smartly dressed valets out front who came running to greet us. Inside, we were ushered past a small bar into a dimly lit, low ceilinged dining room. It was much smaller than I had expected, about the size of a gentlemen-only lounge at a country club. The walls are painted a charcoal gray. Stretched along one wall is a row of banquet seating. The rest of the room is dotted with stand alone white table-clothed tables, each lit from above a singular spot light creating dining "islands" for each party. It was sleek and elegant and comfortably cosmopolitan!

At the time of our visit, there were two dining options: Chef Enrique Olvera's ten course tasting menu and a prix fixe four course menu with several options for each course. Not wanting the kids to sit through a 2 1/2 hour meal, we chose the prix fixe option (890 mn p/p) which also allowed me to help Cole (our less adventurous eater) to find things he might like. Cat was, of course, thrilled to be there and quickly had all the servers fawning all over her suggesting elegant "mocktails" and menu selections that she might enjoy.

Rob and I stuck to the vegetarian and seafood options while the kids had some meat sprinkled into their meals. In this atmosphere, I did feel a little self-conscious even though I was only using the camera on my iphone. I don't think I got pictures of everything but this should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect at Pujol.

The first amuse bouche - paper-thin discs of avocado sandwiching chia seeds and served with a warm savory corn "tea".

Salsa

Sal

Cat enjoying her mocktail!

The second amuse bouche - a play on a popular Mexican street food - Roasted baby corn with mayonnaise and chile served out of a smoking gourd.

Sea bass ceviche taco with black bean purée and crispy fish skin, served on a corn tortilla laminated with "hoja santa".

Watercress salad with nopales and goat cheese.

Fried frog's legs with chayote slaw, dollops of cauliflower purée, and a poblano chili paste.

Herbed butter

Fresh baked bread.

Champagne for me!

Cole really enjoyed the Yucatecan "lechon" with shaved cauliflower, green olives and three sauces; almond, raisin-cumin mole, and tamarind.

Fluffy fried tortilla encasing a soft-boiled egg, roasted salsa, and puréed beans.

Guava ice cream.

The "Piñata"! A clear sugar sphere filled with orange supreme, guava cream, meringue and peanut cookie crumble.

Fresh fruits with artisanal cheeses and raw organic honey.

Chocolate mousse flavored with Xtabentún and topped with an orange creme.

I've read a couple of reviews on TA since we returned from our trip and many of them call out the waitstaff as pretentious and impatient. Others claimed their service was overly intrusive. Some called it "odd". I found just the opposite. Despite the fact that we were the only foreigners in the restaurant, we were clearly under-dressed and two of our party were under the age of 12, I found our service to be spot on. The courses were timed properly and served at the correct temperature. We were never left with empty drinks or plates. Silverware was replaced...never simply set aside for the next course. Napkins were promptly refolded during trips to the restroom. It all worked like a well-oiled machine. Everyone was smiley and nice, especially to our children.

My only complaint is that I would like like to have had a beverage - wine, mezcal, champagne, agua fresca - something thoughtfully paired with each course. I'm not talking about a full pour, just a little something that the Chef has chosen to best accompany each offering. I would have been happy to pay an additional charge for this option rather than having to choose for myself from their extensive beverage menu. Otherwise, I very much enjoyed my food and my dining experience. The food was well conceived and perfectly executed. With two starters sent out to warm up our palates and the complimentary deserts, I feel like the price was well justified. Best of all, it tasted good! Rob and I are definitely looking forward to trying the full tasting menu the next time we have an opportunity to be in Mexico City on our own. (Shhh. Don't tell Cat.)

Notes on Napkins - Dangerous Liason in Puerto Morelos?

435836 — 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

435836 — 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!

Wordless Wednesday - Mariscos

435836 — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:03:00 GMT

Super Bowl XLVII on the Beach at Lol Ha Akumal

435836 — 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!

A Boat Trip Through Muyil into the Sian Ka'an

435836 — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

"Mommy, I wanna be a real estate agent when I grow up" - said no five year old child ever!!!

It's true. Children dream of being princesses and firemen, veterinarians and astronauts, musicians and ballerinas. They do not dream of being real estate agents. That just...happens. It's not a bad career, of course. If you are good at it, it can be remarkably lucrative and satisfying. It's just nobody's lifetime ambition.

But, if you find that you have stumbled into the world of real estate, there can be no finer place to do it than in Playa del Carmen. You get to fulfill people dreams everyday and you sure can't beat the view. Most days it's all luxury condos and golf course villas but every once in a while, the job takes us on an adventure.

Take a look at a day in our life!

Check out my video of our lancha moving through the channels cut through the mangrove by the ancient Maya.

So, that about wraps up the work day.

What's the view like from your desk?

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+.

Notes on Napkins - A New Website for Playa Foodies!

435836 — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Taking the time to enjoy local cuisine on your vacation gives you a greater understanding and appreciation for the culture of the country you're visiting. Food is one of the best ways for people to interact across cultural divides and discover a commonality. The Riviera Maya is unique to other destinations in Mexico in that its cuisine is a cacophony of flavors and ingredients brought in from all across Mexico and from around the globe. Here you can find everything from Yucatecan cochinita pibil to Oaxacan mole to Venezuelan arepas, Indian tika masala, Italian pizza, Spanish tapas, crepes, thai, sushi, and more!

How will you decide where to eat? How will you know what and where all the choices are? A new website will help you navigate through the culinary cornucopia that Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya has to offer. On Playa Food can search alphabetically, by price, cuisine and location. You can find the restaurant on a map and even leave a rating and a review to help future diners! Check it out at http://www.PlayaFood.com.

Wordless Wednesday - Shrimp Tacos

435836 — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:10:00 GMT

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

435836 — 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.

UNO to Go! Celebrates with a Grand Inaugural Party!

435836 — 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"!