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Season Bistro

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

by Monica Hartlief

As you might have noticed I did very few restaurant reviews the last couple of months, ok I did none, but yesterday evening we decided it was time to try out a new place. We choose Season Bistro on 8^th street. The place has many wonderful reviews on Tripadvisor and were participants in Taste of Playa 2010 (but unfortunately never made it to the actual event) so we were eager to check it out.

Season Bistro entrance

Season Bistro changes its menu with every season, hence the name, so it being January we were treated to the winter menu. Nothing is more wintery than soup in my opinion so we had the onion soup and the Dos Colores soup for starters. The soups came looking very pretty, smelling great (melted cheese will do that), and tasting even better. The onion soup was thick, sweet, well spiced and it could have been an entire meal that’s how filling it was. The Dos Colores soup looked beautiful, poured into the cup like a yin and yang painting. It is 2 different soups together in a bowl, roasted poblano pepper and creamy corn soup and they tasted surprisingly really well together.

Dos Colores soup

The main courses were a bit disappointing. We had shrimp and lobster lasagna that tasted good, but it was covered in, a bit too much, creamy sauce which also didn’t do much for the presentation . The venison we ordered was presented beautifully and tasted ok but could’ve been so much better. So on to the desserts we went.

Venison in a chipotle sauce with masked potatoes and asparagus

If you’ve read some of my other reviews you know I’m a sucker for crème brûlée so when they mentioned the apricot crème brûlée I didn’t hesitate for a second. We also ordered a flourless chocolate – whisky cake with vanilla ice cream. Personally I don’t think you should mess with crème brûlée, it is hard enough to get it exactly right when making the classic version so I think you should just leave it as it is but in this case I was completely wrong! The apricot crème brûlée was fantastic, light and fluffy, possibly even better than when made with the classic vanilla flavored custard, the caramel on top was exactly right as well contrasting nicely with the creamy custard. An A+ on my crème brûlée list (yes, there’s a list). But not to forget about the chocolate cake which was absolutely wonderful too, rich dark sticky chocolate and plenty of whisky – cake with good vanilla ice cream on top, and a great presentation. After putting most of it away and gaining several pounds in the process we asked for the bill. The prices are not exactly “old Playa prices” but where do you get those these days and to be honest the meal wasn’t old Playa style either. Overall we were pretty happy with our dinner, the setting is wonderful, the wine and drink list original and pretty complete for a restaurant, the food creative, tasty and beautifully presented and the service is good and very friendly. Will we go back and try the next season? Absolutely!

Chocolate whisky cake and apricot crème brûlée

Season Bistro is located on Calle 8 between the beach and Fifth Avenue. They’re open daily from 4 – 11 PM, closed on Tuedays. For more info and the latest season menu you can check out the restaurant’s website http://www.seasonbistro.com

Tags: Mayan Riviera, Mexico, playa del carmen, restaurants, riviera maya, Season Bistro, Taste of Playa
Posted in Playa del Carmen - general, restaurants and bars, things to do, what's happening in Playa | No Comments »

Dia de los Muertos in Xcaret

Monday, November 8th, 2010

by Monica Hartlief

The last 5 years from Oct 30^th to Nov 2^nd Xcaret has been celebrating the traditional Mexican Day of Dead holiday with a festival called Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte. This year is Mexico’s bicentennial year so it was additionally called 200 años de Vida y Muerte. The festivities started every day at 4 pm and lasted until almost midnight.

I was lucky to be invited to join a few friends to celebrate the holiday with them in Xcaret this year. When we arrived around 5 pm on Monday the 1st the park was already packed with people. I was surprised to see mostly Mexicans, I was under the impression Xcaret was mainly a tourist park but this turned out not to be the case, at least not when it comes to the Day of the Dead celebrations.

During the 4 day festival Xcaret had more than 200 events planned, ranging from song and dance to elaborate concerts and theatrical shows. There are also many activities for kids, beautifully decorated traditional altars, elaborate tombs, displays and sales of artesanias, photography expositions, and much much more. This year the state of Chiapas was the “special guest” so there was a lot of emphasis on the arts and crafts of this state.

The food was also wonderful: empanadas, polcanes, churros, esquite, tamales, torta cochinita, etc. It is hard to get me to eat even the smallest piece of meat but for some reason I had no trouble wolfing down an entire cochinita sandwich. My friend did mention it was the best thing to eat when hung over… (we did celebrate Halloween the night before).

You can find more information about the Festival de Tradiciones de Vida y Muerte on the festival’s website. The Xcaret Eco-Archeological park is well worth a visit on other days and nights as well.

Tags: Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, events, festival de vida y muerte, Mexican holidays, playa del carmen, riviera maya, traditions, xcaret
Posted in Playa del Carmen - general, things to do, what's happening in Playa | 2 Comments »

Latido de Mexico Takes LA!

Saturday, September 18th, 2010

by Susan de Lima

Roof Top Pool, SLS Hotel – Beverly Hills

Over my years living and working in Playa del Carmen I have met countless amazing individuals from all walks of life. Moving from Canada to start a new life and business in Mexico took a leap of faith so when I was invited to go to Los Angeles, CA to meet, learn and shadow one of the best events companies in the business I took another leap! I have often heard the saying “Without risk, there is no gain” or something like that and I have embraced this whole heartedly.
Upon landing in LA and being greeting by my wonderful host, I knew I would love it there! We went for dinner in Manhattan Beach at a quaint restaurant, James Beach. Being tired from a day of travel we went home where California welcomed me officially with an earthquake. At first I thought I was over tired and perhaps had one too many glasses of wine! All was fine and I had lived through many hurricanes in the Caribbean so I took my queue from Lynn and relished the experience checking the news for the number on the Richter scale.

Good Gracious Team and Lynn my host

I was fortunate enough to observe and learn with GOOD GRACIOUS EVENTS, www.goodgraciousevents.com , during my stay. Each day I was greeted with a new and exciting experience. From attending a Sony Play station event for several thousand where my mentor, Pauline Parry, toured me through the catering process for an amazing spread of brunch goodies to a fabulous concept of food trucks to host several different types of foods. It was a hit and I was humbled by the ease the team conducted themselves. My brain still swims with inspiration and ideas for my own catering and events business in Playa.

Brussell Sprouts with Lime Foam, BAZAAR Restaurant

Then it was off to the SLS Hotel, Beverly Hills where I was again in awe and amazement. This luxurious hotel which was designed by Philippe Stark who definitely has the most interesting design imagination. Dining in BAZAAR by Jose Andres was a fantastic culinary experience for the remarkable flavours and stunning presentations. We actually went back a second time realizing that there was so much more to see and I am sure there is still more.

Le Chateau Vineyard near Malibu

It was never dull, on a road trip to Le Chateau Vineyard as we transported the wedding cake (it arrived safe and sound!) while viewing the gorgeous countryside. There I was able to witness the Good Gracious Event team in action setting up a stunning wedding on a hill top. I watched in envy as there was an actual outdoor kitchen as we have had some interesting experiences with remote locations here in Mexico! We later dined on a picnic lunch in the cutest retro campground that is for rent at the Chateau outfitted with airstream campers and vintage cars.

We attended a wedding planning event held by “The Knot” which is a California based magazine and fabulous. From designers, florists and food this was another great learning opportunity for me not to mention FUN!

The Knot Event – Pauline Parry & Susan de Lima

And did I mention the shopping!? Just another thing I miss living in a touristic place where you can always find a T-shirt that says “Playa del Carmen” in any colour! From the downtown garment district to a quaint farmers market I truly shopped till I dropped! Note*buy and extra bag…cheaper than being extremely overweight at the airport! We spent a day perusing the famous Venice Beach followed by a lovely backyard barbque. It couldn’t be better.

Farmers Market – Asparagus & Baby Purple Artichokes

My fantastic trip ended with a night out at the House of Blues in Hollywood for a Gregory Isaacs concert. I am a huge reggae fan and this was the perfect ending to a perfect trip!

Thank you to everyone who made this adventure so memorable and I look forward to seeing you in Playa!

Tags: catering, events, Latido de Mexico, playa del carmen
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Dirty Martini Lounge – a favorite local hangout in Playa del Carmen

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

by Monica Hartlief

Why does one bar become a favorite local hangout and the other one never seems to make it? I don´t know of course, because if I did I would be selling this answer for a lot of money. What I do know is why I keep going back to the same place: location, atmosphere, music, service and people pretty much covers it.

The Dirty Martini Lounge in Playa is one of the places I keep going back to. You could call it my favorite local hangout, and I´m not the only one who thinks so because it is often packed with locals, local expats, semi-local expats, tourists, returning tourist, etc.

facade1 300x225 Dirty Martini Lounge – a favorite local hangout in Playa del Carmen

Dirty Martini Lounge - Playa del Carmen

The Dirty Martini Lounge is not very big, it has a funky classy (yes, that sounds impossible) European style decor, and feels like a bar more than a cocktail lounge. You can comfortably sit at the bar or on the deck that looks out over the street while sipping your favorite drink. I suggest you try one of their signature martinis like the Cucumber Martini (all invented by Karen Lange, one of the owners). If martinis are not your thing, no problem, they have all the other stuff like beer, wine, spirits, tequilas, etc as well.

38287 412093626125 102396046125 5070228 4324432 n 300x215 Dirty Martini Lounge – a favorite local hangout in Playa del Carmen

Martinis, martinis. martinis

One of the best things about the Dirty Martini is the music. Greco, one of the owners, is a real music buff and he makes sure there are always great tunes playing in the bar, ranging from blues and jazz to country, pop and rock.

Service is of course very important as well and the Dirty Martini has a small group of staff that knows most people by name and drink, so don´t be surprised if your regular drink is standing on the bar as you´re walking in! Cynthia, Meyssi, Paloma, and Vale know their regulars and their cocktails.

Anyway, I can go on and on describing all the good things you´ll find at the Dirty Martini Lounge. I suggest you come on down and check it out yourself.

Dirty Martini Lounge – 1^st Avenue between street 10 and 12, open daily from 1 PM to 2 AM, Fri and Sat until 3 AM.

You can also visit the Dirty Martini Lounge on November 21st at Taste of Playa 2010.

Tags: bar, martini, Mayan Riviera, Mexico, music, nightlife, playa del carmen, riviera maya, Taste of Playa
Posted in restaurants and bars, what's happening in Playa | 2 Comments »

Playa del Carmen Tequila Festival 2010

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Tequila and the Carribean

Every year Playa del Carmen hosts a tequila festival. Even better it is completely free! What could be more fun than that? So eat a hearty meal and head on over to 16th street and 5th avenue where you will find a block of booths of different tequilas for you to sample. I have loved tequila even before I moved to Mexico and was thrilled when I experienced my first festival. Most people are aware of Don Julio, Petron and Jose Cuevo as tequilas but the festival features many new tequilas that you can buy on site. I sampled many new tequilas that I may not have bought because I did not know them. I was convinced to try a cream tequila (and I don’t like creamy drinks) which has inspired me to make a dessert out of it! It is called the Berry White…not after the musician but may inspire you to listen to him if you drink enough! We have hosted many a tequila tasting paired with foods and have many menu items that are tequila inspired such as one of my favorites, tequila lime shrimp.

Check out the festival which starts today, July 23rd to July 25th. See you there!
Stay tuned for some of my tequila inspired recipes. I may even get some ideas tonight!

By: Susan de Lima

Tags: event, playa del carmen, riviera maya, tasting, Tequila, tequila fest
Posted in things to do, what's happening in Playa | No Comments »

Coco’s Cat Rescue in Playa del Carmen

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

by Monica Hartlief

Coco’s Cat Rescue Playa del Carmen

If you’ve ever spend time online searching and reading forums, blogs, fan pages, articles etc. about Playa del Carmen there is a good chance you’ve run into something about Coco’s Cat Rescue.

Coco’s Cat Rescue is a Playa del Carmen rescue charity focusing on the spay and neuter of feral cats and the care and re-homing of kittens in need of rescue. Coco’s Cat Rescue was founded by Laura Raikes in 2009. In fact the charity just celebrated its first anniversary in the Blue Parrot Bar Sunday March 21^st . Needless to say it was a great success. I’m sure Laura will tell you it was a group effort and that she “couldn’t have done it without all the help she got from many volunteers that love cats and kittens as much as she does”, but any one of those volunteers will also tell you it is Laura that is the one that makes it all happen. She’s the brains of the organization, or better said “the heart” of the organization.

The focus of the charity is the spay and neutering of feral cats in Playa del Carmen but the second part of their mission is the one that gets the most attention of the public. And that’s no wonder if you see the pictures of all the kittens posted on Coco’s Facebook fan page. Just looking at the pictures makes me want to get another cat myself, which is exactly what I did in December of 2009. Pumpkin is now an integral part of our family, we’ve all fallen in love with the little orange cat, especially Jack, our other cat that can’t get enough of Pumpkin. Or is it vice versa?

Davids house 101 Small2 300x228 Cocos Cat Rescue in Playa del Carmen

Jack and Pumpkin

Laura must have thought that just posting pictures of kittens looking for a home wasn’t enough to get people’s attention because she has come up with a new way to convince us of the need to adopt a kitten. Kitten cuddling! Every Friday afternoon you have the chance to hold, play, and cuddle with the kittens. Me and my friend Ellen went yesterday and guess what? This little guy will soon be adopted by Ellen.

siamese kitten ellen2 300x225 Cocos Cat Rescue in Playa del Carmen

Kitten Cuddling at Coco’s Cat Rescue is Friday’s from 2 -4, it’s entirely possible it happens more often, I really don’t know, but just become a fan of Coco’s Cat rescue on Facebook and they’ll keep you up to date. But, if you come home with a new kitten … don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Tags: cats, charity, kittens, playa del carmen, riviera maya
Posted in Playa del Carmen - general, what's happening in Playa | No Comments »

Taste of Playa 2010

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

by Monica Hartlief

Believe it or not but planning for Taste of Playa 2010 has already begun. After last year’s success the organizers have decided to involve a few more people in the planning of the event. The Taste of Playa committee meets weekly to plan for the event in 2010.

The Taste of Playa organizers are planning for an even bigger and better event in 2010 with more restaurants, entertainment, and of course more visitors. The event’s location will remain the same: Parque Fundadores next to the ferry pier to Cozumel. Hopefully many of last year’s participants will return to the event in 2010 because we’re looking forward to more of their wonderful food and drinks.

The date for this year’s Taste of Playa annual food sampling event has been set for November 21st so make sure you save the date, book your travel and invite your friends.

Chefs at work

Dirty Martini Lounge table

The pictures were taken from the Taste of Playa website and Facebook fanpage, and were taken by Stuart and www.judylongphotos.com.

For more information about the event keep an eye on this Latido de Mexico blog and our facebook.com/latidodemexico.com as well as the event’s website: www.tasteofplaya.com and facebook fanpage.

Tags: annual event, bars, Parque Fundadores, playa del carmen, restaurants, riviera maya, Taste of Playa
Posted in restaurants and bars, what's happening in Playa | 1 Comment »

Fresh at the Gym

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

by Monica Hartlief

Are you looking for a place in Playa del Carmen where you can get a fresh, healthy, and balanced breakfast or lunch? Look no further! Fresh at the Gym is where you can find all of this and more.

Fresh at the Gym

On December 21st 2009, Jennifer and Cesar opened the doors of this new breakfast and lunch place located right next door to The Gym on 1st Avenue between Avenida Constituyentes and Calle 16 bis. Fresh has an extensive menu that includes all-day breakfast, a variety of sandwiches, and signature salads. My favorite is the “create you own salad” option. For 60 pesos you have a beautiful fresh salad that includes salad greens + 5 extra items (think nuts and seeds, bacon bits, cucumber, peppers, onion, olives, celery, anchovies, etc) and a salad dressing (the house cilantro is really good). All of this is served take out style (in a plastic bowl with cover) but they have plenty of nice space to sit and eat your salad on the spot as well. You can even opt to sit so you have a view of the gym .. it might make you want to sign up right away!

create your own salad - here with a salmon and a vegetable pattie

Other great items on the menu are smoothies (add protein if you want), fresh fruit juices, and fruit waters. According to owner Jennifer they’re very flexible as well: if what you’re looking for is not on the menu, just ask. If you want a healthy and balanced meal while in Playa del Carmen you can’t go wrong at Fresh at the Gym!

Fresh at the Gym 008 300x225 Fresh at the Gym

Fresh at the Gym smoothies

Fresh at the Gym 002 300x225 Fresh at the Gym

Fresh at the Gym - drinks and home made goodies for sale

Fresh at the Gym opening hours are: Mon – Fri 8 AM – 9 PM, Sat 9 AM – 5 PM, closed on Sunday’s

Fresh at the Gym 013 300x225 Fresh at the Gym

Fresh at the Gym - next to The Gym on 1st Avenue

Tags: fresh food, gym, lunch review, playa del carmen
Posted in restaurants and bars, what's happening in Playa | 1 Comment »

Christmas in Mexico

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

by Monica Hartlief

Christmas in Mexico is a big deal and many people take the last 2 weeks of the year off. So don’t try to get anything done after the 15th of this month because it simply won’t happen!

Christmas is a time to party, to spend time with the family, to travel and to relax. In order to prepare for the Holy Celebration the Mexicans have Posadas which are held every night from the 16^th until the 24^th of December.

Plaza municipal 2 300x225 Christmas in Mexico

Christmas tree and nativity scene in front of the Palacio Municipal - Playa del Carmen

A Posada is a re-creation of Mary (on a donkey) and Joseph searching for a “room at the inn” or the posada. They are accompanied by children and teenagers, called Los Peregrinos, that go around singing and knocking on doors asking for lodging for the tired and weary couple. Traditionally, each family in a neighborhood will hold a Posada in their home during the days leading up to Noche Buena, Christmas Eve. Once the group of guests is let in the home by “the innkeepers” they kneel down around the nativity scene, to pray and sing. After this it is party time with Piñata for the children and treats for everyone.

Festivities culminate on Noche Buena, when the last Posada arrives at the church where a late night mass is held, la Misa de Gallo. After La Misa de Gallo families go home for a traditional Christmas supper and more celebrations that will continue until late at night or very early in the morning. Therefore the following day, Christmas day, is reserved for much needed rest and relaxation.

Susan de Lima and Monica Hartlief at Latido de Mexico would like to wish you Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo! We hope you will be in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya to enjoy the festivities. If not… there is always next year!

Merry Christmas everybody.

Tags: Christmas decorations, Christmas in Mexico, holidays 2009, Noche Buena, playa del carmen, posada, riviera maya
Posted in Playa del Carmen - general, what's happening in Playa | 5 Comments »

“Canibal Royal”, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

by Monica Hartlief

Canibal Royal´s official grand opening was on Saturday the 14^th of November. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in town that day so we went there for lunch a few days later. It is located on the beach, duh, right next to the Grand Coco Bay, in front of the luxury condominium complex The Elements. Canibal Royal has 3 levels, downstairs there is a funky beach bar with a variety of different chairs and beds you can relax on. The next level has more of a restaurant feel to it, with a large bar, tables and chairs, and a really spectacular ocean view. The top level isn’t completely finished yet, the plan is to make it into a solarium, the Jacuzzi has already been built and it is very impressive.

Canibal Royal entrance 300x225 Canibal Royal, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

Canibal Royal beach club entrance

Canibal Royal bar 300x225 Canibal Royal, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

Canibal Royal beach bar

Canibal Royan jacuzzi 300x225 Canibal Royal, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

Canibal Royal solarium with jacuzzi and spectacular views

According to their blog Canibal Royal is a restaurant, bar, lounge, where you can live the Caribbean life style on the beach, during the day. The nightly Caribbean lifestyle can be experienced in the Santanera, the downtown nightclub owned by the same group. Thankfully the beach club is quite different from the nightclub. Canibal Royal is a very relaxed, laid back, funky, retro style place with nice lounge tunes playing in the back ground. The food is eclectic, you could call it fusion I guess, and the lunch menu has a large variety of salads, sandwiches, home-made French pizza that isn´t pizza (I forgot the name), shrimp and salmon dishes, truffle fries, and much more. It reminded me of the food at Diablito Cha Cha Cha and Aguachiles, which is not surprising because these places are also part of the same group.

Canibal Royal restaurant 300x225 Canibal Royal, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

Canibal Royal restaurant with amazing ocean view

Canibel Royal food 300x225 Canibal Royal, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

lunch at Canibal Royal, spicy shrimp, truffle fries, and French pizza like bread with fresh tuna, coriander, avocado, mmm very nice

I really like this new beach club and I hope they will be very successful. Looking at the owner´s track record in Playa del Carmen I don’t doubt this is exactly what is going to happen.

If you have any comments about Canibal Royal, please let me know, thanks!

Tags: beach, Canibal Royal, Cannibal Royal, Coco Beach, playa del carmen, restaurants, riviera maya, Santanera, Wicky's restaurant and beach club
Posted in beach clubs, restaurants and bars, what's happening in Playa | 17 Comments »

Archive for the ‘what’s happening in Playa’ Category

Season Bistro

Dia de los Muertos in Xcaret

Latido de Mexico Takes LA!

Dirty Martini Lounge – a favorite local hangout in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen Tequila Festival 2010

Coco’s Cat Rescue in Playa del Carmen

Taste of Playa 2010

Fresh at the Gym

Christmas in Mexico

“Canibal Royal”, a new beach club in Playa del Carmen

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