It seems strange to be talking about hurricanes when our hurricane season just finished but there is so much information to share that I figured we would just get started. Let me say first that I’m no weather or hurricane expert, before I moved to Playa del Carmen I didn’t even know what a hurricane was, but I’ve been here for several hurricane warnings and “lived through” hurricane Wilma in 2005 so I’ve learned a few things. This is the first post in a series about hurricanes and I`ll discuss the things that happen in a town like Playa del Carmen when there is a hurricane warning and when a hurricane actually hits. I’ll also try to shine a light on the things you, as a homeowner, can do to protect and prepare your property in Playa for a possible hurricane.

But first a few facts so we know what we’re talking about:

-          A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 kt) or higher (source: National Hurricane Center)

-          Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A Category 1 storm has the lowest wind speeds, while a Category 5 hurricane has the strongest. (source: National Hurricane Center)

-          The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1^st until November 30^th.  August through October shows the biggest activity but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible to get a storm earlier or later or even outside of the official hurricane season. Weather doesn’t stick to our schedules, it seems.

During the hurricane season those who live in the Riviera Maya keep a close watch on one or several websites that track tropical weather so we know what is happening and if there are any areas that show possibilities for tropical cyclone formation. If you live in Playa del Carmen or happen to be visiting during that time you will find out that EVERYBODY in town is an accomplished and well informed weather man or woman and can tell you all about the hurricane and whether or not it will hit us directly.  Don’t forget that you can be just as knowledgeable by checking the same websites (see below for a few examples). Of course, experience does count for something and it can be helpful to listen to other people´s opinion and advise.

Before a hurricane is a hurricane it goes through several phases. First it is a tropical depression, then a tropical storm and then it becomes a hurricane. Thankfully not all tropical depressions or tropical storms become hurricanes. Once there is a hurricane its wind strength is indicated by categories numbered 1 through 5. Don’t be fooled by a low number though, a Category 1 storm can bring as much destruction or more as a Category 5 storm, the wind strength is less but it could carry a lot of rain causing floods and landslides. Once a tropical depression becomes a tropical storm it is named, based on the Atlantic storm name list.

The following websites have a lot of information about tropical weather and hurricanes. You can use them to see projections of a storm’s path, storm and hurricane advisories, history, tips for protection of life and property, etc. National Hurricane Center,  Wunderground Tropical Weather, The Weather Channel

During the hurricane season you can also check out the Latido de Mexico Facebook page where we will update you on tropical storm and hurricane warnings as they get  published by the National Hurricane Center.

If you were thinking of taking home some quality souvenirs from Playa del Carmen make sure to stop by the little artesania store on 1^st Avenue and Calle 14. The place is called Siete Detalles and is owned and operated by a wonderful lady called Alicia Zamorano. She named the store Siete Detalles, the seven details, in honor of her 7!!! children.

Siete Detalles on 1st Avenue and Calle 14

The store is full of all kinds of typical Mexican handicraft, most of it produced by Alicia’s family or by manufacturing families Alicia’s been working with for over 16 years. Siete Detalles sells quality Mexican handicrafts ranging from real talavera pottery to pewter, hand blown glass and calabaza products.

Mexican handicraft shoppers heaven

If you have any questions about the method of production or the authenticity of the crafts you can ask Alicia, she’s a fountain of knowledge. I asked her a few questions when I was in the store and what was supposed to be a 5 minute thing turned into something much longer and better! Here’s a little of what I learned about talavera pottery that day:

Traditional talavera pottery from Puebla

All the Talavera pottery sold in the store is handmade in Mexico.

Talavera tradicional or Talavera Poblana – is pottery made in Puebla and it can be recognized by the cream colored background of the design and the use of blue paint.

Talavera tradicional is certified for authenticity and it is the most expensive of the talavera pottery. The Talavera pottery that is sold in the store has been made by a family in Puebla that Alicia has been working with for over 16 years.

Talavera moderna – pottery that similar to the traditional talavera but has a white background, it is also made in Puebla and sold in the Siete Detalles. Less pricey that the traditional pottery.

Tipo talavera – talavera type pottery which has no specific background color, and the pieces sold in the store are hand-made in by a family in Guanajuato.

Talavera, authentic Mexican pottery

The pewter sold in the store is made Alicia’s family. The hand blown glassware comes from Jalisco and the calabaza products from Guerrero.When you bring something home from this store you will truly have a piece of Mexican handicraft. It is highly unlikely you will have to peel off a “made in China” sticker before you give it to one of your friends or family or keep it for yourself (which is what I have in mind).

Siete Detalles is located on 1ra Avenida Norte and the corner of Calle 14, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.  If you find the door locked just knock on the one next door or come back later. It’ll be worth it.

For me, there’s nothing quite like spending a couple of hours sitting at the Tequila Barrel with a cold beer or three and watching the endless parade of people strolling down 5^th Avenue.

With a full menu of great, mostly Tex Mex, food like chicken wings, hamburgers, sandwiches and fajitas, deciding what to order becomes a difficult task – but do try the hot buffalo wings.  In the evenings, the party starts –ladies that dance on the bar get a free shot of tequila!

If drinking, eating and people watching weren’t enough, Tequila Barrel sets themselves apart from the many other bars by offering Live Sports Betting, with 20 TVs showing 14 different sports.  You can wager on many different sports including horse and dog races, football, boxing, hockey, and many more. Guests enjoy an open bar when betting on the horse or dog races.  For the golfers, they offer a ‘19^th Hole’ open bar promotion for after a tough day on the links.

The Tequila Barrel is located on 5^th Avenue between Calle 10 and 12.  Happy hour from 11 am to 5 pm, and specials like Ladies Night, Birthday Tuesdays and Pole Dancing contests.  You can find Tequila Barrel on the website, Facebook AND if you just can’t be there in person, you can watch the action on the webcam.

This post is long overdue. As a matter of fact I should have written about this restaurant at least 5 years ago and probably many times since because it is my all time favorite restaurant in Playa del Carmen. I must have eaten at John Gray’s Place every birthday, Christmas Eve and Valentines day since it opened in 2004. Because it is good, and when something is good you want it as often as you can. But it is pricy, so not really a restaurant you go to every week, unless you have really deep pockets, which I don´t.  And now all of this has changed. No my pockets have not gotten deeper but John Gray´s place has become more affordable. A lot more affordable. Really? Cheaper instead of more expensive? I’ll explain.

A few weeks ago John Gray introduced a weekly changing, fixed price menu. Lunch now costs 100 pesos which includes a soda, refillable iced tea, or a beer. Dinner costs 200 pesos and this includes an appetizer and a main course. The fixed menu changes often, some things will be added, others removed. The old menu has gone, you can only order of the new menu which has something for everyone including several of the all time favorites like the pate, fresh fish fillet with mango salsa and ” The Duck” made over.

I can hear you thinking: they must serve smaller portions. Absolutely not. Check out the picture of the rustic vegetable lasagna with Portobello mushrooms I had for lunch, does that look small to you?

or the Greek salad

So then the food on the fixed price menu must be of inferior quality. Are you kidding me? It is the same great food I´ve always enjoyed at John Gray´s Place. Maybe better because there is so much choice with the changing menu. And you get to try new stuff every time which is great if you’re like me because I´ve had lunch there 3 times and dinner once since the introduction of the fixed priced menu. So I guess the new strategy is working. Or at least, it is working for me.

Basically John Gray wants a lot of people to come to his restaurant to eat his wonderful food. His strategy is to make it more affordable. I think he´s on to something.

That's Tyra and me having lunch

John Gray’s Place is located in Calle Corazon between 5^th Avenue and Calle 14, Playa del Carmen

For reservations you can call 984-803-3689 or email JohnGraysPlace@gmail.com

Opening hours are lunch Monday-Sunday, 1:00pm – 6:00pm and dinner Monday-Sunday, 6:00pm – 11:00pm

I sat at the computer listening to it rain outside.   As often is the case on a rainy day, my mind went to food.  Not just any food, but comfort food.  In no mood to cook for myself, I checked the Facebook page for Mom’s Bar & Grill to see what was on the menu that night.  CHICKEN FRIED STEAK!  Perfect!  To a Texan, nothing says comfort food better than Chicken Fried Steak and mashed potatoes, smothered in gravy.

Mom’s Bar and Grill is located on the corner of 30th Avenue and 4th Street, upstairs at Mom’s Hotel

So to Mom’s Bar and Grill I went.  After (over) filling my need for comfort food, I stuck around to socialize a bit.  Mom’s Bar & Grill is the ‘Cheers’ in Playa del Carmen.  It is the rare occasion to belly up to the bar and not find a group of expats telling stories, or a couple of tourists or hotel guests to meet and chat with.  Maybe a game of pool or throwing darts suits your fancy or if you happen to visit Mom’s Bar on a Tuesday or Thursday you can join in on a friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em poker.

My enormous serving of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and corn!

Mom’s Bar and Grill is located on the corner of 30^th Avenue and 4^th Street, upstairs at Mom’s Hotel.  In addition to being a full service bar, with great prices, Mom’s also offers a nightly dinner special.  The proprietor and chef at Mom’s Bar & Grill, Jurgen Janz , welcomes guests into his ‘living room’ Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm, with dinner served from 6 pm to 10 pm, or until the food runs out.   With a rotating menu of meals such as meatloaf, hickory smoked baby back ribs, bacon and portabella mushroom stuffed pork chops, just to name a few, you would swear they were cooked by mom herself.   The best part is that the prices won’t break the bank (half orders start at $50 pesos with full orders starting at $80 pesos).

Jurgen and his beautiful bartenders, Tanya and Yessica

So the next time you feel the need for comfort food in Playa del Carmen, check out Mom’s Bar & Grill…. where something good is always cooking.

Glad I saved room for the chocolate devil rum cake

By day, Bad Boys is a laid back beach club offering loungers, food and cool refreshing beverages.  But it is on Thursday and Saturday afternoons that the magic really happens and Bad Boys is transformed into a rocking good time.   Bad Boys, located on the beach between 4^th and 2^nd Streets (Calles) has become the place to be when JJ and the Nasty Bastards take the stage every Thursday and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm.

There is always a big crowd at Bad Boys Beach Bar on Thursdays and Saturdays

On a recent Thursday I found myself in need of some entertainment and naturally I decided a trip to Bad Boys was in order.   I was not to be disappointed this day.  I arrived around 6 pm and the festivities had already begun.  Every table was full and JJ and the Nasty Bastards were cranking out the tunes.

JJ and the Nasty Bastards perform every Thursday and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm

The house band at Bad Boys, JJ and the Nasty Bastards, plays a mix of popular cover tunes that will have you out on the dance floor (or dancing on the bar) and singing along with the band.  The band welcomes visiting musicians and vocalists to sit in during their third set.  From bagpipes to washboards, from well known recording artists to a drunken bachelorette partiers, I have seen some super talented (and some not so talented) people sit in with the band.   A highlight of this particular evening was the performance of blues singer, song writer and recording artist, Angela Strehli.  I have enjoyed seeing Angela perform at various venues back home in Texas and it was a special treat to see her on stage at one of my favorite places here in Playa del Carmen.

A group of Good Girls having a VERY good time at Bad Boys Beach Bar from left to right, Jana, Heather, Deb, Tyra, Kim, Judy and Karen

As usual, I totally enjoyed  my  evening at Bad Boys.   Good music, good drinks, good service, and good friends = GOOD TIME!

If you’ve had any conversation that involved restaurants in Playa over the last few months I’m sure you’ve been hearing the buzz as well …. ComoComo. The name kept popping up around me so I thought it was time to give it a try.

ComoComo is located on 5^th Avenue between Calle 38 and 40, in the middle of the new and fashionable 38^th street area. Everything that’s hip and hot at the moment seems to be there and I’m not talking about clubs or bars but I’m talking restaurants, small bars, a salon, nice furniture store, etc.

ComoComo

ComoComo is a relatively small restaurant with comfortable seating inside and outside on a pretty wooden deck. It is nicely decorated, basic, not overdone with beautiful candles from Artevelas. I got the feeling that at ComoComo the focus is on the food rather than the interior.

I took only a few pictures and was planning on taking many more but got distracted and lost in the food pretty much as soon as my starter arrived (of which I did manage to take a picture). Mussels and clams prepared the traditional Italian way with white wine, tomato and lots of garlic. The menu is mostly Italian or Mediterranean cuisine with a lot of daily specials that are not on the menu. As a main course we had a special of meatballs and mashed potatoes and fettuccini with olive oil, tomato and lobster that we ordered off the menu. I was fully expecting pasta with a few pieces of lobster but no … it came with an entire (small) lobster, way to go ComoComo! Needless to say I loved it and my apologies for not taking any pictures. I’ll have to go back to take some (that’s my excuse). We weren’t very hungry after the 7 meatballs and a whole lobster so we shared a dessert of apfel strudel with vanilla ice cream and some good Italian coffee.

mmm mussels and clams

With prices that are around 100 pesos for starters and desserts and no more than 200 pesos for a main course the bill was a pleasant surprise.  The service is also worth mentioning, very professional and friendly. I felt was eating at a place where people actually know what they’re doing and understand the restaurant business.

If you want to try it out for yourself don’t forget to make a reservation first: 9848591646. You can find more information on the restaurant’s facebook page or website.

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

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.

As the restaurants’ chairperson for the Taste of Playa executive committee I feel it is my duty to get to know all of our participating restaurants. And I take my job very seriously. Which I why I asked my fellow Taste of Playa foodie Michele Kinnon to join me on a fact finding mission to Akumal. This year we have 2 participating restaurants from this beautiful resort village overlooking the Akumal Bay, Lol-ha Restaurant and Turtle Bay Cafe. Michele wrote a very nice post about Lol-ha Restaurant just yesterday so it is up to me to talk to you about the Turtle Bay Café and Bakery.

Talking about The Turtle Bay Café and Bakery is something I do gladly because I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent at the café, the location, the decor but most of all the food! The menu is huge, we were talking to Bart, he owns the café with his wife Jennifer, and he told us he kept trying to take things off the menu but then repeat clients would come to visit and they would make him put it back on the menu, so he now just leaves it on.

The Turtle Bay Café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner (from November) but since it is also a bakery they have lots of delicious looking fresh baked goods as well. I’m pretty sure there is something for everyone here. There was for us because Michele and I both had a salad, and they were huge and fresh and tasty and wonderful. I had a mandarin coconut shrimp salad with rice noodles, fresh mandarin, almonds and of course coconut shrimp. Not just one or 2 little shrimp but many large and delicious coconut shrimp. Oh my, when I think about the coconut shrimp now, I want to jump into my car a drive to Akumal for more.  Michele’s salad had the Arrachera and blue cheese piled on so high I thought she’s never get through it. But, thankfully I didn’t bring an amateur with me to have lunch in Akumal.

Mandarin Coconut Shrimp Salad

Black & Bleu Salad

I couldn’t be happier that the Turtle Bay Café and Bakery is part of Taste of Playa 2010 and will showing be off its culinary expertise on November 21^st.

Turtle Bay Café and Bakery is located in Akumal (beach side) on the left side of the public parking area. It is slightly hidden behind the trees so just take the path and after a few steps you’ll see the café.