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Poncho32

Apr 3, 2005, 6:12 PM

Post #1 of 11 (2747 views)

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Eating out

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For all particular eaters up there in Maszatlan from a guy who loves to eat good quality food I have a question for you.

In all towns there are restaurants ,the great , the good , and the bad.
Quite often the people who just come in for a week or two are not really aware of what the locals do if they want a great night out and wish to enjoy great dining.
Now I enjoy great food , great service and good atmosphere, and if all the latter is met I don't mind the price.
Here in Vallarta we have for great Restaurants ,Trio, Maximilian,Cafe De Artistes,Porta Bello,Daiquiri Dick's,Angelo,s River Cafe,Mezzalvna,LeBistro,Bianco and Barcelona that I know of.
Now the one nice place in Mazatlan that I am familiar with is Sr.Pepper .
For a nice night out dining in Hotels for us is out.
Since my wife and I travel threw your town twice a year we would like to hear your suggestions.
Bud

Marlene / Moderator

Apr 3, 2005, 7:35 PM

Post #2 of 11 (2740 views)

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Re: [Bud Crest] Eating out

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Sr. Pepper is a very nice place and probably one of the most popular with the monied crowd. Could you be somewhat more specific as to your criteria since we all have different ideas of good places to eat? It is a big range from Sr. Peppers right down to the best taco stands in town where the food is also extremely good.

Marlene.

Poncho32

Apr 4, 2005, 2:35 AM

Post #3 of 11 (2727 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Eating out

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Thanks for your reply.
Here in Vallarta a good night out for two in a high quality restaurant like the ones I listed in pesos will run 400-500 per person, including a couple glasses of good wine and tip.
To show you the variety of food ,Good Northern Italian, Mediterranean,Great sea food dishes,Mexican Tapa's,Steak, Lamb,German,good salads,all the latter with good atmosphere plus service.

ncferret

Apr 4, 2005, 6:05 AM

Post #4 of 11 (2724 views)

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Re: [Bud Crest] Eating out

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Our favorite list (if money is not a consideration):

1. Angelo's (Italian - GZ)
2. Casa Loma (Continental - GZ)
3. Marisos Bahia (Seafood - Centro)
4. El Paraje (Spanish, not Mexican - GZ)

Of course, Sr Pepper's.

Also worth mention:
Pedro & Lola's (Seafood/Continental - Centro)
Il Mostro (Mediterranean - Centro)
Vitorrio's or Vitelli's - across from Joe's Oyster Bar (Italian - GZ)

The service at all these places is outstanding as is the atmosphere. The wine list is also pretty good (considering the less extensive importation of wine in Mexico). The price will be in the range you described.

We have found all fine restaurants in Mazatlan to be, what's the word? "Less predictable" than in a fine restaurant in the US. We have never had a bad meal at any of the above restaurants, but we have had some food that we weren't as pleased with as on other occasions.

As Marlene suggests, there are many fine smaller places without the fancy service or fancy prices, but of course for special ocassions, the above list should give you a good start.

Enjoy your visit!

(This post was edited by ncferret on Apr 4, 2005, 6:06 AM)

Poncho32

Apr 4, 2005, 6:26 AM

Post #5 of 11 (2718 views)

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Re: [ncferret] Eating out

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Thanks for your reply.Here in Vallarta we have many fine places to eat regardless of the price. What I sent you were the most popular places that are consistently good.
I am sure there are lots of places in Mazatlan like Vallarta that are hidden in out of the way places that have excellent food.
The problem here in most popular places in the high season a reservation is a must.
Thanks again.

Esteban

Apr 4, 2005, 8:43 AM

Post #6 of 11 (2708 views)

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Re: [Bud Crest] Eating out

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I was in Vallarta a couple of years ago and was able to eat at two very fine restaurants. I can't remember their names but a friend of mine who was familiar with the fine dining scene there, recommended them. In Mazatlan, I can't think of ANYPLACE that comes close to what we experienced in Vallarta.

Marlene / Moderator

Apr 4, 2005, 11:14 AM

Post #7 of 11 (2703 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Eating out

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I would have to agree with Esteban on that because Mazatlán really doesn't have a well developed fine dining scene in comparison with other cities in Mexico. This is something that needs to change.

Poncho32

Apr 4, 2005, 2:16 PM

Post #8 of 11 (2686 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Eating out

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You have to have a Sam's Club in Mazatlan, if you have at least once a week they have U.S. beef.
And if you have never had your wife or you pan searing a steak you should try it.
Bud

Marlene / Moderator

Apr 4, 2005, 2:30 PM

Post #9 of 11 (2684 views)

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Re: [ncferret] Eating out

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Quote

4. El Paraje (Spanish, not Mexican - GZ)

Just wondering if you might be confusing El Paraje (The Place) with El Parador Español which is a few doors down from Villa Italia on Cameron Sabalo. (El Paraje is casual fare and known locally to be one of the 3 for 1 beer, and mega margaritas type venues)

(This post was edited by Marlene on Apr 4, 2005, 3:03 PM)

Esteban

Apr 4, 2005, 2:45 PM

Post #10 of 11 (2681 views)

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Re: [Bud Crest] Eating out

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Since I'm on a real budget, I only buy Sam's Club double sticker meat (discounted).

But then the only beef I buy is Filete. It's ALWAYS tender. It's Mexican too. The filete usually comes from the cenral market where Ill buy the whole thing, have it trimmed and end up with a price of 100 pesos a kilo.

ncferret

Apr 4, 2005, 4:33 PM

Post #11 of 11 (2673 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Eating out

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Si, El Parador es correcto. Es possible que yo estaba deseando a comer en El Paraje :)

El Paraje is a very good deal - if you can drink Margs by the bucket. Last time we were there it was unlimited Margs (or just unlimited Tequila), a pretty decent steak filet, a fair size (but overcooked lobster, such as they call them here), all the trimmings, and it was only $12 a person. A fun place (El Paraje - the place) to go with a group or a limited budget.

At El Parador is only Spanish food, but pretty authentic. We have only been to El Parador once. We tried 2 dishes and 2 apps - both very good. There is also a nice selection of Spanish wine and there was live piano music as well.

We 3 generally agree that fine dining isn't really up to speed here in Mazatlan. However, I think part of what gives Mazatlan its charm is the lack of big money chasing everything (like fine food). You can still watch the sun set and drink a beer for $10. Quite good 2 for 1 aguachili can be had for $70 at Joe's on Saturday's.

Some of us have wondered whether a really top notch restaurant would make it here in Mazatlan.