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mazfan

Oct 1, 2009, 4:46 PM

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Tonala

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Everyone has been so kind to my previous post, that I have another question, this one regarding Tonala. Do I really need to be there on a Thursday or Sunday to go shopping, or can I see the same things any day of the week? Thanks!

chinagringo


Oct 1, 2009, 5:56 PM

Post #2 of 12 (3944 views)

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Re: [mazfan] Tonala

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I am not sure that I would recommend going on market day for your first visit! Tonala on a regular day can be overwhelming and once the streets are crammed with the temporary stalls and booths, it can be mind boggling! That said, I would not recommend going on a Monday since numerous vendors are closed to recover from Sunday.

One recommendation is having lunch at El Bouquenete (sp?) located on the back side of the Hotel Tonala just down the street from the main plaza. Oscar, the owner, has a great little restaurant and serves a mean Margarita!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


mazatlanlee

Oct 1, 2009, 7:44 PM

Post #3 of 12 (3923 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Tonala

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I agree with Neil.... if you can arrange it, go over on a Monday, stay over night and be ready to shop on Tuesday and Wednesday. Stay for the Thursday street fair if you want to, but don't expect to get through crowds easily on either Thursday or Sunday.

That said.... are you in Mazatlan? Curious because of your sign-in name. Mine definitely places me in Mazatlan. :-}

Lee
Lee's Photos: Beyond the Guardrails

Vichil

Oct 2, 2009, 6:19 AM

Post #4 of 12 (3879 views)

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Re: [mazfan] Tonala

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If you want to do some shopping do not go during market day. Most of the items found in the market can be found in town. There is a lot of junk and way too many people to be a pleasant shopping experience. The market hides a lot of the stores.
If you want to shop at your leisure and not waiste a lot of time getting through a crowd and a bunch of junk go when ther is no market. The town is pleasant and you can find some wonderful places.

mazfan

Oct 2, 2009, 7:54 AM

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Re: [mazatlanlee] Tonala

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I am indeed in Mazatlan!

mazfan

Oct 2, 2009, 7:56 AM

Post #6 of 12 (3863 views)

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Re: [Vichil] Tonala

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That's what I was hoping you would say - I'm making a quick trip, but won't be there on a Sunday or Thursday, and I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something fabulous. Sounds like I can shop anytime I want! Thanks.

chicois8

Oct 2, 2009, 9:25 AM

Post #7 of 12 (3845 views)

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Re: [mazfan] Tonala

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Hola, My mom and dad had a home in Tonala for 12 years so I am quite familiar with the town, I visit friends there a couple times a year...I like the Hotel Tonala http://www.hoteltonala.com/index-i.htm for its central location( 1/2 block to plaza) Maybe you should go for a couple days, one of them including one day at one of the biggest and best tianguis in western Mexico, the website shows the streets closed by this every growing street market. I also believe the Restaurant Boquinete was great 5 years ago but has gone downhill the last couple years( maybe chef change) now a days I take people the Rincon del Sol just 2 blocks away on 16 de Sept...suerte

chinagringo


Oct 2, 2009, 6:02 PM

Post #8 of 12 (3806 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Tonala

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chicois8:

I would suggest introducing yourself to Oscar, the owner and discussing your observations about the food quality. Knowing Oscar, he would make things right! As of our last conversation with him on 8/17 he was moving across the alley into the back side of the Hotel Tonala within 22 Mexican days - so just maybe that has happened?

Additionally if you were to mention that you have been going to Rincon del Sol, you would probably really get his attention since he used to be the manager there!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


chicois8

Oct 2, 2009, 7:56 PM

Post #9 of 12 (3794 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Tonala

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Hola, Are you speaking of Oscar who is the owner of Hotel Tonala or some other Oscar? All I know is I went there on a Saturday evening and being from the coast ordered a fillet mignon ( medium) instead of seafood...when it arrived it was served like it hit a hot grill for 2 seconds on each side and served raw and the veggies were cold, about the only good thing was the Margarita...Since it had been so great in the past I gave it a second chance for breakfast one day and the egg dish hit the table as if were in the fridge all night, even the plate was freezing, for the first time in my many years of traveling Mexico I sent it back to be warmed up... I do not need to talk to anyone, I just go somewhere else...

chinagringo


Oct 4, 2009, 7:32 AM

Post #10 of 12 (3739 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Tonala

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While I cannot really answer your question about if Oscar is also the owner of the Hotel Tonala but my guess would be no.

I can understand your decision to simply go elsewhere and we have numerous friends that take the same tact. I guess we are just partial to Oscar and the friendship he has extended over the years. In our case, we would not hesitate to mention a problem to him and would imagine that he would make it right.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM


chicois8

Dec 3, 2009, 8:53 AM

Post #11 of 12 (3356 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Tonala El Bouquenete update

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In Reply To
While I cannot really answer your question about if Oscar is also the owner of the Hotel Tonala but my guess would be no.

I can understand your decision to simply go elsewhere and we have numerous friends that take the same tact. I guess we are just partial to Oscar and the friendship he has extended over the years. In our case, we would not hesitate to mention a problem to him and would imagine that he would make it right.

Just an update and observations: I am in Tonala for a week and after having breakfast at Rincon del Sol I decided to give El Bouquenete another chance this morning:

Tuesday morning at Rincon del Sol 9 AM: Huevos rancheros, beans, chiliquiles, 10 oz OJ and coffee was 59 Pesos, there were 39 folks in the restaurant including myself, food was hot and delicious,service was good and friendly

Thursday morning at El Bouquenete 9 AM: Huevos rancheros,beans, chiliquilies, 6 oz OJ and coffee was 45 Pesos, there were 8 folks in the restaurant including myself, The waitress asked 3 times what I ordered even after pointing to the the menu where it said Huevos Rancheros,the beans were warm and the chiliquiles were cold, and yes they have moved across the ally and are remodeling the old restaurant, Oscar was there conducting the workers,the noise was deafening through out the meal...The service was OK but I had to ask for salt and they did not have substitute sugar..I will not return, just my dos centavos.............

chinagringo


Dec 3, 2009, 9:55 AM

Post #12 of 12 (3345 views)

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Re: [chicois8] Tonala El Bouquenete update

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Sorry to hear that Oscar is apparently experiencing problems and inconsistencies related to the move!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

 
 
 
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