Partly Sunny low 59°F high 73°F
Cloudy low 59°F high 73°F
One look at “The B” Art & Bistro (opposite the Fiesta Holiday Inn in the Gold Zone) and you know Mazatlán is growing up. Its sleek, chic exterior carries over into the cozy art gallery/bistro, with contemporary seating, a lounge area and an open kitchen that’s really open – co-owner Omar Macías says patrons are welcome to don an apron and step inside to assist the chef. (A blessing or a curse, we shall see!) The walls exhibit local art, and tastings and events are being planned. There’s a nice wine selection and a Mediterranean-inspired menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner and tapas, including pizza, salads, desserts (crème bruleé!) and a patio out front too. Open Tues.-Fri., noon-11:30pm, weekends, 9am-11:30pm. Info: 668-8107.
Alegro Café has expanded, adding a lounge-like room in the back. The popular GZ coffee shop needed the extra space for its loyal patrons, coming for what’s rumored to be the best Eggs Benedict in town…
…creative offerings that whisper of an experienced hand in the kitchen.
From the outside, it’s hard to tell Naufrago’s (south of Valentino’s on the malecón) is in a big house with two levels of spacious dining rooms plus ocean-view second-floor patio seating on both sides. The big menu is seafood-heavy, with Mexican classics as well. On weekend nights, Naufrago’s bar scene is bustling with the younger set.
The elegant looks of Me Restaurant, on the malecón in front of the Coral Island Hotel & Spa, are matched by consistently good food, excellent service and an extensive wine list as well. Big menus for every meal feature Mexican standards as well as creative offerings that highlight Mazatlan’s bounty and whisper of an experienced hand in the kitchen. For dinner, lots of seafood, interesting soups and appetizers and a smattering of Italian dishes make choosing difficult; I suggest ordering several appetizers and sharing – you won’t be sorry. And, there’s a great front patio to watch the world wake up, the mid-day waves or the sun go down. Open 7am to 11pm. Ave. del Mar #1234. Info: 989-6050, www.restauranteme.com.
The Saloon has re-opened under new management; Canadians Wendy Vallely, Shelley Rae and American Laura Sentz – who came down here to retire “but couldn’t stand it anymore” - wanted a place where folks “their age” could go for a drink and a good time. Three different satellite dishes get all the sports you could want, and the menu’s filled with homemade sandwiches, soups and more, as well as “Canadian food” (whatever that is, eh?) Open 11am to midnight daily, Happy Hour 5-6pm.
BBQ fans! La Hoguera is here for you! Chef Diego of Mazatlán TV fame opened his own place in the GZ a few months ago. Set on the beach across from Costa Marinera in what can only be called an, umm, eclectic tent-like structure, La Hoguera offers a full menu of barbecued beef, pork and chicken: ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sirloin, and more. Sides include chili beans, a salad bar, garlic mashed potatoes and “corn bread from the Gods.” Open evenings. In the marina/Cerritos area, eateries are spring up like weeds after a spring rain.
Fufo’s Seafood Cantina is a bright spot to have a meal, watch the boats or enjoy the game. (Sundays and Monday, there’s American football and $10 peso beer.) The cozy bistro is elegant and casual at the same time, with fantastic fish tacos and a nice menu that’s seafood-heavy. There’s patio seating out front, a full bar and tables inside too. Live music soon. Open 4-11pm, Wed.-Mon. (open till 1am weekends, and open at 1pm Sundays). Info: 6691-54-0679.
At the very end of the road in Cerritos, Karma Kitchen has re-opened with Thai specialties (4-10pm daily, closed Mondays). Roy’s Restaurant, next door, has begun its Thursday BBQ Nights from 5-9pm, with Henderson’s aged beef (sirloin, T-bone, NY or rib-eye steaks), baked potato and salad for $140. Beer available; bring your own wine. Soon, mariachi music will add to the fun, as well as a Sunday Brunch from 8am-1pm with all-you-can-drink mimosas or Bloody Marys. Reservations suggested: 6691-50-8779.
Janet Blaser has been eating for a living and writing about it for more than 20 years. Comments, suggestions? Contact Janet at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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