The idea for Al Forno Pizza/Calzone Restaurant was conceived in Italy. While there, Mazatlecan Rosy Pineda and her Italian-born husband, Gianluca Testi, thought that bringing a part of Italy to Mazatlán would be a good business move. Rosy knew the pizza delivery business was a good concept, but also wanted a restaurant. So Al Forno’s outside patio has tables and everything is available to-go as well. Rosy is confident the Marina area and north will continue to grow with more businesses and people.

There’s a big selection of delicious wood-fired pizzas to choose from, and prices start at $89 pesos. The House Special is loaded with ham, salami, peppers, mushrooms and black olives. Rosy plans on adding salads to the menu in the near future. Is it lunchtime yet? Info: 669-913-5050. Delivery in the area is free.

The Plaza Marina Business and Life, across from the Marina entrance, is now home to Bengala Bistro & Bar, which opened in early March. The minute the staff greets you at the door, you know you’re in a special place. The name itself should tip you off to the kind of cuisine they serve in this warm, two-story facility. Bengala is Bengal, a state in northwestern India.

The Asian Fusion menu is prepared with a dedicated passion by Chef Jachiel. This young man is a real jewel and has plied his trade all over the world. His dishes meld the flavors of Asia with the vibrant accents of Mexican spices and tastes. Reasonable prices and a big menu should please even the most discriminating diners.

The bar on the second floor has eight flat-screen TVs playing mellow music videos from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The decor is open, eclectic and very colourful, reflecting the colors and magic of Asia. A wall of windows provides a view to the Marina. Parking is plentiful and the restaurant opens Monday-Saturday at 5pm and on Sunday, 1pm.

The Venados Carwash, Cyber Cafe and Deli is so different! Sure, they’ll hand wash your car inside and out and do a very good job for a very good price. But there’s more. The first thing you’ll notice is the crisp red and white exterior colors with a big baseball fountain in the front and red and white tables with umbrellas. Inside, you’ll find definite baseball-themed décor, with pictures of the different MLB fields and pitchers. Look up, way up, and you’ll see a baseball diamond painted on the ceiling with baseball ceiling fans. While you wait, you can check your email on one of several computers, watch the flat screen wall-mounted TV or check out their selection of reading material. And if the waiting makes you hungry, there are pastries, juices and coffees, too.

Not much time passes, though, between the time you drive in and drive out. The guys do an excellent job and we’ve always been pleased with the end result. The staff is very courteous and there’s usually an English-speaker in the building to help out if necessary. The Venados Carwash is located at the Marina on Av. Sabalo-Cerritos between El Capitano and the Pemex. Even if your car is clean, there’s lots of stuff to do!

It’s something all of us would rather not need, but it’s also very comforting to know that it’s close by. That’s medical care. La Marina Medical Center/Emergency Services is the only one of its kind for the Marina area and north, with direct connections to all Mazatlán hospitals. Inside the pristine little clinic are facilities for various lab tests, X-rays and ultrasounds. Office visits and house calls are available, and they also have an ambulance. A consultation fee is $350 pesos and they will deal with many insurance providers. The Med Center is across from the Pemex in front of Los Veleros. Info: 24hrs/day at 176-8963, or cell: 044-669-161-3618.

Nola Dyck and her husband have lived in Mazatlán since 1995. She spends her days creating things, tending her beach condo and acting and has been known to run the Pacifico Marathon. Nola’s been writing the El Delfin Condo newsletter for six years. Email tips, comments to Nola at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .