The Natives are Stirring
La Manzanilla this summer has been a padlocked sauna with the controls set on full steam ahead. Nonetheless, those of us who live here year ‘round have managed to sweat through yet another “off season.” (I refer not just to the dearth of foreign tourists, but also to the many times our power went off). Although we regret having to bid a fond adieu to summer’s lazy solitude, the natives are beginning to stir. We’re gearing up for what some predict may be the best Season ever.
The Longest Bar
I had to go without a Jane Burger for six weeks while owner Willy Mason and a crew of excellent local workers remodeled Palapa Joe’s. Once I got my beef, bacon and blue cheese fix, however, I must admit it was worth the wait.
They’ve replaced the old wooden bar with a long smooth stretch of acid-washed concrete that will seat close to a dozen and a half happy patrons. If there’s a longer (belly-up-to-the) bar in town, I’m not aware of it. It’ll probably still be impossible to get a chair when two strategically placed big-screen TVs are showing sports.
In addition to some new menu items coming soon, Palapa Joe’s has added an intimate outdoor-dining deck, in the yard just off the main dining area. Willy had hoped to get “six or eight strapping young men” to move the massive wood table and benches from the center of the restaurant up to its new home outside.
As it happened, none of them was under the age of 50. Five strapping-for-their-age “old farts” (Willy, Lorenzo, Apache, Joe, and Blue Bay John) hefting that colossal chunk of ex-tree up steps is “a testament to the power of clean living.”
Although you might not recognize the place since one large door was sacrificed to accommodate the new bar, Palapa Joe’s is still in the same place: on the left at the end of the second block of Maria Asuncion.
Dive/Kayak Tours
Certified dive master and local resident Mike McCombs has teamed up with Jolanda’s Restaurant on the beach to offer a wide range of water excursions on beautiful Tenacatita Bay and beyond. All gear is included in the price of the tours, as are instruction and transportation when required. Some even include snacks and lunch.
While kayaks and snorkel gear for personal use have been widely available throughout La Manzanilla, this is the first opportunity for people to join organized outings. This is also the first time SCUBA equipment has been obtainable locally.
Water jaunts range from snorkeling just off our beach to snorkel/ kayak excursions around the point to Tamarindo and a day trip north to Chamela Bay. Although in the original plan, snorkeling the Aquarium at Tenacatita is on hold while the courts sort out ownership issues (see related story above). Pick-up from Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta airports is available for registered tour members.
Swimming and water awareness lessons for children and adults also are available, taught by certified instructor Marianne McCombs, in pool and bay settings. For more information or to sign up for any of these outings, please visit www.jolandasrestaurante.com.
New Seafood Deli
Mariscos Deli launched recently with an impressive variety of fresh and frozen, regionally caught seafood, as well as imported and domestic sauces to complement their wares. Rumor has it that they hope to add deli meats and cheeses to their line.
If it lives in the water and it’s in season, you’ll likely find it in this gleaming, spotless store. To date, they’ve lived up to their motto of “quality, consistency, reliability, and affordability.”
Sampler Sundays start at 8 a.m. and lasts until the smoked fish, ceviche, sushi or other selected seafood delicacy are gone. (Wouldn’t Sunday-morning bagels and lox – bring your own bloody mary’s – be absolutely cool?) Free recipes and cooking tips are always available.
Mariscos Deli, with customer service covered in English, Spanish and French, is located on the inland side of the main-street Y.
Tenacatita South
Enterprising Tenacatita restaurant owners, who lost their livelihood in the August 4 takeover, have brought their hospitality and fresh seafood menu across the bay. Delores Morfin Moreno and Catalino Alvarado just opened their newly constructed Lola and Cato’s in La Manzanilla.
The sea-side restaurant on Playa Blanca (next to the fish co-op) features an extensive array of seafood dishes (tropical shrimp, oh yum!) and a full bar. Dining options include covered indoor and outdoor seating, plus umbrellas and tables right on the sand. Their stunning view of Tenacatita Bay is a given, even if it is from the other side.
Lola and Cato’s also offers sport fishing expeditions and tours of the Tenacatita mangrove. You’ll find someone at the restaurant everyday from eight in the morning to 11 at night.
Speaking ot Tenacatita, the situation over there continues as the quintessential Mexican standoff. Despite much huffing and puffing, paper pushing, and pissing in the sand among all parties involved, the beach is still off-limits to title holders as well as tourists. Displaced residents and business owners remain optimistic, however, and continue to organize their crusade for the return of their land.
Gonzalez at Galeria and More Silver Mangini has great things in store for Galeria La Manzanilla this year, including kicking off their Meet the Artist receptions with Efrem Gonzales on December 3.
Eileen Zack looks forward to offering her famous cooking classes – December 15 through March 24 – in her beautiful new kitchen (and home) this year. See www.eileenslamanzanilla.com for cuisine schedule and address.
Karen Taylor, Hatha Yoga instructor and certified ThetaHealer, conducts yoga and Pilates classes at Live Bliss Studios (on Playa Blanca) five days a week, with a meditation session after class on Wednesdays.
Nansee New will continue Argentine Tango classes with Soloman Michaels starting November 16 at her home, Casa Luz, on Boca del Rio.
Dave Collins, in conjunction with the Tierralegre Institute, is offering a Bamboo Construction Course November 21 through 25. Email davisoncollins@gmail.com for details.
You may not have heard much from us during these past dog days of summer, but life is returning to La Manzanilla. Winter residents are trickling back in and a few intrepid tourists are taking advantage of the calm before the storm. The excitement level can only go up from here.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
