Dinner at Bistro Francais

In honor of Spring Break Season, I'm taking this week to highlight five meals I had during a mid-Winter's vacation in lovely Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just East of Cancun. Happy Eating!

Our last night on Isla Mujeres! I had read good things about Bistro Francais (29 Avenida Matamoros, between Hidalgo & Juarez) in our guide book and it was appealing being on a side street just off of the main drag of Avenida Hidalgo - the hustle and bustle wears on you after a few days, and it's nice to have a break from the constant throng of people. Turns out, the Times even gave it a positive review!

We started out with Margaritas, naturally, to mark the end of our lovely trip. They were delicious, and came in festive glasses.



My mom got the Shrimp and Lobster (the shrimp were so good everywhere on the island, it was hard to order anything else; she's also a vegetarian) which was served with rice and a baked potato. The seafood was perfect - tender, moist and flavorful, the rice fluffy and the potato wonderfully flour-y.



I chose the Garlic Shrimp (also with rice and baked potato) which was terrific. Again, the shrimp was fresh and tender and flavored with garlic and butter, but managed to stay light and delicate. The shrimp in both dishes were grilled on a skewer interspersed with vegetables which were so yummy, like the cherry tomatoes.



For dessert we shared an order of Flan. This was incredible. Creamy, light caramel flavor, just a hint of sweetness. So good! A perfect ending to an excellent vacation.



I also read that Bistro Francais also served a great Brunch!

Pizza at Aqui Estoy

In honor of Spring Break Season, I'm taking this week to highlight five meals I had during a mid-Winter's vacation in lovely Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just East of Cancun. Happy Eating!

Too early for dinner but in need of a little snack, we happened upon Aqui Estoy (85 Matamoros) in the downtown area of Isla Mujeres. The pizza is wonderful, and available with all sorts of toppings - artichoke, sun-dried tomato, pineapple & ham, whatever you want. It's a popular spot too, with just a few stools out front, and a big crowd chowing down on the deliciousness. Unfortunately, I ate my little personal pizza (a small is about 6 inches in diameter) before I took a photo (we had been biking all day and I was REALLY hungry), but I did get a shot of the outside.



Fodor's gives it a rave review as well, so if you're in need of a snack before dinner, or if you're looking for a reprieve from guacamole and tortillas, then this is your place!

Dinner at El Patio Caribe

In honor of Spring Break Season, I'm taking this week to highlight five meals I had during a mid-Winter's vacation in lovely Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just East of Cancun. Happy Eating!

Located just next door to Amigos on Avenida Hidalgo is El Patio Caribe restaurant, the only "beach restaurant" on the island. The dining area is in the backyard which has a sandy floor, hanging lamps and lush potted palms which makes for a cozy dining experience. The food is quite spectacular as well, probably the best meal we had during our vacation.

My mom ordered the Ginger marinated Shrimp Kabob which came with a baked potato and some vegetables on the side (cauliflower, zucchini & carrot). Tender, lightly seasoned and tasting of ginger and garlic and slightly sweet. Yummy.



I got the Mixed Brocheta Kabob with pieces of chicken, beef, shrimp and veggies which also came with a baked potato on the side. The beef was soooo flavorful, the shrimp tender and the veggies fresh & crisp. The potato was flaky and really enjoyable.



I loved this place! Being able to sit in the back, away from the hub-bub of the street was nice and relaxing, and the food was fantastic. Nicely done, flavorful and fresh, this is definitely a place to check out if you're in the area. They also have a live band every evening at 8pm.

Breakfast at Manana

In honor of Spring Break Season, I'm taking this week to highlight five meals I had during a mid-Winter's vacation in lovely Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just East of Cancun. Happy Eating!

Manana is a great cafe/bookstore located on the corner of Matamoros and Guerrero away from the busy main street traffic and noise. It's filled with sun from the open windows on either side and window seats with stools on the inside AND outside so you can sit with the sun warming your back as you eat, or choose to sit in the shade while you watch the goings-on about town.



They had the best iced coffee, with a good strong flavor, frothy milk and served in a tall glass.



Their Homemade Granola was delicious as well. Loaded with almonds and raisins it was served over plain yoghurt and topped with slices of banana. It was more on the side of Museli but was delish and fresh, and a nice treat from the heavy foods served elsewhere.



On our second trip to Manana we shared a big goblet of their Fruit Salad with Yoghurt. Big chunks of watermelon, papaya and pineapple filled the glass and was topped with a sprinkling of the granola. The fruit was so juicy and fresh, I could've eaten another goblet-full right then!



Open only for breakfast and lunch, you can also browse their selection of books left from travelers past. If you have a book you're finished with, you can trade it in, or donate it for a discount off of your food bill. They also sell brightly colored T-Shirts that make great gifts!

Dinner at Amigos

In honor of Spring Break Season, I'm taking this week to highlight five meals I had during a mid-Winter's vacation in lovely Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just East of Cancun. Happy Eating!

After a long day of traveling (subway, Air Train, Plane, Coach Bus, rickety Van & Ferry) my Mom and I were tired and in need of a good meal. We strolled away from our hotel down Avenida Hidalgo which is the main drag of Mujeres and found Amigos (between Matamoros and Abasolo, 52 99 88 77 13 38). A number of tables were set up outside and since it was still early we had our pick. We chose to sit where we could watch the sidewalk traffic amble by.

We started with Guacamole (of course) which was divine. It's amazing how much better things taste when all the ingredients are fresh and haven't had to travel hundreds or thousands of miles before you get to eat them. Made with chunks of tomato and fresh lime, there's really little else you have to do in order to make this any better. Served with tortilla chips artfully placed just so.



We also shared a dish of Mixed Ceviche which was AMAZING. Loaded with pieces of octopus, squid and shrimp, lime, tomato and cilantro, every little morsel was scooped up. The squid was great and the shrimp was incredibly tender. The octopus was a bit chewy, but overall this was delicious.



My mom chose the Fish Tacos for her main entree and I got the Beef and Cheese Tacos, both of which came with rice and beans and looked pretty much the same, so there's only one photo. The fish was tender, the beef flavorful, however the beans & rice weren't so great. BUT, everything else was so good, and hit the spot so we barely even noticed. The Mojitos and Margaritas were great as well, strong and citrus-y, a perfect ending to our long day and the perfect beginning to our vacation!