In a country Americans call our neighbor, in a state with a funny name, in a city born out of tourism, I feel at home. I first visited Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico 34 (gulp) years ago as a college student. On my first visit there were two !! hotels on the beach along Blvd. Kukulcan. Yes. Cancun has grown into a world class tourism destination. Yes. Cancun has given birth to several nearby tourist destinations. Think Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, etc. Yes. Spring breakers love Cancun. But… the heart of Cancun is still here if you are willing to look past the touristy bits….
First, let me show you the wonderful skies and beaches….
From the flight into Cancun…
To the many faces of its autumn days…
To the locals…so eager to please and so willing to show their culture, often communicating in a language not even their own…
And finally… great success stories like that of my favorite restaurant in Cancun, La Habichuela (The Stringbean).. A 35 year old family run business that started in the old town (el Centro) and now has 3 branches including the original (which is STILL as fantastic and magical as it was 29 years ago on our honeymoon). The owners treat you like family and the garden dining is ultra special. And the food…
Tableside prepared Caesar Salad…
Served with housemade baked breads and rolls (don’t miss the onion rolls!) and compound butters…
A palate cleanser between courses…
Shrimp “Steak”or Garlic Shrimp?
…or choose Chicken en Mole, Steak Tampiquena, Lobster in a Curry sauce, several selections of fresh fish and seafood prepared almost any way you choose including whole and served tableside. Not to mention the many Mayan inspired dishes and desserts…
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico…….open wide and say …..Aaaaaah!!
Betzabroad...My personal recipe for tasting our big, fat, wonderful world 