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El Taj Ocean ranked #2 Best Hotel in Mexico by Trip Advisor!

January 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

El Taj Ocean ranked #2 Best Hotel in Mexico

El Taj Ocean and Indigo Beach Club in Playa del Carmen

Please join us at the #2 Ranked Hotel in Mexico (Trip Advisor) for 2012

Trip Advisor Rankings for 2012

El Taj Ocean was ranked #2 of all hotels in Mexico by Trip Advisor for 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Trip Advisor recently announced it’s Top Hotel Rankings for the World for 2012, and

El Taj Ocean was ranked #2 hotel in all of Mexico!

It’s not surprising as El Taj Ocean is on the beach, in the premier zone of Playa del Carmen, is a stunningly beautiful property, with outstanding service and ammenities. We are proud to show you why El Taj Ocean ranked #2 Best Hotel in Mexico.  Of course some units are better than others and here is a list of the best units.

Best 1 bedroom is 341:

Best 1 Bedroom Condo in El Taj Ocean is 341

341 is hands down the best 1 bedroom condo in El Taj Ocean. Largest, best views and lots of extras

largest 1 bedroom nearest to the beach, and the only 1 bedroom to have a large private balcony off the master bedrooms and views from all rooms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best 2 bedroom is 333 or 344:

343 and 344 are the best 2 bedroom condo's in El Taj Ocean

343 and 344 are the best 2 bedroom condo's in El Taj Ocean. Great views from all rooms

 

 

large 2 bedroom nearest to the beach, private jacuzzi, views from all rooms, balconies off living room and both bedrooms.

Best 3 bedroom is 338, 339, 333, 334, & 335.  Spectacular views from living room/kitchen, master bedroom, and 2nd bedroom.  3rd bedroom in 338 and 339 also has views.

 

 

 

Best 3 Bedroom Penthouse is 340.

340 in El Taj Ocean is the bed 3 Bedroom Penthouse

340 is the best 3 Bedroom Penthouse in El TAj Ocean with great views from the rooftop

 

Spectacular views from all rooms and a private rooftop with jacuzzi, gas grill and lounge furniture.  Great for weddings and parties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For best rates, availability and additional information, contact Laura

(I own several units) at drlauraleli@gmail.com   I am not a travel agent. As an owner I will help you get the best price possible for the best unit. Our developer, builder, and Property Management Association also have 4 other sister properties within 1 block of El Taj Ocean, and guests at any of the properties receive complimentary beach chairs at El Taj Ocean’s Indigo Beach Club, and complimentary use of The Gym at Porto Playa.

Porto Playa Condo Hotel in Playa del Carmen

Porto Playa is a less expensive property than El Taj Ocean, and guests still receive use of Indigo Beach Club at El Taj Ocean

Maya Villa Condo Hotel in Playa del Carmen

Maya Villa is a lower-priced sister property to El Taj Ocean. Guests receive complimentary beach chairs at Indigo Beach Club located at El Taj Ocean

 

Map of Playa del Carmen

Map or our locations in Playa del Carmen: All within 1 block of El Taj Ocean and Indigo Beach Club

Filed Under: Best of Playa, Best Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen, BestOfPlaya, Blog About Playa, blog about Playa del Carmen, BlogAboutPlaya, El /taj Ocean Condo Hotel, El Taj Ocean, Guest Review of El Taj Ocean in Trip Advisor, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, How to pick a place to stay in Playa del Carmen, Indigo Beach Club, map of Playa del Carmen, Maya Villa Condo/Hotel, Playa del Carmen Condo, Playa del Carmen Condos, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Resort, Playa del Carmen Resorts, Playa del Carmen Weather, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, weather Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Il Pescatore, One of the Best Restaurants in Playa!

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Last night we went to Il Pescatore for dinner

Best Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is Il Pescatore

Ileana greets you at the door and welcomes you to her restaurant. She's charming.

It was our first time, but Ed Vidgen, who lives in Playa (our hero because he lives here) goes often to Il Pescatore Ristorante.  It was fabulous!  Although we eat at many places on 5th Ave., we love getting off the 5th for quainter, more charming restaurants and this is not at the top of my list.

From the minute we walked up to Il Pescatore, the vibes and visuals were pure Italian.  Mama Ileana greeted us with typical Itaian, “so glad you are here” charm.    There is inside and outdoor seating and at 8:30 the place was packed.  Since we were hungry and not willing to wait for an outdoor table, Ileana found us one inside.

The menu included pastas, seafood, meat and chicken dishes, but Ileana also has nightly specials.  I’m a sucker for the specials and had salmon ravioli with a pink vodka saucea, as did Ed.  Terry had spaghetti bolognese, and my son, Matt Leli, had a filet.  Everything was delicious,   one of the best meals I’ve had in Playa!

Il Pescatore has an open air kitchen

Watch your food prepared in the open air kitchen of Il Pescatore

Whereas many restaurants offer you bread or chips, Il Pescatore brings freshly made bruschetta to all the tables.  We also ordered the calamari fries for an appetizer.  It is simple fried calamari, but the batter was unique and very tasty.

We had coffee, latte, and cappuchino with, of course, Zambucca straight up with 3 vanilla beans for good luck.  Most menu items were under $20, and the wine was reasonably priced.

Mama would come over occasionally and make sure we had everything we needed, and it was cute watching guest after guest hug Mama before they walked out the door.  What a great evening.

Il Pescatore is located on 10th Ave at the corner of Calle 24, just a little northwest of 5th AVe. and Constituyentes. Email is elpescadorplaya@hotmail.com and phone number is 873-3795. Bon Appetit!

Read Trip Advisor Reviews - they rank it #15 of all restaurants in Playa.  For Questions about Playa del Carmen or for the Best Places to stay in Playa, email Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com or call 630-664-3904

 

 

Filed Under: Best of Playa, best places to eat in Playa, best restaurant in Playa del Carmen, BestOfPlaya, Blog About Playa, blog about Playa del Carmen, BlogAboutPlaya, Food in Playa del Carmen, Il Pescatore, Il Pescatore Restaurante, Playa del Carmen Weather, restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Things to do in Playa, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

In Memory of Molsen 2001 – 2012

January 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Molsen, my guy

Molsen

My guy, Molsen, was my best friend. He was always there, always sensitive to whatever I needed. My cuddle bunny

I’ve had dogs my whole life, but never one who took my heart like my guy, Molsen. It is said your dogs will welcome you into heaven. I believe this to be true.

I explained it to St. Peter,
I’d rather stay here
Outside the pearly gate.
I won’t be a nuisance,
I won’t even bark, I’ll be very patient and wait,
I’ll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I’d miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn’t be heaven for me.

Filed Under: dogs, loss of a dog, Molsen Tagged With: , , ,

Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29

January 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Tequila Fest January 26-29 Playa del Carmen

Join us for Tequila Fest January 26-29 Playa del Carmen

Join us at Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29

The annual Tequila Fest will include Tequila Taste Tasting Sessions, Pairings with food,   Informational Courses on Tequila and more await you at Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, January 26-29.

Tequila Taste Tasting

There will be 26 of the best tequila houses in Mexico, with hundreds of tequilas available for sampling and purhcase.  There will be an expert at each booth available to answer questions about the history of tequila and the brand’s production, past and present.  Tequila Fest January 26-29 in Playa del Carmen  16:00 hrs to 22:00 (4 – 10 pm).

  • Entrance ticket price: $ 10USD

Tequila and Food Pairings

Chefs from 26 of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen will be in charge of the perfect food matching with the tequilas sold in their restaurants.  The tastings will be from 7 – 10 pm.  Cost is $40usd

There will also be tequila tasting and food matching in four beach clubs from 1- 3 pm

Educational Lectures about Tequila

During Tequila Fest training seminars and lectures are being offered for participants to learn more about tequila,  starting from the manufacturing process, the benefits of the different tequilas, the best tequila tasting and food matching.
Schedule: In the morning 27th to January 29th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
There will be two introduction lectures: from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Space is limited.
The price per participant is: $15.00 usd / $150.00 mn

For Additional Information visit the Tequila Fest Website

Where to Stay?

Most convenient condo/hotels are Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach and Villas Sacbe.  For special discount rates and availability contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

El Taj Ocean Condo Hotel and Indigo Beach Club

Enjoy Tequila Fest and stay at El Taj Ocean located on the beach in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Porto Playa Condo Hotel

Enjoy Tequila Fest from the perfectly located Porto Playa Condo Hotel in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Maya Billa Condo Hotel in Playa del Carmen

Join us at Maya Villa Condo Hotel in the Premier Zone of Playa del Carmen

Filed Under: Best of Playa, BlogAboutPlaya, Hotels Playa del Carmen, Maya Villa, Maya Villa Condo/Hotel, Playa del Carmen Beach, Playa del Carmen Condo, Playa del Carmen Condos, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Resort, Playa del Carmen Resorts, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, Tequila Fest, Tequila Fest in Playa del Carmen, Things to do in Playa, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Play Golf with Greg Norman at the ProAm Classic in Playa del Carmen!

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Greg Norman at the Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen

World Golf Hall of Famer, Greg Norman, will compete in the Pro Am Golf Classic to be held February 22-26 at the Mayakoba resort’s El Camaleon Golf Course.

Norman, winner of 20 PGA TOUR tournaments and designer of the host course, will be competing for the second time in Mexico’s only PGA TOUR event. Norman has won 91 professional events around the world, including the 1986 and 1993 British Open Championships. He has 29 top 10 finishes in major championships and has twice served as captain for the International team in the Presidents Cup competition.

Enter to win a chance to play with Greg Norman at the ProAm Classic in Playa del Carmen.

You can enter to win a chance to Play with Greg Norman at the Pro Am Classic in Playa del Carmen on one of his few tour stops.

To Enter

It’s easy ! Just submit your best golf photo by January 16 – action, scenery or funny photos are the 3 categories. Your entry will be posted and the grand prize winner will be determined by public vote, so have your friends vote early and often . The winner will be announced on February 1, 2012. All finalists will receive VIP passes to attend the 2012 Mayakoba Golf Classic. You could be the one to Win a Chance to Play with Greg Norman at the Pro-Am Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Feb 2012!

Click here to post your photo

The Grand Prize Includes:

  • Pairing with a PGA TOUR Professional
  • One (1) Gift Package (retail value $1,000 USD)
  • Two (2) invitations to the Pro-Am Pairings Party (Tuesday, February 21, 2012)
  • Two (2) invitations to the Pro-Am Awards Dinner (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)
  • One (1) Pro-Am Participant credential and One (1) Pro-Am Guest credential granting access on Wednesday to the Founders Club which overlooks the 18th green from the second floor of the El Camaleón Clubhouse (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)
  • Two (2) wristbands granting access to the Terraza, Fiesta Club (18th Green) and El Camino venues (10th green, 15th green and 17th green) from Thursday – Sunday

El Camaleon Golf Course

El Cameleon Golf CourseEl Camaleon Golf Corse, is the only PGA tournament in Mexico
The 7,039 yard layout of the El Camaleón Golf Club at the Mayakoba resort is unique. The course bends through tropical jungle, dense mangroves, and oceanfront stretches of sand with holes bisected by massive limestone canals. Designed by Greg Norman, the course incorporates a cenote, a massive, ancient cavern common to the area, into the heart of the opening fairway. Each hole at El Camaleón is sprinkled with a minimum of five tee blocks, a distance for every player.

The surrounding golf amenities are equally as stunning. The handsome, Mayan influenced clubhouse rises above the 18th green and the adjoining practice facility and driving range are five star.

In 2007, El Camaleón made history by becoming the first golf course to host an official PGA TOUR event in México and the first official PGA TOUR event ever held outside of the United States or Canada. Tickets for the Pro Am will go on sale January 1, 2012 and can be purchased by clicking here or by calling 011 52 (984) 873-4916 in Mexico or 888-66-SHARK in the U.S.

Local residents of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera can purchase tickets at area golf pro shops within the Cancun and Riviera Maya region.

Stay at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa,  El Taj Beach, Maya Villas or Villas Sacbe while you enjoy the Pro Am.  All are full-service condo hotels in located in the Premeir Zone of Playa del Carmen,  10 minutes from El Camaleon Golf Course. These are 4 and 5 star properties either on the beach or steps from the beach and offer 1 and 2 bedroom condos as well as 2, 3, & 4 bedroom penthouse units.  Penthouses also have a private rooftop with jacuzzi, gas grill and lounge furniture.  All units have high ceilings, marble floors, 2 pools, 2 jacuzzis and is steps to the beach and 5th Ave.

All guests receive complimentary beach chairs at Indigo Beach Club, located on-site at El Taj Ocean and complimentary use of The Gym, located on site at Porto Playa.  Book your stay through us  at any of our properties during the Pro Am Golf Classic and I’ll buy you breakfast!

Contact Laura for rates and availability at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Porto Playa Condo HotelBeautiful property, steps from the beach and 5th Ave., 10 minutes to Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Map of Playa del CaramenPorto Playa Condo Hotel and our sister properties in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Filed Under: Best Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen, condo/hotels in Playa, Condos in Playa del Carmen, El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course, El Taj Beach, El Taj Ocean, golf, Greg Norman, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, Maya Villa, Maya Villa Condo/Hotel, Mayakoba Golf Classic, Mayakoba Pro Am Golf Tour, Play golf with Greg Norman, Pro Am Golf Classic, Things to do in Playa Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Happy Holidays from El Taj and Playa del Carmen

December 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Happy Holidays from Playa del Carmen

Happy Holidays from El Taj and Playa del Carmen

Happy Holidays from El Taj and Playa del Carmen

We wish you Happy Holidays from El Taj and Playa del Carmen, and our sister properties:  Porto Playa, Maya Villa, and Villa Sacbe.  We continute to strive to be the best source for your booking needs and to live up to our promises.

Our continuing promises to you in 2012:

1. We respond to all emails within hours.
2. We want you to have the right property for your needs and desires even if it means renting you another unit (not ours) in any of our 5 properties: Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa or Villas Sacbe, or someone else’s property
3. We will be honest with you on any and all questions you may have.
4. We are committed to getting you the best rate we possibly can and can match the Property Management’s rate on all units in all 5 properties.
Our goal is for you to have a fabulous experience and come back again.

Enjoy our video of El Taj Ocean!

Visit our other website and blog: http://www.portoplayaplayadelcarmen.com and our videos: Porto Playa http://youtu.be/OOj6_Ueh70w  and Playa del Carmen http://youtu.be/90_EhqgMRWk

 

Contact Laura for rates and availability at drlauraleli@gmail.com

 

Happy Holidays from Playa del Carmen

Filed Under: Best Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Carmen del Playa, condo/hotels in Playa, Condos in Playa del Carmen, El /taj Ocean Condo Hotel, El Taj Ocean, Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Hotels Playa del Carmen, Playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen accomodations, Playa del Carmen Condo, Playa del Carmen Resort, Playa del Carmen Weather, Uncategorized, Video of El Taj Ocean, video of Playa del Carmen Tagged With: , , , , ,

Best new restaurant in Playa del Carmen: Al Volo

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Al Volo:  Best new restaurant in Playa del Carmen!

Last night we went to Al Volo, an Italian place on Calle 34 next to Aguachiles (a great fish taco’s restaurant).  The owner and cook is Gianpaolo Ferrera, one of the chefs from Indigo Beach Club.  It was wonderful!!!  It’s a small and casual space, so don’t expect a big restaurant or lots of frills.  It’s not that kind of place, but it’s the kind  of place we will go back to every time we are in Playa!

Gianpaolo Ferrera and Al Volo Italian Food

Gianpaolo Ferrera is the owner and cook of Al Volo Italian Food. He's also a chef at Indigo Beach Club

Al Volo Italian Restaurant

Best new casual restaurant in Playa del Carmen

We asked Gianpaolo to make us whatever he recommended for the night.  We enjoy his dishes and Indigo and were anxious to taste his new concept.  We started with freshly made garlic bread that was unblievably good.

Garlic bread at Al Volo Restaurant

Garlic bread freshly made at Al Volo

 

That was followed by a small plate of appetizers he created.  They were deliscious and would have been enough, but it was followed by a crab lasagna(!!!) that was so light and wonderful, then a steak that had been pounded thin with a light coating of seasonings.

Appetizer plate at Al Volo Italian Restaurant

After the gardlic bread we had a smal (!?) plate of appetizers at Al Volo

Crab lasagna at Al Volo Restaurant

Gianpaolo made the most unbelievable crab lasagna!

Steak and mashed potatoes with saled at Al Volo Italian Restaurant

Gianpolo made a steak, mashed potatoes with salad for our main course

 

Al Volo Italian Food in Playa del Carmen

Al Volo Italian Food is a small, casual place with outstanding food

As full as I was, everything tasted so good,  I couldn’t stop eating.  Wine can be purchased by the bottle or glass, and we had cappachino’s with our desserts of tiaramisu, panacotta with berries, and a brownie with gelato.  We welcomed the walk home as we all were stuffed!

Gianpaolo’s girlfriend Alejandra Cornejo acted as hostess and waitress.  In addition to  her  lovely smile and great service, she told us details about all the dishes we were served and it was enjoyable to hear her descriptions.

Alejandra Cornejo at Al Volo Restaurant

Alehandra Cornejo is the hostess/server at Al Volo Restaurant and charmed us with her smile!

Al Volo is a small, very casual eatery with 6 tables and large ottomans to sit on. There is also a counter with barstools inside.  They also deliver! I wish we had a place in the US that was authentic Italian and offered delivery! Al Volo just opened last week, and I predict they will be very successful!!  The are the best new restaurant in Playa del Carmen.

Looking for the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen?

Contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com for best rates at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa and Villas Sacbe

 

Filed Under: Al Volo, best restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Carmen del Playa Tagged With: , , , , ,

Best Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is Casa Mediterranea

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many great restaurants in Playa, but the best restaurant in Playa del Carmen has to be Casa Mediterranea!

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

Casa Mediterranea is tucked away in a courtyard off 5th Ave. between Calle 6 and 8

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

Entrance to Casa Mediterranea is on the east side of 5th Ave., between Calle 6 and 8

Tucked away on a quiet little courtyard off Quinta Avenida, this impressive, small, restaurant is the most romatic restaurant in Playa del Carmen and offers, excellent home-made Italian food. Pescado (fish), carne (meat) and pasta specialties are outstanding, and as far as I’m concerned, the best bruschetta I’ve ever had in my life!

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The courtyard also has lovely boutiques and artwork. Shop after eating at Casa Mediaterranea

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You can't miss Casa Mediterranea - it's filled with twinkling lights

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

The courtyard represents a little bit of Italy and is a peaceful respite from 5th Ave.

Maurizio and Maria, the owners, are there to greet their guests and are true Italian chefs. The menu is mostly northern Italian, with several dishes from other parts of Italy. There are daily specials, but everything is wonderful and the ambiance is unbeatable. There are several wines to choose from and a selection of deserts and after dinner drinks to enjoy.

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

Casa Mediterranea is tucked away in a small courtyard with boutique specialty shops just off 5th Ave

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Casa Mediterranea is an intimate Italian restaurant with outstanding pastas, fish, and meat dishes.

Casa Mediterranea is highly regarded by many, including Frommers, Trip Advisor

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

Best food, ambience, and service in all of Playa del Carmen

Casa Mediterranea

Maria and Mauricio are the proud owners of Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen

Looking for a place to stay in Playa? For rates and availability at Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa, and Villas Sacbe, please contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Filed Under: 5th Avenue, best restaurant in Playa del Carmen, Casa Mediterranea, Playa del carmen, Playa del Carmen Condos, Porto Playa, Porto Playa Condo Hotel, restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Things to do in Playa del Carmen Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Great Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

December 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A day of great weather, great friends, and great restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Terry Carmine, Aurel Gusat, and Ed Vidgen

Terry Carmine, Aurel Gusat, and Ed Vidgen on the balcony of 216 at Porto Playa

We arrived in Playa yesterday, and while it was snowing in Chicago, we were eating grouper sandwiches on the beach at Coco Maya (ask for Edwin). They have the best grilled grouper served on a baguette with french fries!! It is always our first stop when we arrive! The mixed drinks are OK, not great, so I’m more likely to get an ice cold Dos XX.

After lunch we walked the beach. Lots of construction going on at the Blue Parrot. It will be interesting to see what they are building. Edwin told us they are making a larger bar/restaurant area. Hope they are done in time for Christmas as that’s the busiest season down here.

Made a quick trip to mega and bought smoked salmon, cheeses, and Carmenere (Chile) wine as well as fruits and pastries. It’s a 10 minute walk there and we cabbed it back to the condo.

We’re staying in 216 at Porto Playa and gosh the condo and property look so good. I asked the Property Management Association to cut back/trim the trees and flowering bushes because I felt it was resembling a jungle in our courtyard. Now we have a perfect view of the pools again and it looks stunning.

View of pools at Porto Playa, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

As we sit drinking our wine, the view of the pools under a full moon is Bellisimo!

Ed Vidgen and Aurel Gusat, our friends and neighbors, came over for wine and appetizers. One of my favorite times of day is sitting on the balcony drinking wine with these guys. It’s dark here by 5:30 during the winter, so we the courtyard and pools are lit up so beautifully – my compliments to Jack Perlman, the developer. He knows how to light up a place like no one else does. And there’s a full moon!

Full moon over Porto Playa

Sitting on the balcony of 216 at Porto Playa under a full moon!

Al Bar Dello Sport

The four of us went to dinner last night at Al Bar Dello Sport. I have to laugh because to me it translates as a sports bar, but there are no sports memorabilia or big screens. It’s really an Italian restaurant on the corner of 5th and Calle 32 (10 minute walk). They made their own Sangria and although I usually don’t like red Sangria (too sweet, and made with bad wine) this was the best I’ve ever had. Ed and Aurel were there when they were making it and told me they used very expensive and good dry red wines. You can tell, it was fabulous!

Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen[/caption

I went in the back to see the kitchen and watch them pour our Sangria. Fantastico!!

Sangria in the kitchen at Al Bar Della Sport

Al Bar Dello Sport, one of the best Italian Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

I had pescado (fish) ravioli with shrimp sauce- OMG were they outstanding, Terry had decarne (meat) ravioli, Ed had Gnocchi, Aurel had a pizza (he claims it’s the best in Playa). Pizza is thin crust, European style. A work of art. Our compliments to Pino, the owner.

Pino, the owner of Al Bar Della Sport

Say hi to the owner, Pino, of Al Bar Della Sport

Playa is home to many artists, and there are art shows a couple of nights a week. On Thursdays it’s on 5th Ave just north of Constituyentes. I’ve bought several paintings you’ll see hanging on the walls of 216 at Porto Playa or 341 at El Taj Ocean. Walking home tonight I see lots of beautiful pieces.

Artists sell their work on 5th Ave. every Thursday in Playa del Carmen

You can buy beautiful artwork from one of the many artists in Playa del Carmen. Thursdays you can find them on 5th Ave.

Filed Under: Al Bar Dello Sport, Art Fair, Art Show Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Playa del Carmen, Wish I was there!

December 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I’m In Chicago, but Playa del Carmen, Wish I was there!

Sitting on the beach in Playa

This beats a cold damp day in Chicago! Wish I were there.

I’m currently in Chicago where it is chilly and damp, and we’re watching the Packers vs Giants. There’s not much else to do on a day like today in Chicago, and Terry, my husband, is a die-hard Packers fan. Fortunately the Packers are ahead and we’ll hope they continue their winning streak. Although Terry’s happy, I’d rather be watching the game on 5th ave in Playa! Actually, I’m only here in Chicago physically; my mind and my heart are in Playa right now. I’m already thinking about the beach, the sun, the water, the food, our friends and being back in Paradise.

We leave December 8 to spend a few days there and I can’t wait. I’m often asked how Playa is in November and December, and all I can tell is that it’s Paradise. The weather is perfect – 80′s and sunny during the day, high 60′s to low 70′s at night.  No wonder why Playa del Carmen, Wish I was there!

Playa’s in the same time zone as Chicago (that is so hard to believe), but a bit further west, so it’s dark by 6 pm. We open a bottle of wine (or 2) every night we’re in Playa, and all of our friends and guests know they are welcome to stop by and have a drink before we head out to dinner. The day is spent walking the beach, having lunch at Indigo Beach Club, Coco Maya, Wicky’s or Fusion. When we leave the beach, we’ll go have an expresso or latte at Sasta’s, next door to Starbucks. (I can get Starbucks at home any day. I love Sasta’s and sitting outside people watching on 5th Ave. Then we head back to the condo (either 216 at Porto Playa or 341 at El Taj Ocean), and have a siesta before our daily wine ritual. Our neighbor, Ed Vidgen, is a regular and it wouldn’t be the same without him.

Dinner is always up in the air, but I’m already looking forward to our nightly journeys. Usually we’ll stroll down 5th Ave and stop at whatever strikes our fancy. We always go to Casa Mediterannea – the bruschetta is the best in the world and the owners, Mauricio and Marie are the most gracious hosts in Playa. All of the food is hand prepared daily and is outstanding.

Casa Mediterranea in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Our favorite restaurant is Casa Mediterranea, just off 5th Ave. Best bruschetta ever!

Another night we’re sure to go to is Da Gigi’s. It’s a little pricier, but to sit under the stars outside and be served wonderful Italian food in an elegant manner is an experience we enjoy. Origenes is a bit further up the street and closer to the beach. One night we’ll have to go to Piola. Terry loves the pizza there. Again, we sit outside and enjoy the weather, good food, and good company. There’s any number of additional places we might also go to, but these are always on our list of places to eat.

We might stop on the way home, and have a Mayan Coffee. It’s a $10 cup of coffee made at your table that involves several liqueurs, and quite a show involving lots of waiters. Brandy, one of the ingredients, is added to a container, then lit on fire. The flaming alcohol is poured back and forth into different cups several times, and then distributed in equal amounts to each of the coffee mugs. A mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg are then shaken into each container, which causes sparks to fly from the still-flaming brandy. Coffee is then poured into each mug, which should extinguish the flames. A spoonful of heavy cream is then added to each container.

Another liqueur goes on last, but not without another fiery show. It’s poured down and around the corkscrew of the orange that was peeled ealier. Cut-up lime wedges are then placed on each serving plate and the mugs are then placed on the serving plates with the lime wedges. A flaming tablespoon of Kahlua is set on top of each drink. Finally, the lime wedge is squeezed onto the flame just before serving, aggravating and then extinguishing the final flame just before consumption. It is something to behold.

Laura Leli Carmine splits her time between Chicago and Playa del Carmen. For information on Playa del Carmen, or rates and availability at Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa or Villas Sacbe, email Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com

Laura Leli Carmine, Terry Carmine, Matt Leli, Nick Leli, Brian Leli, Christian Carmine, Michael Carmine

Laura Leli Carmine and family in Playa del Carmen

Filed Under: 5th Avenue, Avenida 5, Best Place in the World to Retire, best places to eat in Playa, Carmen del Playa, Casa Mediterranea, El Taj Ocean, Green Bay Packers, Il Baretto, Maya Coffee, Packers, Pinio, Playa del Carmen Condo, Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, restaurants in Playa del Carmen, Sasta, Things to do in Playa, Things to do in Playa del Carmen, Video of Mayan Coffee making, weather Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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