Travel Farther Smarter (TFS) has taken time to visit many destinations and sample many local favorites. Trying local cuisines when exploring new places is one of the delightful advantages of traveling. My name is Anthony Scopel with TFS and I will be hosting this segment of Trying Local Cuisines.
I was visiting my daughter in Massachusetts when we happened to stumble onto a great deal on fresh lobster at the grocery store. I don’t know what it is, but cold water lobster is the best!
The bowl filled with that oh-so familiar bright red crustaceans (pictured right)was a feast that we enjoyed and complemented with wine - Pinot Noir blush, drawn butter, and a garden fresh salad. The white succulent meat was fabulous and couldn’t be compared to anything else that could have been served on that particular evening.
Staying on track with good seafood, we moved farther south to the sunshine state and Ft Myers Beach, Florida. After crossing over the Matanzas Pass bridge, we swung around onto Old San Carlos Blvd. On the corner of 3rd street and Old San Carlos you will fine the Smokin Oyster Brewery, also known by locals as SOBs.
They are synonymous for their shucked oysters and cold brews, not to mention my favorite cocktail which is their Long Island Ice Tea. When coming over the Matanzas bridge and you look to your right and down a bit, you can see SOBs bright yellow signature slopping roof. If you ever make it to Estero island and Ft Myers beach, stop in and ask for a dozen raw oysters and tell them Anthony sent you.
Another place we had a chance to cook up some fresh catch was in Coronado, Panama. Here is where we purchased some very nice size prawns. A local fisherman came by every Tuesday around noon to sell us his daily catch. You can boil or cook them over an open grill, either way they are delicious.
After an overnight stay, we decided to have breakfast in Tulum Pueblo - Tulum’s Town. Tulum is mostly known for its famous Mayan ruins and gorgeous turquoise waters. But there is also a quaint little town that straddles Mexico’s Federal Highway 307.
We walked down main street and found a local restaurant by the name of Don Cafeto La Marca del Café (pictured upper - left). This partially open air café served traditional breakfasts (pictured right) that include chili rellenos stuffed with an egg mixture, which a few of our party members ordered.
Others decided to order a traditional Yucatecan (a.k.a. Yucatec) breakfast as I stuck with the Huevos Rancheros, along with some strong Mexican coffee and a side of corn tortillas. All this for a very affordable price. I am going to miss this part of Tulum’s rich Mexican cuisine and personality.
Not to far away from Tulum’s Pueblo is its beachfront community. It extends approximately six miles or ten kilometers along the two lane road that follows the Riviera Maya’s beautiful coastline. There are a variety of beach bar & grills with not only great water views, but fabulous cuisines as well.
The Akiin Beach Club served their guacamole dip (shown left) with a flare of exotic greens that are mostly seen in leaf salads. Believe me, it tasted as good as its looks.
The hot wings with their version of green garnish were also very tasty. The added sauce had a little kick to it, but was well worth the tingling lips for a few minutes. Add these delectable dishes with some cool refreshing beverages while on a Caribbean beach, and you have a slice of heaven on earth.
From here let me take you to a city you might have heard of and that is Cancun, Mexico. The Yucatan’s vacation haven. The playground for the fun in the sun loving and free spirited individuals.
After spending an enjoyable day on one of Cancun’s world famous pearl white beaches, we visited one of the many excellent restaurants that inhabit this fun loving cuisine paradise. Captain’s Cove Steak & Seafood Grill Restaurant was our nights dining agenda.
The fine dine eatery is situated on the lagoon side of Boulevard Kukulcan - the main boulevard in the hotel zone. You can watch a beautiful sunset as you feast on the chef’s choice. The broiled lobster platter was complimented with seasoned shrimp, a medley of steamed veggies and rice. What a perfect way to end an evening out.
Just about forty-five minutes south of Cancun is one of Quintana Roo’s fastest growing towns. It is reported that Playa del Carmen has as many as a 1,000 restaurants with in its boundaries.
I could talk about all the restaurants, bar & grills and street vendors we have visited and tried over the years, but that would take days. So lets stay with some of the most recent ones like El Fogon.
It’s a local’s favorite and they always say “Eat where the locals eat”. This open air brick and mortar, colorfully painted and casual setting restaurant introduced us to some Mexican dishes I have never had or heard of. The “Taco Loco” (pictured right) is more like a stuffed burrito with a slab of bacon as garnish. It also tasted as good as it looks.
Another local favorite and one of mine as well is la Taberna. This casual setting - indoor bar & grill serves a mean Molcajete Chili. The steaming mixture includes various meats surrounding a green chili submerged in a dark spicy sauce that is served in a mortar & pestle bowl - rightfully named by the Aztecs & Mayans.
This featured dish can be a little spicy, so have your beverage of choice handy if you happen to find one of the smaller chilies that has put a bit of a bite on your tongue.
A smaller and very traditional local eatery that earns its credits is the Tacon Tenedor. This little curbside restaurant offers true home cooking at its best. The food is fantastic, the prices are great and the atmosphere mimics old Mexico.
The menu mostly consists of items that can be picked up and eaten with your fingers. They do offer a tasty ceviche that does need a spoon to eat.
Pez Vela is a bar and restaurant that resides on Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenida. It has seating in a partially enclosed dining area, curbside tables, and a swing bar where you can eat as well.
It is a perfect place to enjoy a great meal, have a few adult beverages, and enjoy conversation with family or friends. The atmosphere is very relaxed and decorated with a hacienda flare.
Pez Vela has a generously portioned deep fried fish platter - shown below, that tastes out-of-this world. They have a full item menu that serves appetizers, finger foods and complete dinners.
Playa del Carmen has so many eateries that serve so many different versions of Mexican, Mayan and other non-native cuisines.
When you plan a stay in an unfamiliar town or city, I would suggest to research some of the recommended eateries. Don’t be afraid of trying some of the “Off the beaten path” and/or local favorite restaurants.
The brief slide-video below captures a few more dishes that I couldn’t fit into the article. Enjoy the show!
Author: Anthony Scopel
Photography: Anthony Scopel & Rudi Marten - Israel Cuisine
Videography: Anthony Scopel & Crew
Article Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: You, Me and The Dock
