When You Visit Isla Cozumel,
Come Hungry!

By Eve Carr

When I travel, I like to search out restaurants —especially ones that are nothing like the estaurants back home. While Cozumel does have rsome of those familiar chains, it has a good sampling of local eateries as well. Actually, one of the best ways to really experience a different culture is to get a close-up and personal taste of its cuisine.

On a recent trip to Isla Cozumel, a quaint island just off Mexico’s Yucatan coastline, I discovered a innovative variety of restaurants serving food and dining experiences that I think you would enjoy as well.

O.K., let’s start with luxury. After all, you are on vacation. My choice would be to have an elegant dinner at the Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort. Set outside the busy city of San Miguel in its own little nature preserve, the Presidente Intercontinental is Cozumel’s only four-diamond resort. In addition to luxurious accommodations, many of them overlooking the Caribbean, this resort offers you the choice of three restaurants and bars: El Arrecife, overlooking the ocean and serving fine Mediterranean cuisine; El Caribeno Restaurant and Bar, which features all-day outdoor dining and live music; and Cana Brava Beach Bar, a beach cocktail bar. For a particularly romantic event, make reservations to enjoy your elegant meal on the beach at sunset.

When you dine at Casa Denis, you will enjoy authentic Mexican food, as well as time travel back in history as you look at all the nostalgic photos on the wall. Many are of family and friends, but top political leaders such as Castro and other celebrities are here as well. This Mom and Pop restaurant was started in 1945, and it was a treat to dine at an establishment that has been so much a part of Cozumel’s history.

I had a very memorable breakfast here as I dined with friends at the canopy-covered street-side café. Here I enjoyed hot, steamy coffee, as well as Scrambled Eggs with Challa, Mayan Spinach. Quite tasty. Other specialties include a Tropical Fruit Cup and a variety of omelettes that I intend to sample the next time.

Since Cozumel is a duty-free zone, it’s a Mecca for shoppers — especially those who stop here on their cruises. But, after a morning of serious shopping, you need to relax and, if you dine at Pancho’s Backyard in the heart of the shopping district in San Miguel, you be able to refuel in style—and then get back in action at the stores. Actually, the restaurant has a number of its own shops there as well.

Light fare includes such favorites as Enchiladas verdes (corn tortillas, shredded white chicken, tangy tomatillo sauce, with beans and salsa) as well as Gazpacho Andaluz (a cold and refreshing tomato coup with garlic and croutons). Heartier dinner selections range from Suprema de Pollo a la Poblana (stuffed chicken breast and spinach, cheese and almonds, with an aromatic sauce of Poblano chile and cilantro) to Combinacion Mexicana (Pancho’s Mexican sampler, Charcoal broiled beef tenderloin, chile relleno, chicken tamale, with rice and beans).

Enjoy your meal here in this stylish setting, but save room for the desserts and maybe even a Café Maya (espresso with Xtabentun liqueur, a local specialty).

If you’re looking for an all-day beach experience, head for Mr. Sanchos, where you will find casual dining at beachside, a wide assortment drinks (including a variety of Tequilas), more shops, and even beach-side massages. Talk about relaxing.

To round out your dining adventure in Cozumel, check out Ambietes Cozumel Restaurant. Remember when I said that Casa Denis has been around since 1945? Well, this restaurant is the new kid on the block, and it’s fun to see how innovative these young entrepreneurs can be. The sample menu I enjoyed included Crab Rolls, Whole Wheat Pita and Manchego Cheese and Turkey Breast served with Coleslaw. I especially enjoyed their Chicken in Tomatilla Sauce. In this quaint restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of settings including their Ocean Bar, the Garden of Relaxation, the Tropical Setting and The Art Gallery or “one place, four atmospheres,” as they describe it.

For a small island, about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, Isla Cozumel offers an incredible variety of restaurants. For more information, visit www.islacozumel.com.mx.

About the Author:

Eve Carr is a full-time food and travel writer and photographer who absolutely enjoys sharing with others her knowledge of food, wine and restaurants that she discovers on her national and international travel.

Article coutesy of Suite101.com.