Todo de Hoy. Nada de Ayer” (Everything from today, Nothing from yesterday).
This month we journeyed off the beaten path and went to a very secret spot. A restaurant hidden up in the hills overlooking Zihuatanejo offering the freshest fish available, Del Mar Al Paladar, is a true find.
Don’t write the name down and do not even try to remember it. There are no signs and you really have to know where you are going to get there. The restaurant is located above La Noria, right off the road to Puerto Mio Hotel. There is no written menu, but the waiter tells you what is available. Whatever was caught that morning. The slogan on their business cards reads “Todo de Hoy. Nada de Ayer” (Everything from today, Nothing from yesterday). This is not false advertising. There is only seafood…no chicken (although some might stroll through your feet while you eat) and absolutely, no hamburgers.
This is a place for those of us who truly adore seafood. Once you order, you are brought out the house appetizer. Sea Algae. Don’t grimace. It is quite tasty and surprisingly good, a perfect way to start a meal from the ocean. The algae is marinated in lime juice, chilis and red onions. We ordered the cucaracha (cockroaches of the sea) tiritas, for another appetizer. I have yet to determine exactly what animal these are, but the tiritas were delicious. The consistency of the meat was different, much like an abalone. Another appetizer, (however, our friends got it for a desert) is the sopa de pulpo (octopus soup). Very spicy and quite good. As we shared the tiritas, we glanced over at the other tables, all which were full of Zihuatanejans munching on oysters, abalone, pieces of the cucaracha, and various shrimp and fish platters. This is the test of a good restaurant. The turnover rate. As we sat there for a few hours, enjoying a few beers, shrimp, tuna steak (very fresh and cooked perfectly in garlic and butter), a few more beers, the tables were never empty. The waiter had a full house, three large tables with parties of 15 and four smaller tables. He never forgot an order and knew the menu by heart. Remember, patience is a virtue.
The restaurant is a family operation. They are open every day from 1-8 and 2-7 on Sundays. The directions they give you are rather vague. It is an adventure in itself trying to find the place, but well worth the effort. Spanish is the only language spoken here, so get out your dictionaries or, bring an interpreter. (I will be here a few more weeks…….)
Buen Provecho.
-April 2000
