Have you missed La Manzanilla? We’ve missed you! High season is kicking off, and expats are returning after more than 18 months away. It’s excellent news for local businesses. Here’s a rundown of a few changes you can look forward to on your next visit.

What’s New?

La Manzanilla now has three bakeries.  Bikini and bakery has a nice ring. But how to squeeze into that venereal beachwear while still partaking in the deliciousness of fresh-baked pastries? Please give it a go and report back to me.

Leia, our lovely Southern belle, is still going strong at Panadería Leia. Gluten-free items, decadent cakes and of course, those ridiculously delicious cinnamon rolls are all on the menu.

Next up, we have the darling pastry cart, Mimosa Pâtisserie & Déli, and offerings include light and flaky French pastries, baguettes and croissants.

Lastly, El Hogar Del Pan serves up traditional Mexican pastries like coconut empanadas and conchas.  This little gem is in Boca de Iguanas, but they regularly bring goods to La Manzanilla.

While on the subject of tasty treats, I better call out Fresco La Manzanilla. I love this place! With the help of his partner, Marta,  Italian Chef Elia combines locally-sourced, fresh ingredients into unique recipes and serves them up in a beautiful alfresco setting. Reservations recommended.

Spa anyone? Yes, please!

The Lab partnered with local in-home spa service provider Isa, and now we have a coffee shop/tequila bar/spa all in one.

They are offing a complimentary mimosa with any spa service this month! What? Bring it on!

Apapacho, aka Mani/Pedi Gabita, moved into a tiny but mighty new location next to El Cato’s.

The wait is over

Four Season El Tamarindo opens in early 2022. Touting 153 accommodations, including 63 suites, many with private pools, the resort stands to change the face of the Costalegre and redefine the lives of many in La Manzanilla.  Three years in the making, El Tamarindo brought La Manzanilla a considerable influx of construction workers and a scramble by locals to provide housing and services for the new workforce. Many of these workers will move on to the next big building project, but their presence these past years served to put La Manzanilla on the map for many national tourists.  Questions remain whether El Tamarindo will be a good neighbor. It’s about a twenty-minute kayak from our beach to theirs.  Will El Tamarindo guests make the trip to see the “real” Mexico? Will prices rise to meet the demands of this new clientele? Can our infrastructure support our needs and the needs of a vast luxury resort? No easy answers, but change is here, and we can embrace it or make ourselves crazy railing against it. I’m going with embrace. Come on, bring it in, big hug.

 

 

 

What’s NOT new?

You can still find the most unique, delicious and affordable street food on the coast in La Manzanilla.  Tacos, tortas, posole, tamales, oh my! And all for about $1.25 each. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include some of my favorites.

Tamales, you haven’t lived until you’ve had a tamale from Cenaduría Mi Juan. Everything on the menu is fantastic, but they make the best tamales, ok I’m going to say it, in the WORLD! I’m not sure how they get the masa so smooth, but that’s what makes a fantastic tamale.

In the mood for some Pozole? Cenaduría Liz, located on the town square, is the spot. Liz has some secret mojo she tosses into her pozole. The broth has a vibrant, crisp and clean flavor. Pair it with a taco dorado and agua fresca, and it’s dinner for under $4.00.

What’s a chat about Mexican street food without tacos? As evening settles in around La Manzanilla, the taco stands magically start popping up.   Nothing beats a taco with carne asada on a handmade tortilla, and no place does it better than Tacos Capu.  Perfectly seasoned meat cooked on an open flame, topped with various salsas, makes these tacos a local favorite. Be prepared to wait for a table!

ICYMI

Students from the Guadalajara film school produced a fantastic short film about the La Manzanilla mangrove and the man at the heart of its protection.  The movie “PEPEDRILO” explores the passion and determination of Pepe Martinez, along with the La Manzanilla community, to preserve the flora and fauna of one of the few remaining mangroves of the Costalegre.  The academy of arts and sciences nominated the film for a student Oscar! See a clip here https://vimeo.com/371014753

Hope to see you soon!

The last 18 months brought La Manzanilla many challenges, some profound sadness and a glowing example of resilience of this small rural community.  Will you visit this winter? I hope so, but I understand not everyone is ready for an international trip.  Our stunning sunsets, warm pacific waters and the locals you know and love are here, waiting for your return.

See you on the beach!