• 29Mar

  Where Mazatlecos head for Sunday breakfast

  food, maz odds + ends 6 Comments

  

  Panamá, of course.  Panamá Restaurant y Pasteleria is a Sinaloa chain restaurant that is always packed with Mazatlecans eating Panamá’s excellent food.

  I’m not a big fan of chain restaurants, except maybe for breakfast sometimes.  But Panamá is different.  First, it’s a small chain, only three restaurants/bakeries in Mazatlán and five in Culiacán.  In addition, there are seven bakeries in Mazatlán and three in Culiacán.

  The chain was started in the 1970’s as an outgrowth of the Mazatlán grocery store, The Panamá Canal.  The waiters and waitresses are decked out in teal uniforms, with the waitresses wearing white panty hose.  They efficiently carry the food high in the air on trays above shoulder height, and we have never seen a mishap.  Waitresses push carts carrying their wonderful desserts around and around.

  

  We favor the Panamá across from the main Cathedral.  There is a spacious upstairs, but we prefer to sit on the main floor if possible.

  

  This morning we visited for breakfast – Sunday morning breakfast in a restaurant being a long-standing tradition that we have let slip since living here.  I had Omelet Santa Anita ($64) and Paul had the Pancake Combination ($64).  I also had a Fresandía, a drink of watermelon and strawberries. ($27), while Paul had coffee.  The food is so hearty we will stay full all day!

  Click on the picture of the menu at left if you’d like to read it, it’s a little larger image than usual so you can read it.

  I’m already planning our next Sunday breakfast, so bring your appetite.

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• 27Mar

  All the time, never, or sometimes…

  random 9 Comments

  I have had a relationship with cigarettes since I was about 13 years old.  On and off and on and off.  I have been a light smoker.  I’ve been a sporadic smoker.  I’ve been a pack-a-day smoker.  And mostly I have been a non-smoker.  I am not smoking now and have no desire for them anymore.  The last time I quit I used Champix and it really did the trick for me.  Well, that plus the knowledge that when you’re 50+ you can no longer pretend that it is kinda hip and young.  I would go to bed at night clearing my throat again and again.  I’m glad I am done with them – although I should say I am a recovering smoker and not that I am done with them, I guess.

  Here in Mazatlán, there is a law making it illegal to smoke indoors at a restaurant.  I don’t know the details, but there are signs up and I believe it is being enforced.  Most of the restaurants here have at least part of their seating outdoors, which works out for those who smoke.

  The thing is, I have noticed quite a difference between the way most Americans and Canadians smoke and the way most Mexicans do.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Or am I the only one?
  

  Canadians and Americans who smoke carry their cigarettes with them.  They will smoke while having a drink before dinner and as soon as dinner is over.  When they arrive at their table, whether it is at a palapa or a sidewalk cafe, out come the smokes.  It is as much an activity for them as the drinking, eating or chatting. Restaurants and activities are chosen partially based on whether smoking will be accepted.
  

  I’m not judging here.  I have done more than my share of it, believe me.

  I have noticed that Mexicans – especially middle class Mexicans – typically sit around for hours over drinks and food, chatting and occasionally lighting up a smoke.  Many people are occasional smokers – they will borrow a cigarette or ask the waiter for a pack or a single when they have the urge.  I know women who always have a pack in the bottom of their purse but only occasionally pull it out and have one.  The time just has to be right!  There’s something about it that just feels less obsessive to me.

  I’m done with cigarettes, really I am.  But if I were ever to start again, I would strive to smoke like a Mexican.

  
• 24Mar

  They are waiting for us…

  dogs, maz odds + ends 5 Comments

  Every day when Paul and I take the dogs for a walk we create a lively diversion for the poor housebound or roof-bound critters on our route.  So, I thought you might enjoy 28 seconds of Mazatlán dogs defending their homes from suspected canine infiltrators.  (Or so they think. I believe Henry and Lucy would rather stay with us.)

  Other dog walk news: Today  we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the malecon with Linda and Bill from Alamos who were in Mazatlán vacationing with their college-senior daughter.  We were passing by with the dogs and Linda ran out and said hello.  It was great to meet them and hear a bit about their renovation.  I wish they were closer, I would really love to get to know them better.  Ah, well, we’ll just have to visit Alamos sometime.

  

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