I just had to stop. After having driven by this corner many times, here was something new. A bright red VW beetle was parked there, with a small crowd gathered around it. While it is not unusual to see one of these old classics still being driven in Rocky Point, seeing one with hot dogs sizzling on a grill where the seats should be is.

 

On Freemont Blvd., right past the Bomberos (firefighters) you will find it. Just the thing for a low cost, late night snack. (Three hot dogs and a half liter of Coca Cola is a snack, right?) Wrapped in bacon and set in a soft, fluffy, chewy, bun (the kind you never see in the U.S.), your hotdog can now be topped with any of the condiments laid out along the VW’s driver side. Cucumbers in cream, grated carrots with oregano, nacho cheese and more awaits.

“Salchi what?” I ask. “Salchipapas” says the man holding the tongs behind the grill. This, he says, is their specialty. “O.K., uno por favor.” He gives me a look that says “of course”, as if ordering two would be ridiculous.

His assistant tosses potato slices in a metal basket. But where the heck is he gonna…? Scooting around to the back of the Bug, he pulls open the hood where the engine used to be. A deep fryer! Genius!

I wait impatiently to find out what exactly it is that I have ordered. “This originated in Peru” the assistant tells me as he drops the fries onto paper to drain. Maybe the ancient Inca were into hotdogs too? With a big knife the cook chops two bacon wrapped dogs into little pieces, then scoops them into a basket with the spuds.

“Con todo?” (“With everything?”). Since I said yes, I get mayonaise, catsup, mustard, and some nice grilled onions. The assistant suggests adding nacho cheese, that’s how they do it in Peru dontcha know?

Judging by the small crowd of customers here tonight (and everynight), I am not the only one who appreciates the food and friendlyness at… “Hey, what is the name of this place?” The cook looks up to the street light as he considers the answer. I guess no one ever asked before. The VW Beetle has a different nickname depending what country you are in. In the U.S., it is the Bug. In Brazil, the Samba. And in Mexico? “El Vocho” he tells me. One of the easiest ‘restaurants’ to find in Rocky Point, go to Freemont and look for the bright red Vocho with steam coming out of the back.

By Richard Scott

Colins Cantina sits at the entrance to the Princesa de Penasco Resort. New this year, Colins has become the neighborhood diner and corner bar all rolled into one.

Colins offers Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner six days a week (closed Wednesdays). On the menu can be found baskets full of tasty fish tacos, a chicken burger topped with real Hatch green chili, or over sized chicken fingers served with the house chipotle cream sauce for dipping.

Portions tend towards the large. I tried the Chimichanga (pictured above). It is filled with beef or chicken and deep fried to a golden brown. Presented in true dinner style with guacamole, sour cream, fries and beans on the side. Caramba!

Breakfast is a mix of Mexican and American favorites, from Machaca and eggs to lox and bagels, with all you would expect in between. One serious contender for best breakfast in town are the blueberry bacon pancakes. Big and fluffy, they tell me that a lot of time went into finding the correct ratio of bacon bits to blueberries. Sounds like an excuse to pig out to me!

Little Colins has recently been expanded with a new dining area, bringing in some corner booths and more tables. The folks who work at Colins really are friendly, and if you are spending time down at the Princesa pool, dont be surprised to see a waiter in with a big sombrero come around asking if you would like to order snacks aor something to drink. Now thats serrvice.

Colins Cantina is open to the public, and is easy to find at the entrance to the Princesa Resort on Rocky Points Sandy Beach.

When in Rocky Point, let Seaside Reservations help you find the perfect place to stay!

It is shaping up to be a mini Circus Mexicus come October 10th, 11th, and 12th. Banditos Bar is the default home base for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers when they are in Rocky Point. Originally scheduled to perform at a festival here that never quite got off the ground, the group decided to come and play anyway.

Saturdays RCPM performance has been sold out for a while now. But come on down because the on off show has become a weekend full of music.

Friday night sees Marc Norman and Ghetto Cowgirl take the Banditos stage. This group made a big impact at the last Circus Mexicus. And finally, Peacemakers guitarist Jim Dalton hosts a Sunday brunch/after party to round out the weeekend.

This is the only schedueld Peacemakers event in Rocky Point before January, so come and enjoy the near perfect weather while listening to some of Arizonas best loved musicians.

 

Stand up paddle boarding is cool. It is not hard to get the hang of, and then it kind of feels like your’re out taking a walk. On the water! With some experience, you can play in the surf. But hey, this is a vacation, so take it easy.

Sitting out on the water as the sun sets is one of the greatest experiences you can have while in Rocky Point. Morning and just before sunset are the two best times to catch a glimpse of dolphins as they pass by in a pod. Curious and intelliegent, many times they will come close to check YOU out.

First timers or even experienced boarders can have everything they need delivered to your resort, if you are renting your condo through Seaside Reservations. If you have never done it, it is a painless way to check out a new sport.

Or how about kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks are available as well. Whatever your preference, Seaside Reservations new rental program gives you, your family, and friends, a couple more ways to make memories on your Rocky

Stand up paddle boarding is cool. It is not hard to get the hang of, and then it kind of feels like your’re out taking a walk. On the water! With some experience, you can play in the surf. But hey, this is a vacation, so take it easy.

Sitting out on the water as the sun sets is one of the greatest experiences you can have while in Rocky Point. Morning and just before sunset are the two best times to catch a glimpse of dolphins as they pass by in a pod. Curious and intelliegent, many times they will come close to check YOU out.

First timers or even experienced boarders can have everything they need delivered to your resort, if you are renting your condo through Seaside Reservations. If you have never done it, it is a painless way to check out a new sport.

Or how about kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks are available as well. Whatever your preference, Seaside Reservations new rental program gives you, your family, and friends, a couple more ways to make memories on your Rocky Point vacation.

by Richard Scott

 

 

Concentrate. Be the ball. Feel its’ weight as you hold it, ready to throw. All eyes are on you (OK, there are only six eyes total, everyone else is over at the beer tent). You wind up, swing your arm forward and release.

The bocce ball sails through the air, heading for the the other ones sitting in a clump just a few feet from the lazy ocean waves. If it lands where I want it to, it will nudge the other guys ball aside and I will have the points to win. If not, well there’s always the beer tent.

I can’t watch!

Bocce Ball is is a game that goes back to the Romans. Two teams try to get their balls closest to the target. Usually played on grass, this coming October 4th marks the return of the Las Conchas Beach Bocce Ball Tournament.

Get your friends together and make your own team, and spend the afternoon on the beach at beautiful Las Conchas. On the east side of Rocky Point, Las Conchas is mostly houses instead of Sandy Beach’s condo towers, and has a more ‘get away from it all’ feeling as well. Seaside Reservations can help you book your stay here.

The Community Relations Comittee of Las Conchas sponsors the event, with proceeds going to the many local charities that they support. Food and drink will be available to help you enjoy a lazy day at the beach with good friends.

Opening my eyes, I squint into the setting sun. Where’s my ball? Did it bury so deep in the sand that I can’t see it? Did I win?

I look towards the ‘crowd’. Not over there. Could it be? Scanning the shore, I catch the last glimpse of the red ball as it rolls into the foam of the Sea of Cortez. Oh well, like they say, you are only competing against yourself. Stupid ball!

The Las Conchas Beach Bocce Ball Event happens October 4th, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. You can get directions at the main gate to Las Conchas.

September in Rocky Point sees temperatures cooling down from the Summer highs. A few more clouds too.  In other words, the weather is getting close to perfect. With lots of events coming in the next couple of months (including the Rocky Point Rally), it’s a great time to get away. Let Seaside Reservations help you book that special place by the sea. Do you know which Seaside Resort is in this picture?

 

Brand new this September comes the WiFi Cafe. Located in the main building of the popular Sonoran Sea Resort, the WiFi Cafe brings a new nice place to hang out to those staying on Sandy Beach.

Open to guests as well as the general public, WiFI is half cafe and half convenience store. Though small, the store has a strategic selection of the things guests staying at the Sonoran Sea want to have, when they prefer NOT to drive into town.

 

At the counter you can ask to have your favorite coffee drink created on the espresso machine. I had a basic latte, and it was strong, foamy, and just right. Probably that’s because the coffee portion of the business is oversseen by Puerto Viejo, the fine coffee roasters located in the Old Port neighborhood.

Take your drink up the winding spiral staircase to a cozy loft above the store. There you will find a lounge full of plush high backed sofas and foot stools. Comfy and stylish. Loose the beach vibe when you want and find some quality time with your Ipad.

WiFI cafe is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

by Richard  Scott

 

Independence Day brings crowds of people to city hall for the Mayors’ annual address, cries of ‘Viva Mexico’, live Norteño music, fireworks, and more. Here local young people portray Mexicos heroes in a torch-lit parade.

This just in from Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. . . . .

“Boomer Fest is canceled. Roger and the guys were looking forward to a show in Mexico, so will be going down to perform inside Banditos on Saturday, October 11th. Showtime at 8:30pm. Tickets are limited, get yours before they sell out!

Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at Banditos starting October 8th.”

Reserve your stay with Seaside. Tickets available for Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers at peacetimegoods.com