Sea Side Reservations Blog

“Want some more?” What could be better than starting your day at the beach with someone offering to refill your mug? Well, if you are kind of a ‘coffee snob’ and they brought the generic big red can of coffee, ‘better’ is what you want. Luckily, Rocky Point’s got a coffee culture, and it’s not hard to find. Here’s three of the nicer options.

Popular places where the steam from an espresso machine can be heard (usually a minimum requirement in a serious coffee place) include Koffeehaus Restaurant, on the left as you head into the Old Port. Nice big foamy Lattes are the specialty (as well as the apple strudel).

Across from the church and a block from the Malecon, there’s Puerto Viejo. They offer a patio for people watching, coffee roasted on site, and Luis Altimirano, owner and coffee expert. You can buy a bag of fresh roasted beans, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about coffee from Luis. Stop by Tuesdays for movie night.

Café Limani is right off the main city park with sofas inside, tables outside, and good strong coffee from Oaxaca. Comfortable. Check your emails and have a second cup.

By Richard Scott

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Someone told us to try the ice cream. That’s why we came. A caravan is here from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, setting up camp in the park. They have brought handmade dresses, candy, and toys. Jewelry, sandals and bread. And ice cream. We go looking for it.

Semana Santa, Easter week, brings a lot of vacationers to Puerto Peñasco. Spending time with family, and being part of one big beach party are the main events. But there are always Fairs in town too. Just down the street is a carnaval with bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and cotton candy. The Oaxaca Fair is fun for wandering around, even if you mostly window shop.

We pass hand woven hats, organic coffee, and a rainbow of womens’ cloths. Ever had dried lima beans with a little chile, oregano, and mint? Addictive. Rumour has it you can find similarly spiced chapulines too. Crickets. Not today. Today is for ice cream.

And here it is. The nieve de garrafon is being made in metal tubs as we approach. Oh good, they give samples! We try exotic fruit flavors like Maracuya and Nanche, along with good old pecan and strawberry. Tequila is surprisingly good. We order and the man makes a hole in the middle where he pours a little extra from the bottle. What a nice guy! My friend gets coconut with grated carrot. Sweet, less creamy, it reminds me of sherbert. Great stuff. Let’s get a chocolate for the road and hit the Ferris Wheel!  The Oaxaca Fair is in the Shrimp Park for 2 more weeks.

By Richard Scott

Photos Yaneth Meza & Richard Scott

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Located at the port where the sunset cruises come and go, Bacanora Grill is a new restaurant serving distinctively Sonoran dishes. Mexican home cooking.

For example the Caldo de Queso, cheese and potato soup. Squares of fresh farmers cheese, mixed with chiles in mild cream of mushroom type broth. On the side, quesadillas in thick home made flour tortillas.

Sonora is known for it’s beef and seafood. We try the parillada, a plate full of carne asada, chorizo, and ribs fresh from the grill. Enough for the two of us, we decide to add the chiles stuffed with shrimp, wrapped in bacon anyway. Everything is so fresh!

Why ‘Bacanora’? It’s a town in the heart of the state at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains, a place to find all the best food Sonora has to offer. But it is also the name for the alcohol made from the agave plant that rivals the Tequila made down in Jalisco. What’s it like?

We order a Margarita. Bacanora not Tequila. Hmmm, right away you notice a smoky flavor. Kind of like Irish whiskey. Tastes good with the lime. Next time we have to try the Bacanora Mojito!       By Richard Scott

Bacanora Grill is by the boats before you enter the Malecon / Fish Market area. Open from 1pm to 9pm
638 690 7777

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“Cuando me coroné dos veces campeón nacional, el periodico ‘El Imparcial’ empezó a escribir la historia de mi vida y fotos con letras grandes llamandome ‘Un Gallo de Pelea’, despues la gente empezó a llamarme así tambien,dijo Juan Francisco Estrada, explicandonós cómo se le empezó a conocer con el apodo “El Gallo”.
Es oficial, El bi-campeon mundial de Puerto Peñasco defenderá su titulo el proximo 26 de Abril aqui en su pueblo natal. Fué el mismo Juan Francisco quien pidió que esto sucediera.
La gran pelea se realizará en el nuevo Centro de Convenciones de Puerto Peñasco Sonora.
Los aficinados podran ver a su Gallo y Richie Mepranum pelear por los titulos peso mosca WBO/WBA.
Abrá 8 combates antes de la pelea principal.
El Centro de Dialisis local sera el beneficiado, los aficionados al box tambien! Juan ‘El Gallo’ Estrada estará cumpliendo su meta de tener un evento para la gente de su pueblo, sus ‘homies’.
Los boletos ya están a la venta !

by Richard Scott

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“When I became 2 time national champion, Imparcial started captioning my stories and photos with giant letters ‘UN GALLO DE PELEA’ (a real fighting rooster) and then the people started doing it too.” Says Juan Francisco Estrada, explaining how he came to be known as “El Gallo”.
It’s official. Rocky Points own world champion “El Gallo” will defend his title April 26th here in his home town. And he is the one who pushed to make it happen.
The fight takes place at Puerto Peñascos’ Convention Center.
Fans will get a chance to watch Gallo and Richie Mepranum battle for the WBO/WBA Fly weight titles. There will be 8 bouts before the main event. The local Dialysis Center will benefit, boxing fans too! Juan is fullfilling a long time goal to have an event for the people of his home town. His ‘homies’.
Tickets are on sale now.

by Richard Scott

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The Funky Business Beach Ball Tournament roars into town this weekend. What is it? Funkalicious is the Phoenix volley ball league that knows how to party. Twice a year since 2009, Rocky Point has been the site for their most anticipated tourney.
The Sonoran Sun Resort is the location this time around. Courts are set up on the beach right in front, with taco stands and drink specials available during Saturdays’ tournament play. Friday and Sunday offer free play, open to those registered to stay through Seaside Reservations. (The Sonoran Sun is fully booked. Bella Sirena and the Sonoran Sky Resort are suggested as nearby alternatives).
Volleyball Magazine places this event on its list of top tourneys for Spring 2014. Known for being well organized with competitive play at all levels, Funkalicious starts the fun with the Opening Party at Banditos. Mexican Moonshine Tequila will be presenting $5 Margaritas, and none other than Roger Clyne will be playing an acoustic set! Saturday nights post tourney party will be at Wrecked at the Reef.
Come on down and enjoy superior volley ball at the beach, starting this Friday, April 11th. Visit the Funkalicious website or facebook page for more details.

by Richard Scott

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The word was out. Rumour had it that Roger Clyne would be taking over The Hut, a popular watering hole along Rocky Points’ Sandy Beach. Confirmation came from the Mexican Moonshine page on Facebook . . .

Ladrones, libertines, lushes and lovers,

For those who seek
high spirits, positive vibrations & good medicine
in the finest company:
come slip away and steal some time for yourself,
find shelter in the shade with party-going peacemakers in our prodigious palapa,
come relish Mexican Moonshine margaritas,
revel in mirth, music and merriment!

Where “the good guys and the bad guys never work past noon,”

we’ve a place for those who “do the don’ts & don’t the do’s,”

when you “gotta go a little loco to stay sane,”

while you let “your heart and your cup overflow,”

and delightfully declare that

“life is grand, love is real, and beauty is everywhere!”

We offer refuge and refreshment,
a respite for the rebel soul!

Come tip big with pesos and besos
at our humble hide-out,
our second home,
which we will name simply
and simply name,

“Banditos”

Here’s to Life!
~RC

Clyne and the Peacemakers have played here before, from Circus Mexicus to solo sets by Roger (see the recent article). With stages inside and out, Banditos promises to be a focal point for live music in Puerto Peñasco. Banditos big palapa roof is easy to spot when staying in Rocky Point.

by Richard Scott

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Jerry Cañez is a busy guy. His catering business, Jerrys’ Banquetes, prepares the food for a lot of the weddings in Rocky Point. Well known as a teacher, his

University courses in Culinary Arts share his skill and creativity with those looking to make a career in food service. And then there is Players’ Sports Bar. On Benito Juarez, Players has a clientele devoted to the hamburgers, served on homemade bread.

Jerry provides service for more intimate events for those spending some time in Rocky Point. At a recent small get together for family and friends at Sonoran Resorts, everyone enjoyed a four course meal on the patio, overlooking the city lights. It’s a great alternative to going out.

For those reserving their stay through Seaside Reservations, Jerry is currently offering a 10% discount on his catering services.    By Richard Scott

Jerrys’ Banquetes 638 115 0983
Jerrycanez@hotmail.com

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Olympia Watson carries a notebook with ‘All you need is love’ printed on the cover. “This is my philosophy” she tells me. As Event Planner for the Sonoran Sky Resort, her love for creating just the right setting for an anniversary, a wedding, or any get-together is neccesary for success. So is being really organized.
“Can you be playing when the guests walk in?” She asks the sax player while posing for a publicity photo. We stand next to the elegant leaded glass doors of the Los Volcanes Salon, inside the Sonoran Sky. “This is an intimate dinner party for Valentines’ Day,  just a few tables. But we can have receptions for 200 people here, plus a band.”

The Girl from Ipanema plays as people take their seats. Candlight and gold table cloths, champaign glasses and waiters in black and white. A pleasant murmur of conversation as a full moon rises outside the tall arched window.

“My work as planner is free for clients using Sonoran Sky Events” says Olympia. “We offer great packages for beach weddings right here at the resort”(see the offer for Seaside Mexico Reservation clients below).
Chocolate covered strawberries complete the dinner, and the guests head to the elevators. Olympia leads the way. “Oly” someone asks, “what’s next?” Pressing the ground floor button, she smiles over her shoulder “A surprise.”

The swimming pools glow neon blue in the night as we pass them on our way to the beach. A strong ocean breeze, not there before dinner, tries to push us back into the lobby. This is not the surprise Oly had in mind.

Two helpers struggle to hold the orange paper ballon, as another flicks a lighter over and over, trying to light the candle that will make it fly. “Play something please.” Touching the arm of the sax player as she goes, Olympia casually walks to where the guests gather. Quickly she gets one, and then a second balloon lit. Disaster averted.

A toast! Glasses raised to a wonderful time at a beautiful place. Everyone ‘ooohh’s as the glowing balloons slowly rise. Up above the lights of the Sonoran Sky Resort, the moon waits to meet them. As if it was planned.

by Richard Scott

You can reach Sonoran Sky Events at 01 638 108 2107

 

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Saturdays at The Hut are usually busy, during Spring Break even more so. Tonight, a casual announcement in Facebook fills every inch of the place with RCPM fans. Roger’s in town, and has decided to mosey on down to the bar and light the place up with an acoustic set..

Three songs in and you would think this is a family reunion, not a bar gig. Everyone sings every word to every tune. “I usually won’t play ‘Mekong’ ’til later in the show. . .” The palm leaves shake in the roof as the crowd roars back. Seated with his guitar, Roger looks into the audience right in front of him. “but when young fans find our music, we like to make them feel welcome.”

 

 

 

Arms in the air, standing on chairs, singing at the top of their lungs, the crowd is no match for Roger Clyne. Even after playing it a thousand times, he seems intent on making this the definitive live version. “…for fifteen thousand miles” shouts the crowd, as if maybe they agree that it is.

Peacemaker fans in Rocky Point may be hearing more of their favorites as, rumour has it, Roger looks to be taking over The Hut in the near future. At the very least, the two recent spontaneous appearances show how important the town is for his music, and for him personally.

 

“Has anyone got some Mexican Moonshine? I promise to make it up to you.” Between songs, Roger takes a moment to recharge, tell stories about the music, chat with fans, and toast those who are celebrating their birthday. Up steps a fan with a caballito full of Clynes’ trademark Tequila. Raising the glass high, Roger begins “..here’s to..” “LIFE” yells the lady at the table next to me. It’s a lyric and a sentiment shared by everyone tonight.

by  Richard Scott

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