One-Word Wednesdays: Jarring

Every Wednesday, I’ll be posting a food related photo. But I’ve already said too much…

Pickled Banana and Anaheim Peppers

Mexican Food Porn

I just spent a few days in Playa del Carmen, a town on the Mayan Riviera about an hour’s drive south of Cancun. It’s a beautiful, lively place that I’ll remember fondly for a long time. Somehow I managed to make it to Playa del Carmen twice this year, and both times it was a tropical delight. I ate a lot while I was there. I also drank a lot, and the magical Mayan gods made sure that I never had a hangover, a feat that is mysterious and miraculous. A single tequila shot in Chicago would leave me with a reeling headache the next day, but in Playa del Carmen, the drinks can flow freely (and can also fluctuate between pina coladas, margaritas, beers, and Jager shots) all day and night with nary a bleary eye in the morning. Viva la Mexico!

The main strip, 5th Avenue, is very touristy, but great, authentic Mexican food can be found by venturing just a block or two away, by heading to the bus station for street meat, or by making friends with your hotel concierge. Here’s some of the most delicious stuff I tasted.

Sol. AKA Mexican Budweiser, but way tastier on a hot day.

Fried Calamari with Chipotle Mayo and Cocktail Sauce at Turtle Bay in Acumel.

Mussels with White Wine, Butter, Tomato, and Cilantro at Turtle Bay.

Enmoladas filled with chicken, and smothered with mole sauce.

Chorizo Taco. Al Pastor Taco. Bueno.

Assorted salsas to accompany tacos. They ranged in heat from mild to blow-out-your-colon.

Chicken Tamale. An awesome concierge at my hotel bought these for me from a guy who sells them door to door, out of a cooler to the locals. Note the drug-like baggies of salsa.

Ceviche Mixto at La Tarraya, Playa del Carmen’s oldest restaurant. It’s right on the beach. Beautiful view, and even more beautiful food. The seafood is amazingly fresh and simple.

Octopus Taco at La Tarraya.

Taco Light Food Cart Outside the Bus Station.

Some interesting toothpicks. I liked the penguin on the packaging.

More tacos, from a street vendor called Taco Light. They set up outside of the bus station every night.

I had a lovely stay at The Bric Hotel. The staff was really fantastic, especially Gustavo. I recommend it highly.