It's hard to believe we have spent ten days in the same anchorage, and could easily spend more. We are enchanted with this area, and have only seen a fraction of it so far. Finally I am under the spell of the Gold Coast. I get it now, here. Before our experience here in Manzanillo Bay, I would gladly have never visited the Gold Coast again in a sail boat. I would still skip the rest of it, but Manzanillo Bay/Santiago Bay will always be worthy of a visit.
Yesterday, Patrick and I left Jack on board to complete school work, while we took our sewing machine into a Manzanillo shop for repair. After finding the "store" (actually a man's home) and leaving our machine in his capable hands, we went off to explore Manzanillo some more. We had heard of a small place called the "Bar Social" which still operated under the old Mexican custom of feeding bar customers delicious food for free while they drink. A grand custom I whole-heartedly support.
We easily found the bright yellow and red double doors and then walked into Mexico of yesteryear. At the center of the grand room was a perfectly curved barcounter which encircled the bartender's work area. All along the counter, comfortable stools stood ready. The soapstone bar counter was beautiful, old, yet timeless. The ceilings rose to 20 feet, and large wooden beams were painted a deep red. Most of the walls were a strong, deep yellow, with one section painted blue to showcase sailfish trophies. Old pictures of Manzanillo were positioned on the walls. One small doorway said "cocina" above, and one older woman could be seen working away to prepare the appetizers. The young bartender gave us a smile as we entered and picked out some stools to sit in. The only other patrons were two men in soccer uniforms.
After we ordered our beers, the bartender began placing small dishes in front us. First ceviche, then guacamole, a stack of tostados, and a salad of potatoes and carrots. Everything was excellent. It was the best ceviche I have ever tasted, and I took more than my fair share while Patrick wasn't looking. As soon as we finished a dish, the bartender would take it away and replace it with something else. Next came savory refritos. and then jicama with limes and chile. By this time, we were having trouble doing justice to the food offerings. But if our stomachs had been up to it, there would have been more food coming. As we continued to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, our beer, and each other's company, we were asked several times if we wanted any other food. The answer was a disappointed "no".
The beers cost double of what they would in an ordinary Mexican bar, but the cost difference was more than fair to cover the excellent free food. Instead of paying 10$ pesos for a beer, it was $24 pesos - more than a WHOLE dollar difference. Yes, I think there are cruisers out there so cheap that they wouldn't gladly spring for an "Expensive" beer when they can get it cheaper elsewhere. But come on.... You're talking about a buck, and one great experience. But don't get me started, cheap cruisers could be the topic of a series of posts.
Yesterday, Patrick and I left Jack on board to complete school work, while we took our sewing machine into a Manzanillo shop for repair. After finding the "store" (actually a man's home) and leaving our machine in his capable hands, we went off to explore Manzanillo some more. We had heard of a small place called the "Bar Social" which still operated under the old Mexican custom of feeding bar customers delicious food for free while they drink. A grand custom I whole-heartedly support.
We easily found the bright yellow and red double doors and then walked into Mexico of yesteryear. At the center of the grand room was a perfectly curved barcounter which encircled the bartender's work area. All along the counter, comfortable stools stood ready. The soapstone bar counter was beautiful, old, yet timeless. The ceilings rose to 20 feet, and large wooden beams were painted a deep red. Most of the walls were a strong, deep yellow, with one section painted blue to showcase sailfish trophies. Old pictures of Manzanillo were positioned on the walls. One small doorway said "cocina" above, and one older woman could be seen working away to prepare the appetizers. The young bartender gave us a smile as we entered and picked out some stools to sit in. The only other patrons were two men in soccer uniforms.
After we ordered our beers, the bartender began placing small dishes in front us. First ceviche, then guacamole, a stack of tostados, and a salad of potatoes and carrots. Everything was excellent. It was the best ceviche I have ever tasted, and I took more than my fair share while Patrick wasn't looking. As soon as we finished a dish, the bartender would take it away and replace it with something else. Next came savory refritos. and then jicama with limes and chile. By this time, we were having trouble doing justice to the food offerings. But if our stomachs had been up to it, there would have been more food coming. As we continued to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, our beer, and each other's company, we were asked several times if we wanted any other food. The answer was a disappointed "no".
The beers cost double of what they would in an ordinary Mexican bar, but the cost difference was more than fair to cover the excellent free food. Instead of paying 10$ pesos for a beer, it was $24 pesos - more than a WHOLE dollar difference. Yes, I think there are cruisers out there so cheap that they wouldn't gladly spring for an "Expensive" beer when they can get it cheaper elsewhere. But come on.... You're talking about a buck, and one great experience. But don't get me started, cheap cruisers could be the topic of a series of posts.
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Can't wait to check out Manzanillo and Bar Social one of these days. Thanks for the tips!
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