I had been to Casa Diego before and still wasn’t really sure where it was. We headed west from the apartment and I knew we would come to find it before we hit the red and white lighthouse. There was a small sign above a long hallway but there were also a whole bunch of sincere ambassadors who said “are you looking for Casa Diego? It is right there and the food is so good”. Fast forward to our departure and the same guys sincerely wanted to know if we enjoyed everything, which we absolutely did.

When we arrived we were supposed to ask for Remix, but ditz that I sometimes am, it got scrambled in my head and I inquired after Felix. Remix teased me about it when I was leaving.

Remix speaks amazing English and when we asked him about it he said that he was originally from Chiapas but he wanted to come to Isla Mujeres to learn more English. (Now his dreams include going to Quebec and the Rocky Mountains in Canada). He also wants to find ways to import Chiapas coffee to more and more restaurants on the island. Lastly, he is an artist, and a good one at that.

His boss, the owner Gerardo told us the story of discovering the amazing little oasis right smack in the centre of Centro. He named the space as a tribute to his late brother.

When he says that he “built the place with his own two hands” he means it as he pointed out the shelving and the jute chandeliers and the fountain in the corner (that he made last weekend). Truly a labour of love and all for his love of Diego who’s mural adorns the wall of the restaurant.

We started with an appetizer of seared tuna in a soya base marinade. The Asian twist on the recipe was unexpected but delicious.

My dinner date chose the Shrimp Medallions from the Mexican section of the menu. The crustaceans had been wrapped in bacon and baked with a grilled cheese adorning the top. The shrimp were perched upon a light tomato cream sauce. It was accompanied by a lovely serving of veggies and rice. He enjoyed it so much, he put half the dish aside to enjoy for lunch today.

I too chose shrimp. Mine was the Shrimp Pasta. The menu described it as white wine and garlic. There were also heaps of diced and sauteed onions in the dish and it was so flavourful! I have a Slavic heritage so I cannot get enough of onion and garlic. The shrimp were plentiful and juicy. The spaghetti in the dish had been cut so that I didn’t make a mess of myself eating it. That was very much appreciated.

At dessert time we were surprised by a delicious banana cake served a la mode, for us to share. Still the greatest surprise was the space itself. I never made it up to the second floor for live music. I will just have to find the casa again.

Kath’s quote: “A surprise can change everything in a heartbeat; cherish those moments.” – Emma Thompson

Love never fails.

The sun was fully up by the time I awoke that morning.

I caught a sunrise reflection in my kitchen window.

It was a gorgeous but cooler day, so we enjoyed an extended time around the pool.

I napped several times in the hammock.

Me and my guy loving our lives.

We walked into town with Richard & Melinda. I captured this shot of her along the way.

We spent Happy Hour at El Patio and then met up for dinner at Asia Caribe to wish brother Kelly and Sister-in-law Lorraine good-bye.

We watched the Jets game at Nash’s and then walked home. La Lomita was all light up that evening.

We were trying to savour each moment by then.

Kath’s quote: ““The present moment is all you ever have.” – Eckhart Tolle

Love never fails.

My time in Centro was winding down.

I knew that I would miss sunrise from the Malecon and all the Isla friends who greet me.

I had some “real” work to do that morning. I am so grateful that I can work anywhere in the world as long as there is internet.

Sue and I visited two restaurants that day. Beautiful Lupita (follow this link for all the details: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2025-restaurant-features-restaurante-lupita/

and Pizza Rock-a long time fav of ours. (See that blog link here: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2025-restaurant-feature-pizza-rock-by-sister-sue/ )

Sunrises, friends, food, family. What could be better?

Kath’s quote: “People who love to eat are always the best people.” –Julia Child

Love never fails.

Another beautiful start to the day.

I went with Sue to see a wonderful Doctor.

Donna and I went shopping at Hortencia’s and Irma’s.

We walked past North Garden on the way to walk the beach.

I spied a a spinach & feta bagel and split it with Donna .

North Beach is not as lovely as my memories of it. We wound around to Centro Beach which was hot and still, so we made our way home to read in comfort.

Out to beautiful Olivia’s for dinner with Susan. Read all the delicious details in this link to the blog: https://foodmusings.ca/isla-mujeres/isla-mujeres-2025-restaurant-features-olivia-tastes-from-the-mediterranean-by-sister-sue/

To Nashs for the last half of the Jets game. So grateful that Sue is on the mend.

Kath’s quote: “Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say.” – Alice Walker

Love never fails.

For many years La Adelita was a tequila bar tucked in the corner of Faynes, our favourite late night spot for drinks and live music.  As we have matured, so have they. Our maturity means we now go to bed early, but they have matured into a great little restaurant with a wonderful regional menu. 

“La Adelita” in Spanish refers to a female soldier, specifically a “soldadera” who fought in the Mexican Revolution!  A proud and fitting name for a restaurant whose bold dishes represent the traditions of various states. 

La Adelita still honours its tequila history by offering an extensive tequila menu and a wide variety of very good Margaritas. Kathryne had the Mango Aguacate. A mix of tequila, mango, lime, syrup, coconut cream, and avocado. The later two ingredients giving it a creamy consistency. I opted for the Jamaica Mixed Berry which had a great mix of flavours; hibiscus, berry, lime, syrup, rosemary, triple sec and of course tequila. Our glasses were rimmed with a flavourful spice mix that left our checks slightly stained when we went in for an eager sip. 

Manager Victor wanted to start us off with bacon wrapped jalapeños that were stuffed with cream cheese. I failed to find these anywhere on the menu. Perhaps they were a special feature that night. 

Kathryne had her favourite, Michoacán Carnitas, named for the state in which carnitas originated  This confit of pork, cooked slowly in its own fat, until it’s partly crispy is served with warm tortillas, rice, guacamole, onion, and lime so you can create the perfect taco. 

I had the Xcatik Salmon. The fish was perfectly grilled and smothered in a cream sauce flavoured with xcatik chiles, a yellow variety from the Yucatan. It was a bit spicy for me but balanced by rice and sautéed vegetables. The crispy salmon skin was the best part. 

The menu has dishes from many regions of Mexico that we’ve yet to try. Molcajete is a dish from the state of Sonora. Served in a lava bowl with a variety of meats and seafood. 

You can have your fish breaded or served “zarandeado” style from the state of Nayarit or “tikin xic” style from right here in the state of Quintana Roo. 

Last year I had what so far has been my favourite dish there, the tortilla soup, a favourite of Mexico City. 

Mexico has such a diverse culinary culture. Some dishes are found in many states, but each state also has its own unique dishes. It’s wonderful to find a restaurant that celebrates that diversity. 

Kath’s quote: A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open“. -Frank Zappa

Lover never fails.