I’ve been coming to Isla Mujeres Mexico for over 20 years. Over those years I have enjoyed forging friendships with lots of locals. It’s so interesting to speak with people about where they have come from. Obviously there are lots of Expats from Canada and the U.S.  lots of folks from Argentina, Chile and other parts of Latin America. Isla attracts plenty of people from the Yucatan, Chiapas and other Mexican states. But I am especially intrigued when I can spend time with someone whose family have been local islanders for many, many generations. I now know lots of these friends. Javi from Javi’s Cantina, Karina from Caribbean Brisas and Caribbean Garden, Valerie of Marina Bartolome and Yaakun, and of course Chriss Medina of Riconcito Kahalo.

If you have the opportunity to meet Chriss you will be blessed. Full of spunk, she embraces you in her lovely energy and you immediately feel you have been welcomed into her home when you enter her establishment.

She and her children have had Riconcito Kahlo, or versions of it, for many years. For the past few years they have been located half way between the end of the airport strip and Chedraui on Medina. Yes, one of the main streets of the island is Criss’ last name. Further proof her family has been here forever.

This roadside cantina is colourful and quirky. Its vibrant decorations a nod to its namesake, the beloved Mexican artist Freda Kahlo. The staff, under the leadership of Criss’ daughter Dani, is top notch. You may recognize some of them as they are well versed in providing excellent service on the island. They work closely as a team meaning a few of them might be tending to your needs throughout your visit. They even pool their tips which further encourages this teamwork. The atmosphere is intriguing and so is the food. They have just launched a new menu which has some exciting additions as well as many old favourites. 

One my favourite of their dishes is the aguachile. You can have it with just shrimp or Mixto which is what we selected.  It is piled high with shrimp, fish and calamari. I would best describe it as a green ceviche, the raw fresh seafood is marinated in lime, cilantro, and spicy green peppers. My first bite I wondered if the spice might be too much for me, but by the second bite I knew it was just right. The cucumber and abundant avocado soothe the palette and the chips are the ideal delivery vessel. The textures of this dish keeps you coming back for more bites, crunchy cucumber, succulent seafood, creamy avocado, and crispy chips. This is a plentiful plate and could easily be a first course for four people.

We also tried a new dish called Mar y Tierra. You could order it with chicken or beef. We had it as listed on the menu, with pork, in a tasty sauce. It was served with juicy shrimp and broccoli, asparagus, and spinach that were perfectly cooked and a great complement to the richness of the proteins.

Our dinner companions ordered the classic Riconcito Kahlo Quesabirria. Criss was the first person on the island to serve these tacos in a restaurant. Hailing from Jalisco, they’re traditionally made with goat or lamb but this rendition is succulent beef. Served in tortillas made crisp by plenty of melted cheese and then dipped into a rich consume. Still one of my favourites.

They also tried the Chiliquilles torta. With the option of green or red sauce, they opted for the red. Tortilla chips are cooked in the sauce, tossed with pulled chicken and served in a bolillo, the crunchy outside, fluffy inside, Mexican buns. I had never heard of such a thing as a chiliquilles sandwich, so I googled  it. Sure enough is an actual thing. First seen being served from street carts in  Mexico City. Again Criss has imported a popular favourite from a different state.

Riconcito Kahlo is what many strive to be, a neighborhood joint. The night we visited we saw a card game in the back, live music on the stage. People having a cocktail with their dog as their companion, neighbours coming in for snacks and dancing. You can’t force this kind of vibe, I just happens.

Kath’s quote: “In the garden of life, neighbours are the gardeners who help each other grow.” – Jason Reed

Love never fails.

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