PDC ...Playa del Carmen

PDC otherwise known as Playa del Carmen. Located about 30 minutes drive south of our resort. This is the second largest town next to Cancun in the Riviera Maya. It was once known for it's quiet fishing village, deserted beaches and the only foreigners were those catching the ferry to Cozumel. Now PDC has become one of Latin America's fastest growing communities with a population of 135,000 plus, ugh!

La Quinta Avenida is considered the town's main thoroughfare. Running parallel to the beach so you get your bearings down. Fifth Avenue is a pedestrian walkway full of colorful street performers, little shops and cafe for people watching. Avenida Juarez is the town's commercial strip. You will find banks, grocery & gas stations. The other area that has buzz is the street that leads to the dock where the ferry heads back & forth for Cozumel. Shops, restaurants, cafes, hotels & food stand are located here. Want more sun & beach...head north along Playa Mamitas!

Listed below are some source of restaurant options in case you want to do some pre-checking...

Playa del Carmen seem to pride them self on a International Palate. There is Italian, Lebanese, Asian, Swedish, Dutch, American Fast Food., Mexican and yes Mayan cuisine as well. The cost of the restaurants are definitely higher on the 5th Avenue walkway as they do cater to tourist. Oh and this goes for shopping as well. In fact I have been reading that the vendors can be aggressive so be careful and cautious.

This might also be a good time for me to warn you to be careful with theft and safety. There is no doubt lurking among the crowd of tourist little banditos...so be alert and watch how many margaritas and cervesas you drink...ok?

Below are some restaurant links you can explore and decide what sounds worthy of your adventure...

Travel Yucatan.com

Playa del Carmen Restaurant guide

Playa del Carmen Restaurant guide

PDC Restaurant Guide - May Cuisine an Mexican

Bars & Restaurants

Recommendations for PDC Restaurants & Bars

Good Graphic map

TripAdvisor.com

"Cheap Eats" Recommendation from TripAdvisors

Sounds like a Travel Channel Andrew or Tony kind of place to eat!

LocoGringo.com

Loco Gringo - "Cheap Eats"

Chowhound.com

Chowhound-Cheap Eats

Foodie running post of recommendations for cheap eats in PDC

Map provided by mexonline.com

Puerto Morelos' Eats & Drinks

In my Fodor's guide book, the restaurant "John Gray's Kitchen", the chef was formerly from Ritz Carlton. Known for use of local freshest ingredients with an international palate. It is Puerto Morelos' gourmet vs local cuisine establishment. "La Suegra" meaning mother-in law and is also related to Chef John Gray. This restaurant creation here is however, Mexican cuisine.

"Los Pelicanos" is a family owned seafood restaurant. FYI, heard somewhere in my exploration that the shellfish are shipped in. So stick to the fresh fish of the day! This restaurant also offers a variety of 4 hour day trips that include fishing, snorkeling & cooking at the restaurant. To take this tour you need to call at minimum a day in advance. Another Mexican restaurant is yet one of Puertos Morelos' oldest is "Posada Amor" Live music at night, memorable whole fish dinner (Diana's favorite) & a rich seafood bisque is their highlight that was noted. And finally, I least leave out a restaurant for Randy & Russell, a "hole in the wall" restaurant 'Loncheria El Tio". Yucantan specialties such as "salbutes", flour tortilla, shredded turkey,cabbage, tomatoes & picked onions and for Russell "panuchos", beans chicken, avaocado & pickled onions on a flour tortilla. Sounds like an after bar survival feast, right boys?

Oh, as far as a bar recommendation in Puerto Morelos? "Bara Bara"seems the best ...a nightclub and serves martinis as well as beers. Personally my thought is stay at the resort, it's guaranteed to be cheaper and you can stumble into bed a lot easier.

Also if you want to do more then just eat, perhaps Mexican cooking is up your alley? Check out the link Little Mexican Cooking School . There is also some additional recommendations as to where to eat in town on their website, worth a look as they highlight some pointers on the establishments. If 'venturing beyond the resort is your thing.

Check out more details about The "NOW Jade 'Eats & Drinks" in yet another posting in the blog.! If you would like more specifics for Puerto Morelos eateries/bars info check out Fodor's website or LocoGringos

Photo provided by Flickr.cloud2013

Meet Me at the Bar?

But which one? Yes, at the Now Jade Resort you will have a few options to explore and taste... including our own Preferred Club VIP Lounge. Also note that premium liquor are the pour at our resort. The photo to the right is the bar from Resort's Moment Lobby Bar.

Roger was thrilled to see his Bombay Sapphire Gin and Russell wasn't complaining either as his Absolute Vodka was taking center stage. Give you one guess where you can catch the boys seated during most of our stay? And remember your drinks are included with the all-inclusive price. So offer to get them a drink, before they do! Listed below are the resort bars & lounge....make mine with a swim up & an umbrella, please!

Bars & Lounges

Splash

• Swim up bar located in the main pool

Scores Sports Bar

• Pull up a prime seat near one of three LCD flat panel TVs to enjoy the game
• Get cued up with two pool tables

Moments Lobby Bar

• Head to the lobby for all manner of drinks, served in casual elegance

The Mix

• Go seaside for a cool drink in this beach hot spot

The Reef

• Swim up and chill out in the Preferred Club pool*

The Lounge

• Enjoy this VIP lounge inside the Preferred Club*
• Premium bar service and snacks
• Big screen TVs and gratis Internet service

* Access limited to Preferred Club guests