A perpetual search for good eating in Pátzcuaro has prompted more questions on two of our local Yahoo Groups. My criteria for a "Favorite" are as follows:
• Good food
• Good service
• Reasonable price.
Stuff like chandeliers and linen napkins, waiters with silver serving trays, and magnificent views of the lake are way down on my list of priorities, although I don't mind a nice view or a flowery patio full of art and tchotchkes to enhance the experience.
These, Sir, are my short list of favorites in and close to Pátzcuaro; and if you don't like them, then list your own. I think I can describe one per session here.
Heading up the list;
Mariscos La Güera and its branch,
Mariscos La Güera Campestre. Consistent most of the time, they do have a tendency to tinker with their successful formula, but over the last 6 years, these have been our most visited restarants here. Our experiences are that it's hard to go wrong with a few seafood tostadas, especially the marlin; or a coctel de camarones, sin o con pulpos. Shrimp prepared simply are best: para pelar, al mojo de ajo, al ajillo, en brocheta (bacon, sweet peppers and onions. Soups; either the caldo de camarones of sopa de mariscos, both involving messy, hands on eating. These are o.k but I always feel awash after eating even the versíon chica. Avoid Crema de Camarones, Pescado a la Veracruzana (they make a strangely minimalist version), anything to do with filete de pescado (they use tasteless tlapia), except perhaps the Filete Relleno de Mariscos.
Whole fish cooked al gusto, although tending to be overcooked, is a good option for hearty eaters. Keep it simple, and it's almost always good. Platos fuertes com with pretty good rice, a basket of bread, and the cucumber-shredded carrot, orange slice and red onion salad garnish, a Mariscos La Güera signature, always lurking in the background. Papas Francesas tend to be way undercooked, but if you ask for them "bien bien doradas", you may get nicely browned ones. We did, recently.
Drinks: decent selection of cervezas, micheladas con Clamato are good, refreshing aguas frescas de frutas above average, limonada made with agua mineral is good. Be sure to stir it well before sipping. The simple syrup is in the bottom.
The standard of hygiene and its practice is well above the local average.
Usually the two of us can have a nice comida, with drinks, for under $250 pesos.
I have a online album, dedicated to Mariscos La Güera here:
http://tinyurl.com/MariscosLGHere's a representative image; if I can get this to work:
Wow! Fourth try's a charm.
(Admin note: moved the photo up to the top so it would display on the preview page)
Sun 27 Feb 2011, 05:26 by Don Cuevas