MeXscape

One of the best parts of a vacation in Mazatlan is eating your way through the bounty of fresh, wonderful seafood and fish available here. First and foremost is the shrimp. Mazatlan is the shrimp capitol of the world. There are more ways to prepare shrimp here than I ever imagined possible. You could stay here a month and not eat shrimp the same way twice. But you shouldn't overlook the other wonderful options: scallops, lobster, oysters, clams, conch...all fresh and yummy.

The lime is a very overlooked fruit in the US. It's use is pretty much restricted to margaritas and Key Lime Pie. I certainly never kept limes in the house. They were expensive and would often shrivel up in the fridge before I got around to using them. But here in Mazatlan, the lime is as pervasive as the tomato, and I always have 15 or 20 around.

Getting fresh fish in this town is easy. Especially if you avoid the large grocery stores. There are numerous pescaderias and vendors that will sell you the daily catch. Even better, just stroll down to Fisherman's Beach when the boats come in (which they do three times a day), check out the catch, point, and start bargaining. You don't even have to know Spanish. But for us, it's even easier. We have a Fish Fairy.

With the temperature continuing to rise, (89.6°F in the house with 78% humidity,) I find myself less and less inclined to cook. But eating out all the time is expensive – or is it? We have found several places that serve up a superb meal for less than $8.00 US – for both of us combined, including drinks. Here's my list: