Off the Beaten Path

This month I had the idea to write about some of my favorite places off the beaten path in our town. The first two are really on a beaten path, but not exactly a path known for restaurants! The first is Ramon’s new place. You are probably familiar with Cocina de Ramon in town and Restaurant Ramon in the Sonoran Sea on Sandy Beach. Well Ramon has nothing to do with those two restaurants any longer. He has a new place! It is the first full service restaurant on Rodeo Drive!

Be sure to go by and see him at “Mariachis and Tequila”. Going West it is on your right in the three story white building across the street from Kokopeli Indian Gallery. The gallery owner, David, is also the owner of the restaurant. Ramon is the head Chef and manager. You can expect the same great food as the other establishments had when he was owner. The décor by Barbara of “Su Casa” store (across the street next to the gallery) is quite striking. While you are in the neighborhood be sure to visit the gallery as well. Absolutely beautiful things.

Mariachis and Tequila Ramon in his new restaurant dining area

Watch for future developments at the restaurant where they will turn the second floor into the bar and lounge area with a view.

The next is Rocio’s. This has become my go to place for lunch – alone! Yep, occasionally I just have to get away from my busy times and take a break from running around with a good quiet meal. Rocio, a Puerto Peñasco native, opened a restaurant in Cholla Bay in 2011 where she lives with her husband, Memo and three children. In 2013 she moved to a location in town, at Luis Encinas #15&16. This is a very busy street just west of the railroad tracks. There is a light at Calle 13 and one at No Reelection. So you can turn onto Luis Encinas from either way. It is 3 blocks North of Calle 13 on the West side of the street. A bunch of us like to meet there on Saturday morning for breakfast. She has no problem handling our group of 12. Rocio’s is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The food and service are great and friendly. I love the Mexican Combo and my friend Adriana says they have the best chiles rellenos in town.

Rocio’s on Luis Encinas Rocio (on the left) and her lovely staff

The third one is Pedro’s. Now this is really a heavily traveled street and full of restaurants – the Malecon. But if someone hasn’t told you about Pedro’s you will not see it! Go to the fish market stalls and look for the sign for Pedro’s. They are under Lucky’s restaurant. Then go through the stall to the open area in the back. There on a floor of shells are a few wooden picnic tables overlooking the rocks and the water. Not an impressive place to say the least – but aaaaah, the food and the view. They are open 8am to 8pm daily except they are closed on Wednesday. We always have the fish and shrimp combo. You can have it either friend or sautéed in garlic butter or a mix of the two styles (my favorite). He serves it with pico de gallo, corn and flour tortillas and the best beans. Not fancy, but I guarantee you will never have better fish and shrimp nor more attentive service nor lower prices anywhere in town. I hear the breakfasts are outstanding too, but I haven’t tried that yet.

Pedro Dining area at Pedro’s fish stall

Help Our Restaurant and Business Owners

Please help our business community. The City is replacing the pavement on that part of Benito Juarez that leads to the Malecon. The construction starts before Latitude 31 and continues to where the new pavement was completed during the last remodel of the Malecon. Access to Latitude 31, Kauffeehaus, Lighthouse, Casa de Capitan and the other vendors along that area is a little difficult. If you want to go to the Malecon, take the frontage road at the docks. To access the other businesses, as long as it is allowed, take the road under construction. Please make the extra effort to support these folks during this difficult time of construction.