This is an event that everybody seems happy to participate in was originally started by the late Morley Eager of La Nueva Posada 35 years ago.

There is a new addition to the Chili Cook Off this year and that is the Best Lakeside Margarita Contest which will be held on Friday, February 10th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Ten restaurants are competing in this contest among them #FOUR Restaurant and Adelita’s of San Antonio. Also on Friday is the Salsa Tasting Competition with both professional and home cooks competing. There is a $200.00 entrance fee for the Margarita Contest and you can apply by going to their website: www.mexicanchilicookoff.com

There is also going to be a Duck Race sponsored by the Cruz Rojo in the large pools on the grounds and the first place winner will win a 32’ flat screen TV.

There will be many booths selling everything from clothes and jewelry to food, drinks and arts and crafts. The full schedule for each of the three days will be posted soon on their web site.

On Saturday, February 11th the home cooks compete for the People’s Choice Award in Chili and on Sunday the restaurants compete for the coveted first place prize.

All proceeds of the Chili Cook Off go to local charities.

Volunteers are needs to sell tickets at the gate, control traffic within the grounds, to sell raffle tickets during the cook off and to help handle the ticket money. To volunteer contact: donandjim@hotmail.com

This annual event is a lot of fun for the whole family and there is entertainment for all ages.
Plan to attend to support our very worthwhile local charities.

See you there!

Motion Picture Awards:

Best Picture Drama – The Descendants
Best Picture Musical or Comedy – The Artist
Best Performance by an Actress Drama – Meryl Streep “Iron Lady”
Best Performance by an Actor Drama – George Clooney “The Descendants”
Best Performance by an Actress Musical or Comedy – Michelle Williams “My Week With Marilyn”
Best Performance by an Actor Musical or Comedy – Jean Dujardin “The Artist”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role – Christopher Plummer “Beginners” (A nice Canadian boy.)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role – Octavia Spencer “The Help”
Best Director – Martin Scorsese “Hugo”
Best Animated Film – The Adventures of Tintin
Best Foreign Language Film – A Separation
Best Screenplay – Midnight in Paris
Best Original Score – The Artist

Primetime Television Awards:

Best Television Series Drama – Homeland
Bet Performance by an Actor in TV Series Drama – Kelsey Grammar “Boss”
Best Performance by an Actress in TV Series Drama – Clair Danes “Homeland”
Best TV Series Musical or Comedy – Modern Family
Best Performance by an Actor in TV Series Musical or Comedy – Matt LeBlanc “Episodes”
Best Performance by an Actress in TV Series Musical or Comedy – Laura Dern “Enlightened”
Best Mini Series or Motion Picture made for TV – Downton Abbey (A favrorite of ours.)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini Series or Motion Picture – Idris Elba “Luther”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini Series or Motion Picture – Kate Winslet “Mildred Pierce”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Mini Series or Motion Picture – Peter Dinkage “Game of Thones”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Mini Series or Motion Picture – Jessica Lange “American Horror Story”

Cecil B. deMille Award Recipient was Morgan Freeman and the award was presented to him by Sydney Poitier and Helen Mirren.

One of Ricky’s funnier lines was the Golden Globe Awards were to the Oscars what Kim Kardashian is to Kate Middleton. Be that as it may it still gives us a pretty good idea of who is likely to win an Oscar. Stay tuned in as award season get into full swing.

Last year we did happen upon a program on PBS (388 on Star Choice) which we both enjoyed very much. We were sad when the announced the season finale and delighted when Season 2 of Downton Abbey began January 8th, 2012. Other episodes are to be aired January 15th, 22nd, 29th, February 5th, 12th and 19th.

We happily curled up in bed on Sunday night to watch the 2 hour Season Opener and enjoyed every minute of it uninterrupted by commercials.

Downton Abbey is a wonderful story about a rich family, the Crawley’s of Yorkshire, England and their extensive staff. For those who may remember Upstairs, Downstairs, this is a similar story line but with a wonderful cast, magnificent scenery, costumes and a spectacular country house Downton Abbey.

Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham and his wife Cora have three daughters and no son. At that time only a male heir could inherit so a cousin, Matthew Crawley, is being groomed for the post which will put the family out of their home when the present Earl, Robert, dies.

Season 2 opens 2 years after Season 1 and it is the Fall of 1916 and England is at war. Things are changing with the Crawley family and with the staff and will subsequently never be the same. The lines between the classes are blurring and there are many wonderful subplots taking place as a result.

Two of the daughters Isobel and Sybil take on jobs as a driver on a neighboring farm and nurse which, of course, is unheard of but, as I mentioned, the war is changing everyone’s role.

There is intrigue above and below stairs and every storyline is fascinating.

Maggie Smith plays the dowager Countess of Grantham and Elizabeth McGovern plays Cora Countess of Grantham.

You will also find many other wonderful English actors who you will recognize from Coronation Street, Lark Rise to Candleford etc.

This wonderful miniseries has won six Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie, Outstanding Writing – Julian Fellowes, Outstanding Supporting Actress, Maggie Smith for Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham, Outstanding Cinematography, David Katznelson DFF, Outstanding Costumes – Susannah Buxton and Outstanding Direction – Brian Percival.

At the end of Episode 1 it is being discussed that Downton Abbey may be pressed into service as a convalescent hospital.

We highly recommend this miniseries. It is a wonderful illustration of kinder, gentler times and a pleasure to watch.

We also have local cable. Prior to Star Choice we had always been very professionally looked after by Ajijic Electronics S.A. de C.V. Ajijic Electronics is located at Las Flores #2-A in Ajijic and the telephone # is 766-1117 and 766-3371. The emails are: satelites2002@prodigy.net.mx or ajijicelectronics@yahoo.com

The partners Michael Merryman and Mario Jiminez and they have been servicing lakeside for 18 years.

They offer sales and service of components and complete satellite, TV Systems and Interphones. Their office hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 p ad 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Also now at lakeside Ajijic Electronics offer Shaw Direct Internet via Satellite, Dish Network, Vonage Internet Phone Service, Terraneo and bticino Interphone Systems.

We have been happily dealing with Mike and Mario right up until the time we got Star Choice and needed them once again today.

Our Star Choice Remote, for some reason, was stuck on Pay Per View and the guide would show nothing else even though you could access the different channels when you tried to go to the guide (a fabulous feature of Star Choice by the way) it went right to PPV and would show nothing else.

Now, in our house, we have become dependent on the remote guide and when it was not working we were not happy. Our first instinct was to unplug and re plug in the system which did not work. Then we tried thumbing through the guide to see if we could find a solution and then I suggested we go to “options” and see what was offered up.

We did manage to change the remote from All PPV to All Programs twice but then the guide went immediately back to All PPV. My husband then suggested we call Star Choice who boast they provide a 24/7 service to users. We called on Skype and were told we were looking at a 45 minute wait. An hour later my husband came to bed with no answer to our call and no solution to our faulty remote.

Naturally, I knew the fixing of the remote would fall into my hands this morning. I played with the remote for a few minutes, rebooted and then put another Skype call into Star Choice and was again advised I was looking at a 45-50 minute wait. I went about my morning chores and then decided to call my old friends at Ajijic Electronics. First I messaged Michael Merryman on Facebook which is how I do most of my communicating now and then I called the office and got Mario.

I asked him if he could help me and sure enough he knew exactly what to do. We had been on the right track last night going to “options” on the remote and trying to change it from All PPV to All Programs but where we had made our error was in not “saving” our new selection. I did as Mario advised and it was fixed in a heartbeat.

I then hung up the phone and was thankful that our almost two hours on hold cost nothing due to using our Skype account.

The moral of the story is, once again, the folks at Ajijic Electronics solved our problem quickly and efficiently proving that there is, indeed, no place like home.

We recommend confidently Ajijic Electronics to friends and clients for all television and phone needs. They will look after you as they have looked after us for so many years.

The complex will be named Lake Chapala Hotel and Casino Resort and is located on eight hectares of land just to the east and slightly above Chula Vista Norte. It will be set in the heart of a fifty hectare spread called Tierra Salada, also now undergoing development as a residential subdivision.

It will be the first of its kind in Mexico and is costing approximately $40,000.00 dollars is designed to appeal to the high-en clientele from Guadalajara.

The blueprints show a casino with 50,000 square feet of floor space to be outfitted with 3,000 slot machines and 24 gambling tables for blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and bingo (bingo?) plus three five-story towers to accommodate 300 hotel rooms and 30 suites.

The facility is also being designed to house an entertainment show room with theater seating for 3,000 spectators, spa and swimming pools, a sky bar nightclub disco built on top of the hotel, three gourmet restaurants and a food court adjacent to the casino.

This project will generate 1,000 temporary jobs during conception and 500 full-time employees once it goes into full operation. The new “full blown Las Vegas-style” hotel and casino complex is touted to be eco-friendly and is being built in close harmony with the natural setting, with an internal system for sewage treatment, and grey water recycling as well as application of solar energy.

It is interesting that in this economic climate in the US the Palacio Development Group from Arizona has chosen lakeside to build this huge project. Obviously, these business people believe that Mexico’s economy is, indeed, on the rise.

This, of course, is going to affect our lifestyle here in Ajijica, Lake Chapala but not necessarily in a bad way. More people with money coming to lakeside means more income for the small business owners, more interest in local real estate and more awareness in general of our village in the sun.

No paradise stays hidden forever (just ask Puerto Vallarta) and this project certainly appears to be going forward so we all might be better served by adopting a “glass half full” attitude.

I, for one, am adopting the attitude that progress is good for everyone. However, there will be more traffic and if you have a gambler at home you might want to hide your credit cards. After all it will be much easier to take a ride up the Libramiento Bypass than to get on a plane to Vegas.

La Nueva Posada is offering a complimentary margarita from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on August 3rd.

La Nueva Posada has been serving the lakeside community since 1978 and the Eager family has always taken an active part in looking after their guests.

The Old Posada was taken over my Morley and Judy Eager and then 15 years later they, along with their son, Michael and his wife Maria Elena , bought the land where La Nueva Posada now sits and built it from the ground up. To many it looks like a 100 year old inn which was their intent.

When our family first moved to Ajijic, Lake Chapala in 1994 we would check with the Eager family before making any major, and for that matter, minor decisions.

This service is offered to any newcomers to help guide them in the right direction while assimilating into our wonderful community. To this day they have” Los Amigos” where newcomers can come on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm and enjoy 2 x1 drinks and share experiences and stories.

La Nueva Posada has a beautiful garden restaurant overlooking Lake Chapala and it is a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner under the stars.

La Russa is the inside elegant dining room which also has the same delicious International menu.

Rooms and villas are available and you can visit their website for more information and rates.

The management of La Nueva Posada is now moving into the hands of the third generation and Michael Eager Jr. now is charge of most of the day-to-day business. His sisters, Wendy and Kristina Eager are also involved in running the hotel.

The Eager family is dyed-in-the-wool inn keeps and every aspect of their guests comfort and enjoyment is seen to with utmost care.

It is the Eager family that makes this consistently excellent hotel so popular is this community.

La Nueva Posada is located in Ajijic at Donato Guerra # 9. Tel. (376) 766-1444, (376) 766-1344 and Fax (376) 766-2049.

Email: nuevaposada@prodigy.net.mx

Web Site: www.hotelnuevaposada.com

This is a golf course that I have played at for many years for a number of reasons. One, it is very close and two people can get around usually in two and a half hours so your entire day is not taken up.

Two, although it is only 9 holes and relatively short it is a very challenging golf course.
The fairways are very narrow and one has to be accurate with their tee shots or they might well end up in the arroyo.

Three, it is beautifully maintained and two or three holes have a breathtaking view of Lake Chapala. The fairways are green, the greens are well kept and there are flowers and flowering trees everywhere.

Four, there are no carts and it is a very hilly terrain so one gets very good exercise as you have to be a mountain goat for some of the holes.

Five, the caddies are wonderful and very happy to help you improve you game. However, they are very polite so you have to ask them if you want help.

Six, there is a nice area when you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch or have a beverage of your choice after your round.

Seven, you can buy long or short term memberships for good discounts or just pay as you play. Everyone is welcome.

Eight, the locker rooms have all been updated and are very nicely appointed.

They also have regular tournaments which you may participate in if you choose and a very good pro should you want to take lessons to increase the enjoyment of your game.

A regular round of golf is $400.00 pesos and $300.00 pesos after 2:00 p.m.

Caddy fees are $120.00 pesos for 18 holes and $80.00 pesos for nine. Caddies are a must.

On week-ends and holidays green fees are $450.00 pesos and $350.00 pesos after 2:00 p.m.

Chula Vista also has rates for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year for singles and pairs ranging from $ 4,280.00 to $19,250.00 pesos.

Storage for your clubs is also available at reasonable rates.

The Club Pro is Jesus Espinoza and the Starter is Rafael.

Sandra looks after the office.

I know you will enjoy golfing at this pretty and challenging golf course. I know I do!

Friday, February 18th
11:00 am – Gate opens
11:30 am – Noe and his guitar serenade us
12:30 pm – The Hawaiian Dancers of the Alakai Kela Academy
1:30 pm- The Hot Rhythms of Bozza Brasil
2:30 pm – The Mr. Chili Cook Off Contest
4:00 pm – Salsa winners announced
5:00 pm – Gate closes

Saturday, February 19th
10:30 am – Parade starts at Seis Esquinas (Six Corners), travels east on Constitucion to Encarnacion Rosas, north to the Carretera and then east to Tobolandia
11:00 am – Ribbon cutting and awards for winning parade entries
Noon – Dancing Horses
1:00 pm – Los Soles Raggae, Rock and Latin Jazz
2:00 pm – Hawaiian Dancers
3:00 pm – Jerry Mayfield croons country
4:00 pm – Home Cook winners announced
5:00 pm – Gate closes

Sunday, February 20th
11:00 am – Gate opens
11:30 am – Daniel Cordero in concert
12:30 pm – Dancing Horses
1:30 pm – Javier Raygoza and friends on strings
2:30 pm – Belly Dancers
3:00 pm – Cindy Paul sings
4:30 pm – Irish Dancers from Guadalajara
5:00 pm – Gate closes

People’s Choice tasting begins at noon each day. The salsa category on Friday, home cooks chili on Saturday and professional cooks chili on Sunday.

See you there!

This year there are 6 concerts and an event at La Nueva Posada from February 19th to March 1at, 2011.

The Gala Opening is Cultures in Communication on Saturday, February 19th at 7:30 pm at the Auditorio de la Ribera, Ajijic and costs $300.00 pesos. All new this year. the largest orchestra ever. Beethoven;s 7th; Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major and a World Premiere commissioned for the Games, The Pan American overture by Gary Kulesha.

Guitango 2 with Guitarist Alvin Tung on Monday, February 21st, 7:30 pm also at the Auditorio de La Ribera, Ajijic at a cost of $150.00 pesos. Returning by popular demand after over-capacity crowds were overwhelmed by his virtuosity last year. See and hear things on the guitar that you thought impossible.

Drew Jurecka Jazz Quintet again at the Auditorio is on Wednesday, February 23rd, at 7:30 pm for $250.00 pesos. All new Jazz Band this year. Jazz Violin in the style of Stephane Grappelli.. Old tunes, new tunes and original tunes.

Intimate Settings The Attacca String Quartet is being held at El Dorado Private Residence Club (South Side of the Libramento #98, San Antonio Tlayacapan) on Friday, February 25th at 7:30pm for a cost of $150.00 pesos. From New York City and Julliard School, the Attacca String Quartet in concert. A very special intimate setting. Tickets limited Get them early.

An Evening with Jill Barber is being held at the Auditorio Saturday, February 26th at 7:30 pm for a cost of $250/00 pesos. An enchanting concert evening with the double Juno award nominee. Canadian singer,song writerand east coast star backed by the Hot Jazz Quintet. New to the festival this year.

GalaClosing War and Peace at the Auditorio Tuesday, March 1st, 7:30 pm for a cost of $300.00 pesos. The Festival Chanber Orchestra. A grand finale. Honegger’s Symphony #2 for String Orchestra and Trumpet. Dvorak;s famous Serenade for Strings.

Lastly there is a Special Event at La Nueva Posada which is a Hot Jazz Dinner concert on Thursday, February 24th at 6:00 pm for a cost of $400.00. All new jazz band and dinner under the stars with Drew Jurecka and guests. Tickets available at La Nueva Posada only and is a special event and is not included in any packages.

Tickets are on sale now at the Lake Chapala Society Ticket Booth from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and at Charter club Tours at Plaza Montana on the Carretera at Colon in Ajijic.

For more information on these wonderful concerts or to become a patron of the Festival please visit their website at: www.scotiabanknorthernlightsmusiccfestival.com

These concerts are always very well attended and we are lucky to have these very talented Canadian Musicians here to perform for our community again and we have Chris Wilshire to thank for this.

Laurent Cuisine is located at Calle 16 de Septiembre # 29 in Ajiic across from The Lake Chapala Society.

Their email address is: laurentatcasablanca@gmail.com and the phone number for reservation (which is advised) is 766-1500,

Previously I posted items from their menu which you can access on this site.

Last night our dinner was exquisite.

I had emailed them earlier in the day to see if they were open and received a prompt reply saying they were open and we were very welcome. I did this as many restaurants are closed on Tuesday.

Laurent Cuisine is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

We arrived and were shown to a lovely table near the front of the restaurant and were very impressed at how beautifully the restaurant was appointed. The tables are chairs were warm and comfortable and situated well apart for privacy.

The quality of the food was, as usual, excellent. We all had the Caesar Salad carefully prepared at our table which reminded us of the old and wonderful day of the Westbury Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

I had the lamb which was the best I have ever eaten anywhere in the world. We had been lucky enough to be invited to a house party in December which Laurent catered and I had had lamb on that occasion as well. I told Laurent last night that the lamb I had last night was even better then the lamb I had had in December.

It was beautifully prepared with a herb crust barely medium rare (which is perfect for lamb) tiny roasted potatoes and a wonderful slash of sauce decorating the plate.

Others had the chicken, beef loin and duck rolls and everybody was thrilled with their choices.

The wine list is extensive and the wine steward is very knowledgeable and we had several wonderful French wines by the glass and, of course, bottles are also available.

This is a small intimate but world class French restaurant which we are very lucky indeed to have right here in our little slice of paradise.

All diners with be carefully looked after and your pleasure is Laurent’s foremost concern.

If you love excellent cuisine or would like to experience it – dinner at Laurent Cuisine as Hotel Casa Blanca is a must.

Buen Provecho or in this case Bon Appetit!