Dining In or Out in Ajijic

Since we moved here we find that, for us, dining out is a much better choice for entertaining friends and clients. I had forgotten everything that goes into a dinner for 8 in your home.

First you have to plan the menu, then shop for the menu and unlike Toronto you are very fortunate if you manage to procure everything on your list.

Then there is the buying of flowers, candles, wine, pre-dinner drinks, after dinner drinks, specialty coffee, cream and an array of sugar and sugar substitutes.

Table linens have to be selected and washed and ironed. Crystal and silver have to be polished and plates have to be washed, as in our case we had to use our Christmas china as it was the only 8 of anything that matched. Of course, we required matching soup bowls, salad plates and platters and covered vegetable servers. Naturally, wine coasters were needed for the table along with cruets for under hot plates. Delicate serving bowls for the condiments and butter were needed and a basket and linen for the hot crusty rolls.

Who sits beside who is of paramount importance and music has to be carefully selected to appeal to all ages. We cannot even agree what to listen to for a family game of cards let alone a formal dinner party.

Everything had to be perfectly timed to get to the table hot and suitable pauses between courses were allowed for the smokers.

The evening did go off without a hitch and it only took me three hours to clean up the after party mess along with four loads of the dishwasher. I could not ask my wonderful maid to do the cleaning up as it was ironing day for her and she had a full basket of shirts and pants to iron as the men in our family wear only the best cotton.

I am still getting the wax from the candles off the tables inside and out on the terraza and I seemed to have lost a champagne flute.

We have so many wonderful and economically feasible restaurants here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala and I for one am going to happily continue to frequent them and leave at home entertaining to others.

Vancouver 2010

Our Canadian athletes did a wonderful job and we are very proud of all of them.

Yesterday also was the last day of the Mexican Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala.

I have not attended this event for a couple of years but went this year as my sister was visiting here from Canada and I thought she might enjoy a little local color and my daughter’s restaurants were competing in the Chili Cook Off itself and, of course, we wanted to be there to support our girls.

I was so happy we went. It was terrific this year with lots of things to see and do.

This year the arts and crafts and jewelry booths were much improved with more high end goods available for sale.

Also the knives from Sayula were a huge hit.

Real Estate Companies were well represented and there was clothing for every member of the family.

Home cooked food was available from ribs, to hamburgers and, of course, chili and drinks flowed.

There were special Chili Cook Off t-shirts and aprons for sale and were offered at half price towards the end of the festivities on Sunday.

The entertainment was non-stop with lots of raffles and winners.

The winner of the best decorated booth was Number FOUR Restaurant.

The third place prize winner for the chili on Sunday was Hector from Manix Restaurant.

The second place prize winner was Ismat Jivani of Number FOUR Restaurant and the first place prize winner was Greg Couillard of the new upscale bar and restaurant in Ajijic – Chili Bang Bar.

On Saturday Casa Angel won for non-professional chili and Chili Bang Bar won on Friday in the Salsa competition.

Many people voted for the winners both ex-pats and Mexicans and it was truly a bi-cultural event which everyone enjoyed very much. All the proceeds go to various local charities and everyone connected with this year’s Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala should be congratulated on a job well done.

Simply Thai

Now, however, we once again have reason to celebrate as a new Thai restaurant has opened up in Ajijic, Lake Chapala about a week ago. It is called Simply Thai and is located on Ramon Corona #11 kitty corner from The Lake Chapala Society. Reservations are a must and their phone # is 766-5665.

Owners Jim McMahon and Thip Phonsavath have created a warm, pleasant and nicely decorated space and are very welcoming and professional the food is wonderful!

Appetizers consist of such delights as Crispy Spring Rolls, Fresh Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay, Crispy Chicken Wings, Tom Yum Soup, Chicken Coconut Soup and Shrimp Flavored Chips.

Some of the authentic entrees are Pad Thai, Fried Rice Noodle with Chicken or Beef (Ladd Na), Fried Clear Noodle with Pork, Spicy Sir Fried Chicken or Beef (Pad Ped) also with shrimp or fish. Sweet and Sour Chicken (Pad Priew Wann Gai), Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet (Pad Priew Wann Pa), Mixed Vegetales with Oyster Sauce (Pad Nam Mun Hoy), Beef Salad (Yum Neua), Shrimp Salad (Yum Goong), Chicken Salad (Larb Gai), Vegetable Red Curry (Gang Ped Pak), Beef Red Curry Gang Ped Neua), Emerald Chicken Curry (Gang Kiew Wann Gai – a delightful and aromatic green curry), Chicken or Beef Yellow Curry (Gang Karee), House Special Vermicelli Noodles, Tahi Conont Noodle Soup, and, course, House Special Fried Rice, Steamed Rice and Sticky Rice.

For Dessert there is Sticky Rice with Mango, Tapioca and Banana in Coconut Milk and Ice Cream.

Simply Thai is in the process of setting up their full liquor license but at the moment do offer beef and house wine.

Five of us enjoyed a delightful meal at Simply Thai last night and everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully authentic Thai. Naturally, Simply Thai has the one, two or three chilies designating the spiciness of each dish.

We are so lucky now to have so many excellent restaurants here is Ajijic, Lake Chapala and Simply Thai certainly will rank among them.

Chili Cook Off Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

Again this year it is being held at Tobolandia (water park) at the carretera and libramiento and will commence when the gates open at 11:00 am on Friday.

The official opening of this traditional Ajijic event begins around noon on Saturday, February 27th with the arrival of the annual parade. This will be led by an honor guard formed by members of the Lake Chapala Shrine Club. Among the honored guests at the opening ceremonies will be United States Consul General Daniel F Keller, Chapala Mayor Jesus Cabrera, Chapala Chief of Police Raynol Contreras and Traffic Commander Juan Carlos Borrayo. Cook off Chairperson, Loren Reynolds, will open the event with a tribute to Tom Johnson, an enthusiastic supporter and volunteer who passed away recently.

Entertainment will consist of Ballet Folklorico, Ricardo and Blanca, Jerry and Jack and a Hawaiian Dance troupe on Saturday.

On Sunday are the Diamonds in the Rough Band, Ballet Folklorico Ixlahuacan, a circus show with jugglers and the ever-popular Dancing Horses.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is about cooking and Friday is about salsa. Professional and amateur cooks participating with a no-rules format. There is a $1,000.00 peso first prize and a trophy.

Saturday is for the chili made by the home cooks and Sunday is for professional chefs all of whom will be vying for the public’s attention. Tasting kits can be purchased for $10.00 pesos.

Winners are announced each day around 4:30 pm.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijica, Lake Chapala support many charities and last year they were able to give $35,000.00 to each of them. They are Ninos Incapcitados, Lakeside School for the Deaf, Los Ninos de Chapala y Ajijic, Los Ninos de San Antonio, Centro de Desarrollo Ajijic, Casa de Ancianos and Crux Rojo, Chapala. Volunteers from these organizations donate their services to this event which requires about 180 volunteers to stage.

More than 80 vendors will fill the tents provided by Coca-Cola and Corona. The range of products for sale is from local art, crafts, cars, furniture, real estate, hats, food and clothing to the famous Ojeda knives from Sayula.

The entrance fee is $15.00 pesos for adults and $5.00 pesos for children under 12. Toddlers are free and parking is available on site for $10.00 pesos.

The Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is definitely worth attending as there is truly something for everyone.

Over 30 years ago Morley Eager, founder of the Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, rode in the opening parade on the beach (where it was then held) on an elephant. He had trained for several weeks prior to the event. Morley, also for many years attracted international chili cooks in search of placements that would allow them to compete at bigger competitions in the United States. Today the competition at the Mexican Chili Cook off in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is open to all.

The point is the Chili Cook Off in Ajijic, Lake always is full of surprises and excitement for all ages.

This year for an added bit of spice Number FOUR Restaurant will be facing off against the new Chili Bang Bar on Sunday. The results should be delicious.

For more information you can go to their website: www.mexicanchilicookoff.com

See you there!

Manix Restaurant

Many other restaurants have come and gone but Manix has not only survived it is flourishing.

Recently they have had a new facelift to the building and now have access to parking beside the restaurant.

We have been going to Manix for many years. We particularly like their roast loin of pork and their signature dish which is a delightful and delicious corn soufflé. All meals included soup or salad and dessert.

On Wednesday night they have music by Ricardo from 7:00-9:00 pm and every Saturday
Blanca Estela is featured also from 7:00 -9:00 pm.

So when we were looking for a venue for a friend’s birthday party of 14 people, many of whom wanted to dance, Manix was our restaurant of choice.

We had called a day or two ahead and ordered a special smoked pork loin (lomo) and Hector very graciously said he would be happy to do what we requested.

The meal was wonderful. The table was beautifully set with flowers and candles and colorful napkins and table cloths.

We had a choice of a lovely fresh salad with blue cheese or house dressing or lentil soup. Then came the entrée we had especially ordered and it was truly delicious and very tender. Naturally, the corn soufflé was on the plate along with broccoli al dente and a baked potato with sour cream.

We organized a tres leche birthday cake and it was brought decorated with flowers and served with ice cream.

Our waiter, Billy, took wonderful care of us as far as drinks, coffee and anything else our little hearts might desire.

Ricardo’s music was fabulous and he played non-stop to a full dance floor for 2 hours of fun.

Our friend had Happy Birthday sung to her and when I requested Las Mananitas, Ricardo happily obliged and I translated the words to this beautiful traditional Mexican song to our guests.

The music was a mix of local and popular music and it was excellent dance music. I even managed to get my husband up to dance which is a treat usually reserved for New Year’s Eve.

Everyone in our party had a wonderful time and we would highly recommend Manix and will, of course, return ourselves.

The staff was very friendly and efficient. I can also recommend their pork loin with sour cherry sauce.

The prices are very reasonable.

Manix is located on Ocampo # 57 in Ajijic and they can be reached at 766-0061 or by cell (045) 331 065 0725. Their hours are Mon. to Sat. 12-9 pm and they are closed Sundays.

Tiger Woods

The reaction to his “apology” is as diverse as the country itself. Some high powered women gave him 4 stars for his 15 minute speech which he read and questions were not welcome.

His mother was there and he hugged her at the end of his remarks and she said she was very proud of him and that she loved him.

Elin was not staunchly by his side which made me respect her greatly. Some say she should give him another chance and that sex is sex and love is love but it would appear to some that Tiger has difficultly in recognizing the difference.

This fall from grace was a huge disappointment for many of Tiger’s fans, business partners and, of course, his foundation. When you set yourself up as a role model (even inadvertently) for kids around the world this is not the behavior that is remotely acceptable.

He admitted, he had affairs, cheated and lied and said he was “so sorry”. He said he felt he was entitled and had worked hard all of his life and deserved to do whatever he chose.
It is assumed that he would still be carrying on these affairs had he not got caught.

The golf tour and Nike are firmly behind Tiger as are the professional golfers on the tour.
They say that they knew that Tiger was a “dog” but seemed to accept it as OK.

Some feel that his behavior is not OK and that he deserves to have Elin divorce him and get full custody of their 2 children.

If you wish to see Tiger’s full remarks you can do so at www.thedailybeast.com and click on Blogs and Stories.

The whole world looked up to Tiger Woods not just the sports world and his fall from grace is enormous for many. I do not think these are the values that his father, Earl, instilled in him and I think he would be very disappointed in his son as he wanted Tiger to be a force for good in the world. What he has done is far from good.

Now he is in therapy for sex addiction. This used to be called playing around but now it would appear it is “sex addiction”.

Many thought Tiger was better than this but the best comment I heard was “Who gives a f.— about what he did. Just tell him to get his ass back on the golf course.”

This, of course, was from a man.

Vancouver 2010

However, I was soon filled with pride as I watched all the aboriginal groups of Canada walk into the stadium. Every aboriginal group was represented from coast to coast to coast and proceeded to do ceremonial dances for over an hour in full native dress as they welcomed the athletes from 82 countries parade in front of over 60,000 cheering fans.

My family and my excitement was further heightened by the stunning visual effects.
Whether it was whales portrayed on the floor or an aerialist flying through the clouds.

I was particularly impressed by the opening sequence of a snowboarder flying down the majestic mountains of British Columbia and ending up on the stage.

Everything about the entire event was all about Canada and our rich and diverse population and history.

The Olympic flag was carried in by Canadian icons Bobby Orr, hockey great, Anne Murray, singer, Donald Sutherland, actor, Jacques Villeneuve, race car driver, Betty Fox, mother of Terry Fox, Romeo Dallaire, UNAMIR and Julie Payette, astronaut.

Equally as thrilling were the torch bearers. Rick Hanson brought the Olympic torch into the stadium and handed it off in turn to, Catriona Le May Doan, Steve Nash, Nancy Greene and the Great One himself, Wayne Gretsky.

The death of Georgian Luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili at the age of 21 was such a devastating start to these winter games but not only did the IOC embrace this tragedy so did every other Canadian.

Even though there seemed to be a technical blip at the end this did not in any way deter from the brilliant visualization of David Atkins, Artistic Director and Producer. He should be very proud of one of the most spectacular shows ever produced for our country.

I can honestly tell them that in over 15 years I have never been bored and there is indeed plenty to do.

You can be as busy or as idle as you would like,

In Ajijic, Lake Chapala there are two garden clubs, The Garden Guild and The Garden Club. There are cooking competitions and lessons available. There are bridge clubs and cribbage clubs.

There are all types of cultural events such as symphonies, plays both local and imported and I can honestly say my children have been more exposed to culture than they ever were in Toronto.

We have the Auditorium in La Floresta which stages many events and also the Little Theatre in San Antonio Tlayacapan and they are always looking for people who wish to get involved in theatre.

There are local golf clubs and tennis clubs in Ajijic, Lake Chapala as well as many more in Guadalajara. Lessons in both sports are available and tournaments to participate in.

There are many very worthwhile charities to get involved in and churches for all denominations

We have wonderful restaurants and a movie theatre boasting 3 cinemas with all the current movies available in English.

There is a writer’s club, Club Amigos for newcomers to meet new friends and enjoy old ones.

We have the Lake Chapala Society which offers all kinds of free medical testing, insurance seminars, a vast library and video library. This is an association devoted to the ex-pat community as well as helping the local population. LCS has a wonderful yearly directory, mail service and many other services needed by ex-pats. There is not a question you many have that they cannot answer.

There is Laughter Yoga which has 6,000 clubs all over the world To get listings for all of the activities that are available you can check out the weekly Guadalajara Reporter or the Ojo del Lago. Also you can google your specific interests and web sites will pop up giving you the information you need.

There are all kinds of special events held almost nightly from formal dinners to casual get togethers.

We have found the most rewarding activities are those that include the Mexican people who always welcome you to any event they are having and this is a wonderful way to get involved in our amazing community.

Also we are 30 minutes from the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara which is twice the size of Toronto and has everything you would expect from a major city including shopping, culture, history and restaurants and night life.

Also we are just over three hours from the beach on an excellent toll road and day trips and longer excursions are available to many other wonderful Mexican towns and cities.

I have only mentioned a few options of what is available to us here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala and many other activities and pastimes are waiting for you to discover them.

Whatever you would do to fill your time wherever you came from is available here. Perhaps the only difference is a slower pace reminiscent of kinder, gentler times.

Now with the internet and high speed wireless one can carry on any business ventures you care to be involved in.

So don’t worry about what you will find to do here instead worry about how you will find the time to do everything you wish to be involved in.

The expression is “One goes to Florida to die but one comes to Ajijic, Lake Chapala to live”.

99% of the time our weather is 75 degrees and sunny. Even the during the rainy season (June 15-October 15) it usually only rains at night and is still warm and sunny during the day.

Now, it would appear, people are talking about nothing else and with good reason. December 2009 was unseasonably warm but January 2010 was cool and gray and February, so far, is worse.

The fact that it has rained three days straight without letup is unheard of in our 15 years in Ajijic, Lake Chapala. There is even talk of snow which strikes fear into the hearts of many.

Many businesses are suffering from the prolonged rain as people are hunkering down in their homes trying to stay warm and dry. Many visitors don’t have warm clothes with them and their rain slickers are in the closet at home. .

Now if we lived in Seattle, Vancouver or London, England rain would not slow anything down as it the order of the day and life goes on rain or no rain.

Visitors are asking “What do you do when it rains?” and my reply is “I don’t know it never rains”.

Evidently, it is going to get colder over the next week and more rain is also on its way. I get the weather for Ajijic, Lake Chapala, by Googling Ajijic Weather. Several sites pop up and this is the first time in 15 years I have ever checked these sites as I am now doing on a daily basis.

When I say to people that it is still a lot warmer than up north the replay is “Well at least we have heat up north” which, of course, is a valid point.

I find myself apologizing for the current weather as if it is somehow my fault and assuring people this is most unusual.

As I look out my window I can see a little blue sky and I am elated and full of hope the weather is going to get better and the beautiful blue skies of Mexico are going to return to us.

Perhaps if one was looking for a business opportunity selling efficient heaters locally might be a grand idea.

We had taken the quilt off our bed as it was warming up last week and washed and stored it for some future use but sadly I put it back on our bed last night. We were cold even with the dogs cuddled up with us.

The other sad thing, because of the cold January and February, is the Jacaranda trees which usually start to bloom in gay profusion in February look very bare and unhappy. Usually they fill the air with their fragrance and beautiful lilac flowers which also carpet the ground as their tiny flowers fall to the ground.

I suppose this is good news to some as the Jacaranda trees cause allergies in some. I would happily trade my watering eyes, however, for this depressing gray, wet and cold weather.

Don’t lose hope. We are still in Mexico and the amazing climate will return before we know it. People will be back out playing golf tennis, going for their walks and runs and businesses will welcome brisk business as usual.

Crown Casino Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico

A press release from the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) said the investigators confiscated equipment and materials from the betting parlor and also took 16 employees and 9 clients to the PGR headquarters in Guadalajara for questioning in regards to probable violations of the General Law on Games and Raffles.

Allegedly the business was opened without proper permits from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Gobernacion).

The detainees were held in custody for about 17 hours before being released on bonds posted by the casino’s operators.

Evidently, agents allowed a number of foreign clients to freely leave the casino to avoid the possibility of violating their individual rights.

Included in the evidence collected by authorities were 65 electronic betting machines, 23 packages containing 3,298 magnetic cards used for playing the machines and 57,533 pesos in cash found in the till, as well as an unspecified number of gaming tables, playing cards, chips and plasma screens.

Before terminating the operation, agents put seals across the front and back entrances of the casino reinforcing the closure by welding several iron bars across each door.

Local police, who were called in at the last minute to provide back up for the raid, have maintained regular surveillance in the area during this week.

The Chapala government’s Secretary General, Jose Gonzalez Alfaro, said that the Crown Casino was issued two separate business licenses by the previous administration, one authorizing the operation of a restaurant-bar and the other one for installing low-cost electronic games known as tragemonedas (coin swallowers).

Former city councilwoman Rocio Reynoso, admitted that the permits were extended without being run through a special council that oversees issuance of licenses for restricted enterprises, such as those that dispense alcoholic beverages.

Jose Gonzalez Alfaro said that the casino would not have its licenses renewed without the proof of proper authorization from Gobernacion from the current government.

This raid was perhaps a little zealous. Had you ever been in this casino one might have thought that on site questioning of the clients would certainly have sufficed.