The Best Breakfast Deal in the Marina!

Sea-Fare at the Marina
Marina, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

9ish am

July 21, 2010

Since we had a big adventure day planned of a high speed boat ride, riding a donkey up a mountain, waterfall rapelling, and all of this topped off with a tequila tasting; we decided we needed to start the day with a hearty breakfast.  We needed to be downtown by 10:30 and so wanted a convenient place near our hotel, but on the way. 

We took the bus most places which generally resulted in us taking a nice walk from our hotel to the other side of the marina where the bus stop was located.  The walk was always beautiful, but we soon learned it was also like "running the gauntlet".  The marina has a series of really nice shops, restaurants, and tour booths along the way with someone at each place trying to "entice" you to spend some time with them.  We had walked through this area probably half a dozen times already and perfected our polite, yet curt no's.  However, this time we were glad we'd actually get to say yes to someone! 

The Sea-Fare at the Marina won out with their daily breakfast special that couldn't be beat for only $3.99.  We both got the same thing which consisted of scrambled eggs with ham, chilaquiles, refried beans topped with queso fresco, fresh tortillas, and freshly squeezed orange juice!  I still can not believe we got this quality and quantity of food for $4 each.

The orange juice was so refreshing, and I had forgotten how much of a stronger orange flavor you get when the juice is freshly squeezed!  The eggs with ham were flavorful and perfectly cooked and the refried beans were great.  But the stand out was the chilaquiles. 

This is such a simple dish, but was oh so good!  It is composed of cut squares of tortillas lightly fried, topped with a slightly spicy red sauce, and then topped with sour cream.  The red sauce slightly softens a bit of the tortilla and you get a soft bite, with crispier edges.  Then the sour cream cools off the warmth of the dish and spice of the red sauce.  As I write this, I'm wishing I had a bowl of them right now! 

Erik and I had never heard of this dish before, but upon doing some research it apparently is a typical breakfast/brunch staple in Mexico and is thought to be a great hangover cure!  Maybe I should have gotten some more after our tequila tasting ;)  Upon doing even more research, for my local readers, apparently you can get a version of chilaquiles at Cabo Cocina and Cuco's.  We already have dinner plans for tonight, but I just might be making a trip to one of these establishments next weekend!
 
Bill Total:  around $10

Overall Rating:  4 buckeyes

And just for fun here are some shots from the rest of our day...