My favorite television show as a child was Walt Disney's "Zorro," which of course was set in Los Angeles. The teaming of Antonio Banderas with Catherine Zeta-Jones in their salute to the franchise also ranks as one of my favorite movies.
Pancho's in Manhattan Beach, where I had lunch with my friend Bill yesterday, brings to mind the idealized Spanish haciendas of those storied days of yore. The Numero Ocho Combinacion was delicious, and the setting on a balcony overlooking the patio area below creates a special ambiance at Pancho's.
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| Patio Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta |
Growing up in California, the influence hispanic culture runs deep. My family would go to La Fonda for dinner on Sundays when I was in grade school, and I would always order side orders of beans, rice and tortillas as my full meal. At home, my mother would make us what we called taco stacks, using a recipe she learned from Romaine, a Mexican-American who worked in my dad's beauty salon. Even Disneyland for me was highlighted by Mexican influence, with an inevitable lunch at Casa de Frito and, on one memorable day, a Zorro stunt show which my parents took me to see after I saw it advertised on my favorite show. That stunt re-enactment starred Guy Williams, TV's Don Diego de la Vega, aka Zorro.
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| Papas & Beer |
Over lunch, Bill said he's ready to get down to Ensenada again on
a short cruise from Long Beach, a trip he's done thrice with his daughters. He said he has his leather guy, where he buys a wallet or jacket, and his favorite cantina for imbibing an authentic Margarita. It's funny that a lot of people joke Ensenada is Spanish for "stay on the ship," because I too enjoy that stop. Personally, I prefer taking the tour to the fine wineries outside Ensenada, or taking the bus to
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| La Bufadora a short ride from Ensenada |
La Bufadora to have drinks and chips at the rooftop bar of La Habana Banana overlooking the rugged coastline, but there's something to be said for Papas & Beer in town. In any case, it is an incredibly relaxing getaway, one that provides a surprisingly full vacation experience.
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| Wes & Senor Frog in Mazatlan |
It's a shame that news shows bombard us daily about the drug war criminals along the border, which has definitely impacted thought about travel to Mexico. However, if you stay away from troubled areas, remaining in the well traveled streets, it is no less safe than Southern California.
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| Amy plunging into jungle river outside Puerto Vallarta |
The cruise lines move with the mood of their market, and as such they have been pulling ships from the Mexican Riviera cruises. Looking ahead for next season, you would be well-advised to book your
Mexican Riviera cruise early, because there will be much lower capacity for these convenient sojourns to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Mazatlan may or may not be on the menu next year due to some problems primarily centered a good distance from the port, but whether you go to Mazatlan or get an extra day in Cabo or some other port, you shouldn't discount the value of visiting Mexico.
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| The Castle at Tulum |
Anyway, if you go to a full-blown fiesta or simply dine at Taco Bell to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, think about how great it would be to cruise to some of
the great ports of Mexico.
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| Carnival Splendor Pool |
And by the way, this Cinco de Mayo let's salute Carnival, the fun ships that keep a regular presence for the Mexican Riviera, Baja and the Caribbean side of Mexico year round. While some people quickly dismiss Carnival, often without trying it, Carnival continues to deliver great vacation value for average families,
couples, friends and solos looking for a fun, easy vacation.
