La Parranda in Mérida, Yucatán
During last year’s trip to Mérida, we stumbled across La Parranda, a funky restaurant/bar in the downtown area. With a few great meals and memories under our belts, we came back this year to gather a few more.
Literally translated, La Parranda means ”The Binge”. We did the name proud.
While roaming around the city, we had wandered past it many times. It seemed like your average, touristy kind of place…nothing to write home about. In the evening, however, it gave off a totally different vibe.
In Mérida, on the weekends at dusk, they close off many streets around the central square allowing the restaurants to spill out onto the sidewalks and beyond. It makes for a whole lot more ambiance.
The place has a load of kitsch about it…typical Mexicana abounds. The enormous sombreros are brought out with mock rifles so the customers can pose for cheesy photo-ops. After a few tequilas and Margaritas, it’s hard to resist.
The well-stocked bar that was responsible for this bout of silliness….
A nicely varied menu…some touristy favorites, but quite a few regional specialties. No idea why we didn’t grab some of the ”Mayan’s Cuisine”. Great reason to hurry on back!!
La Luna Seaside Grill in Isla Mujeres
In preparation for our upcoming trip to the Yucatan, never having been to Isla Mujeres, I figured I’d check out the lay of the land on Google’s Street View. What an amazing tool. After toodling around awhile, I came across this unique and intriguing façade. At first I thought it was somebody’s really cool beach house.
After arriving in Isla, I met up with my friends and we went on a walkabout seeking some dinner. Within five or so minutes we hit an intersection. I looked off to my right and there it was.
Turns out that unique building is La Luna Seaside Grill. It’s run by a couple of restaurateurs from Hamilton, Ontario.
Aside from it being an absolutely visually stunning room, it is, obviously, Canadian-run. That means any big hockey game is on in their bar.
X-Site Grill and Bistro
Having had a somewhat miserable lunch this past Tuesday, I decided on a spot that would be a guaranteed good meal. I’ve been visiting X-Site for several years and have always been amazed at the value and consistent quality. There is no other place (that I’m aware of) that serves up such sizable, delicious meals at such rock-bottom prices.
Every single one of these choices is a bargain. Since my first visit, about five years ago, the prices have stayed at the unbelievable price of $4.95. The only change in all that time has been the requirement of a beverage purchase. Speaking of beverages, the daily liquor specials are some of lowest prices in town. Who in the hell sells Double Martinis for $4.50? It’s just unheard of.
Of all the lunch specials, the one that really stands out is the Chicken Souvlaki.
The Friday Lunch 
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