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Tag-Archive for "night out"

Restaurant review-El Shrimp Bucket (Cancun Zona Hotelera) Author: CancunTom Jul 21

While staying at the Royal Sands in Cancun a few weeks back we stopped at El Shrimp Bucket restaurant to try their Friday afternoon only buffet. It starts a 1pm. This Shrimp Bucket is located at approx. km. 15 on the lagoon side of Kululcan Blvd.. Just south of Aqua World. They have a large “L’ shaped dining area and an outdoor deck right over the water. They also have a pier where you can dock your boat. If you bring them your catch of the day, they will cook it for you. On Fridays, they have an all you can eat buffet starting at 1 PM. At other times, food is ordered from the menu.  We arrived around 2pm and the small parking lot was crowded but they had valet service. The restaurant was also crowded but we were quickly seated at a nice table where we could view the current World Cup Soccer match. The buffet selections were comprised of all the usual salads, soups, ceviche and several different types of poultry, beef, fish and shrimp prepared in different styles. I really loved the coconut shrimp. The buffet was restocked often with small portions of each dish therefore keeping the food hot and fresh. The ambiance is like most theme type restaurants and it is designed to look like what it is, a dockside seafood hangout. The beer was cold and on draft which I prefer. The waiter was attentive and the food, was certainly good enough for the price and quantity. El Shrimp Bucket is a nice fun friendly place and we would recommend that you give it a try.

The roof signage from the parking lot

The entryway

Just inside the entry and before entering the dining room

Many fish nets and other interesting stuff hanging from the ceiling

The waiter brought a bucket of ice to our table which contained the various bottled sauces.  I was happy to see that they were kept on ice.  My wife enjoyed a few of the Oysters Rockefeller and liked them.

My first pass thru the buffet: garlic fish fillet, garlic shrimp, shish-kabob,corn, and strips of beef, croutons for the delicious soupa……

The view out towards the Nichupte’ lagoon


Their menu if you come in the evening or any afternoon except Friday.

The buffet is inexpensive and atmosphere family friendly. Give El Shrimp bucket a try on your next visit to Cancun. Phone number is: +52 (998) 840 6466 .They have a small nicely done web site at: www.shrimpbucket.com



Category: CANCUN, Living in Cancun, MEXICO, Q-Roo, Restaurant Reviews, Travel, Vacation, Yucatan  | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | One Comment
A week at the Sands……….part 4 Author: CancunTom Jul 08

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On Friday morning  we wandered over to the craft area. We both picked out a piece to hand paint. Suzie choose a snail and I choose a sun god plaque to add to my collection. We worked on them for over two hours. We could hardly wait to pick them up the next day after they had been shellacked and fired in their oven. This is how they came out…………….we’re so proud.

This is Suzie’s snail, which she named “Escargot”………..

and this is the one that I did………….to add to my collection decorating our home which is: “Casa del Sol”….

As you can see the Caribbean was a little too rough to try swimming today…….

The happy couple on the beach …….but not in the water

The Veranda Restaurant put up the plastic owls to keep the birds away from the outdoor tables……..

See how the red flag is pointed……….that wind was strong and coming right off the Caribbean……..Thanks so much TS Alex!

The waves pounded the beach until Friday morning when they finally put the yellow flags up………

The beach palapa’s……..red flag means DON”T GO IN!!!

A look at the pool…….

The entrance way to a great place to spend your vacation……

Saturday came and we packed up, paid our bill, and said goodbye to the Royal Sands until next time????

We had a great week away from the daily grind of retired life in paradise.

Thanks to our friends Juni & Mina in San Francisco for renting us their beautiful villa.

Category: Art, CANCUN, MEXICO, Travel, Trip Reports, Vacation, Yucatan, weather  | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | 5 Comments
Restaurant Review: Plaza La Isla Italianni’s Author: CancunTom Jun 14

This past Saturday night we tried out Italianni’s restaurant.  We usually avoid “theme type” restaurants and seek out the more specialized and ambient laden establishments. Italianni’s, as the name suggests, is a Italian themed restaurant. This particular one is located in the Plaza La Isla outdoor shopping village at about km 12 on Kukulcan Blvd. in the hotel zone of Cancun, Mexico. It’s easy to get to and plenty of parking is available, but you must pay a modest fee to do so. Plaza La Isla was very crowded Saturday night. The weather had cooled  so everyone was taking advantage of the pleasant evening. Since it’s world cup soccer season they had a drumming band and a parade going around the walking streets getting everyone in the mood to support the Mexican team.

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After the parade had passed………we found the entrance to the restaurant


The Gelato counter is right at the entrance way…….yummy

Our friends and table -mates………………..Louise and Al

The menu cover………….

The Antipasti and Zuppe e Insalate selections……….



The dessert  selections…………

Our Caesar salad for 4 .   The salad  was not freshly made and therefore was a bit wilted.  I would not recommend it. It was OK, but we are used to better.

Next came our Minestrone Soup……………..delicious!

We also had an order of Garlic Tuscan Bread which we devoured before I could take a picture. Sorry……..

Now our main courses…………we each tried something different……..mine was the Spaghetti Bolognese. This is my idea of the perfect sauce for Spaghetti and I really liked this version. I couldn’t have been happier with it…………….

Suz ordered the Capelletti with chicken, spinach, and pine nuts…………….which she really enjoyed.  The lemon flavor came through and the pine nuts added an interesting crunch.  She could not consume it all and needed a “doggy  bag” to take the remainder home. (But I don’t think Dylan will ever see any of it) :)

Louise ordered the Spicy Pepperoncino Fusili

and Al ordered the Chicken Parmesan……..

We had the house wine with our meals and it was fine, it was served in individual carafes so I don’t know what brand it may have been. It was a medium red wine.

Next came our desserts…………yummy……….each couple shared and we went with the Gelato, pistachio for me and Suz, and Caramel for Louise and Al………..

All followed………of course by a cappuccino………

Our waiter was Santos, he was terrific and his English was pretty good too.

Our bill totaled 1570 pesos (124.60 USD). This included complimentary bread basket and dipping oil w/ herbs, 2 soups, 1 Large Garlic Tuscan Bread, Caesar salad for 4, (8) glasses of medium red wine ( house ), 4 entrees, 2 desserts, one cappuccino  and one cafe Americano. This did not include the tip.

All 4 of us really enjoyed this meal and would go back again. It was very reasonably priced and well prepared. The service from our waiter Santos was excellent. Their only miss was the salad . It was a great evening out.

Afterward we walked around romantic Plaza La Isla and stopped next to the jumping fountains to have a night cap at a outdoor cafe.

If your in Cancun for your vacation don’t miss a chance to visit La Isla. Go in the early evening, after dark with your favorite partner and you’ll have found a special place to visit.

Category: CANCUN, MEXICO, Restaurant Reviews, Travel, Vacation, Yucatan  | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | 2 Comments
La Isla Shopping Village, Cancun Author: CancunTom Apr 15

La Isla Shopping Village

Blvd Kukulkan Km 12.5, No 262
77500 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

An outdoor shopping village in the hotel zone featuring unusual architecture and Venice-like canals. La Isla has many high end shops that sell expensive jewelery, artwork, clothing and more. There are many restaurants to suit everyone’s taste. It was built out into the Lagoon so it also features a great waterfront and is a prime spot to watch the sunset every evening. It is a very romantic place at night because of it’s many little streets that are lit up so beautifully. If you’re staying in the hotel zone it’s easy to get to on foot, bus, or taxi. Don’t miss it!

The La Isla Shopping Village directory………


One of the many beckoning bridges inviting you to explore La Isla Shopping Village………..

If you want to have a dolphin experience without leaving the hotel zone, this is one of the best places to do so……

Entrance welcoming visitors to the Marina waterfront of La Isla……….(yes they have a Hooters)


At night time this lighted jumping fountain is even more impressive…….

One of the many corridors that are protected from the weather by the unusual and stunning awning system…

Starbucks is here too……………..

so is McDonald’s, perhaps a bit different than back home……

The waterway out to the lagoon…….

Mayan sculpture and waterfall adorning the side of the Plaza LaFiesta building…………

A great place for a relaxing stroll while on your vacation in paradise…….

The waterfront dock………

Looks like this Great White is about to chomp on that guys umbrella……..

If you’re a tourista and want a souvenir of Cancun you’ll find it here…………everything from tequila to tee-shirts……..

The canal at night time…………

Here is Noah’s ark which was hanging from the ceiling of the bar in this restaurant……

The romantic atmosphere of La Isla in the evening…………time to stop at the martini bar……and slowly sip one while people watching……..

One of the well lit corridors at night…………

Colorful wooden puzzles for sale in a kiosk……….

If your a chocolate lover, then this is your Mecca……….

These upside down umbrella’s (awnings) catch the rainwater which goes down the center pipe and back into the lagoon……….very clever


La Isla is a very special place that can only be found here in Cancun. If you’re visiting, don’t pass it up. You will be amazed, and I guarantee you will have a good time.


Category: CANCUN, MEXICO, Travel, Trip Reports, Vacation  | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | One Comment
Cancun Soccer Game Feb.17,2010 Author: CancunTom Feb 19

We live near the two stadiums in Cancun. They are next to one another. One is for professional baseball and the other is for professional soccer. We’ve been going to the baseball games regularly but wanted to try a soccer game. The admission and the food and beverages are higher than at the baseball games. Our tickets were 100 pesos each to sit midfield and were excellent seats. Beer brand is Sol at the baseball park and Corona at the soccer field. The beer cost at the soccer game was 30 pesos/ bottle vs. 20 at the ballgame. The seat prices also fluctuate depending on how good a visiting team is or isn’t.  The park is nice and well maintained. The food and drink vendors are plentiful with a wide selection of soft drinks and mixed hard liquor beverages. Food selections from popcorn to full meals delivered right to your seat. Only one brand of beer…….Corona. When you enter the park the Corona beer company gives each  person a horn to make noise with. They create a really festive atmosphere that gets everyone in the mood to support the home team.

Here are some pictures of the park, the players, cheerleaders, Corona girls, and scoreboards.

The home team was ahead at half time by 1-0

The Cheerleaders at the Half Time Show…..

When the Cheerleaders were finished they had a parade that did one lap around the field. The Corona girls were throwing t-shirts into the stands and other memento’s to the fans.

Some guys on stilts……

The scoreboard with the final score………………WE WON 2-0…………….!!!!!

The Cancun team is called the ATLANTE and they have been struggling this season. This was there 12th game and their record was 8 loses, & 3 ties. So this was their first win of the season. The opposing team was called the Jaguares  and they are from Chiapas, Mexico. The league is The FMF (Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación, A.C.; Mexican Football Federation)

We went with 3 of our friends and had a great time and plan to go back often.

Category: CANCUN, MEXICO, Travel  | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | One Comment
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