Mary Valle: From criminal attorney to Yucatán’s Scoop Goddess

Mary Valle: From criminal attorney to Yucatán’s Scoop Goddess

Ice cream heaven began out of hellish circumstances, and I am grateful. Mary Valle, known as the Scoop Goddess, started her business after Pho MX, a popular Vietnamese restaurant she managed, became a lockdown casualty. But when she started Ela2, she was the happy face we looked forward to seeing, especially during those difficult days. …

Sandunga: A Oaxaqueña chef in Yucatán keeps family close
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Sandunga: A Oaxaqueña chef in Yucatán keeps family close

Oaxaca is known to foodies for its unique flavors, great street food, and mole. A flight of moles instead of beer is not unusual.  Sandunga Cocina Tradicional Oaxaqueña has been bringing Oaxaca’s techniques and flavors to Mérida’s Centro for about a year. However, between COVID and the road construction on Calle 47, one might not…

It’s Christmas in Mérida: Here’s where to go shopping
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It’s Christmas in Mérida: Here’s where to go shopping

Christmas in Yucatán is truly magical. A ride past the holiday lights on the Paseo Montejo in the evening or on Avenida Libano toward San Ramón Norte will put you in the spirit. So I went in search of shops in Mérida that just plain put out the holiday vibe. Galerías el Triunfo The beautifully…

Company is coming! Mérida shops have something to serve them.

Company is coming! Mérida shops have something to serve them.

Do you have a craving for sweets? Or maybe now that we’re getting social again, you want to have treats on hand for company. I have found some fun places in Mérida just in time for the holidays. Abrasoles Pays Pies, pies, and more pies with great flaky crusts, bite-size or whole, delivered to your…

It’s impossible to keep up with all the new places to eat in Mérida

It’s impossible to keep up with all the new places to eat in Mérida

It seems to me lately that I can’t eat fast enough to keep up with all the new restaurants in Mérida. Here are four of my new favorites. OOP Live Bistro Here’s a new place that emphasizes Pacific seafood combined with Yucatecan ingredients and wines from the Guadalupe Valley. I visited OOP during Restaurant Week…

Yucatán with kids: How to spend 6 days here with little ones
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Yucatán with kids: How to spend 6 days here with little ones

My family was recently here for six fun-filled days — with a 4-year-old. Fresh from the excitement, here are my recommendations for anyone preparing to visit Yucatán with kids in tow, even small ones. Accommodations  It can be through Airbnb, a friend, or a reliable rental agency, but renting a house with a pool, backyard, and…

Favorite places in Mérida for a quick bite

Favorite places in Mérida for a quick bite

I have been back out on the road, hunting for my next bite of something new. In Mérida, here are some of my latest finds.   Hogsons Smokehouse  Barbecue is popular everywhere and Yucatán is no exception. Hogsons Smokehouse looks like an upscale Texas restaurant, starting with its bullhorn light fixtures. For appetizers, we tried their…

A shortlist of Mérida’s most modern places for brunch with friends

A shortlist of Mérida’s most modern places for brunch with friends

I only occasionally go out for breakfast or brunch. So when I do go, I want the place to be fun and unique. My friends have helped me with a shortlist of fairly contemporary breakfast/brunch spots north of Centro. Here goes: La Libertad Start with a cup of organic coffee or a hot or cold…

You won’t miss the meat or dairy in these recipes from Yucatán

Vegan, vegetarian and plant-based lifestyles are easy to enjoy, despite living in meat-centric Yucatán.  Now that we’ve listed our favorite vegan and vegetarian restaurants, here is a look at some local recipes, followed by a few of my own.  Traditional meals Green Mexican Rice with Corn Vegetarian; serves 2 ½ C cilantro 1 C canned…

Expecting house guests or renters? Here’s a checklist from the pros

Expecting house guests or renters? Here’s a checklist from the pros

Inviting family or friends to stay in your home, or renting out a home or a room to travelers, can be a make-or-break situation. We spoke with local residents, Airbnb owners, guesthouse hosts, and boutique hotel owners and drew on personal experience to create this checklist.  1. A smooth arrival sets the tone for the…

Expats living in Mexico share Christmas recipes from home

Expats living in Mexico share Christmas recipes from home

One of the things I love most about living here in Yucatán is the great combination of nationalities and the new friends and recipes I acquire. While celebrating in Yucatán as an American, I like combining Mexican foods, Canadian treats from friends I have met — including my friends from the UK and Australia —…

Obscurities: We found 5 of Mérida’s hidden treasures
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Obscurities: We found 5 of Mérida’s hidden treasures

I love finding new little spots to eat, shop, or for reliable service. And I love meeting the proprietors. Their stories are always so interesting. Here are five of the dozens of places I’ve been cataloging.  Casa Espejo Boutique Hotel, Restaurant da Luca: a peaceful three-room hotel with an Italian restaurant. The charm of the…

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