I have lived in this marvelous town for quite some time now, but this year is different... I've allowed myself to really live here.

Fear of the unknown is very real to so many of us, and I obviously am not omitted from this nasty club. With that said, I am morphing. 

Mazatlán has much to offer... beaches, museums, music, theaters... so much culture. But... there is something else that is silently waiting for us to experience.

The authentic food.

There are many exquisite restaurants in this town, and I love them all. I have indulged in the food at seafood restaurants, pizza joints, palapas, even bars; but for some reason, I have missed some of the hidden treasures Mazatlán has to offer. NOT ANY MORE.

Oh, I won't stop going to the obvious great places.  I'm actually in search of the best fish and chips my mouth can experience. That won't stop. It's rather fun, and may I say, I have found some duzies. Unfortunately, I tend to forget where some of them are, I really need to begin documenting my finds. Oh yes, there are so many fabulous safe places to dine that will sweep your taste buds away to a euphoric state that is so fine. 

Enter the small diner, the one that isn't advertised in the papers, the one that has a picnic table outside the kitchen, the one that has been invisible to me for all these years. Nationals know about these places, and eagerly run to them when they're in need of a good meal. So why have I missed this? After all, I am almost a National. I now have my permanent visa, some of my friends have even declared me an honorary Mexican, I am studying my Espaῆol. What has stopped me from this joy in life?

These diners are everywhere. Most of them don't have beach views, they don't have pretty plants and huge vases for decor. They don't have the tile floors I love so. These places are, so to speak, the ugly ducklings of the eateries, they have nothing to offer... except some of the best food you could imagine. 
The proof is the smile, the pure satisfaction one feels after a grand dining experience. These places are everywhere, but somehow hidden. Not anymore for me... I am now on the lookout for the picnic tables,and many of them, the plastic chairs. If you make it to this town, you may spot me at one of them. I will be the one with that smile on my face.

Yes, Mazatlán is a foody town, a grand palace for finding the best of the best for dining experiences. I recommend the usuals... the beautiful places with great views or the ones that are housed in stunning old buildings that are architectural master pieces. Don't forget the palapas, what fun they are. Oh, and the bars when enjoying a great football game. I found delight in the taco buffet while enjoying my Seahawks work themselves up to being the WINNERS of the super bowl this year. This is one of those towns where you can find enjoyment in so many places. But hear this... if you have any adventure in you, keep an eye out for the picnic tables, the ones with the table cloths of course. That's how you find these hidden spots. Try one of these places, I dare you. See if you can handle this experience. If you do, you will be leaving the nasty safe club of dining delights, and maybe you will find that your life is a little better because of it. Who knows?__________________________________________________________
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Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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