Restaurant El Principe Tutul-Xiu

I found a very enticing advertisement for a Yucatecan restaurant called Restaurant El
Principe Tutul-Xiu. I had seen the ad in Yucatan Today. The restaurant is located in the town of Oxkutzcab, and they also have restaurants in Merida and Mani. They are famous for their Poc Chuc, a pork dish cooked with orange juice.

They have all the typical Yucatecan food, with all the flavors you would
expect. Restaurant El Principe Tutul-Xiu has been in business since 1973,
when they opened their first restaurant in the town of Mani. They must be
doing something right, to have been around this long.

We decided to take a road trip today, and drove the 85 miles through wonderful
small towns to get to Oxkutzcab, and when we arrived we found plenty of
parking. The restaurant is easy to find, since it is the biggest and best
known one in Oxkutzcab.

You enter the restaurant and the first thing you see is the large, spotless
kitchen. Then, you go to the second floor to be seated.

The restaurant is large and very airy, with very nice décor. The dining room
is under a very large palapa, and
the tables are made of heavy slate. The chairs are made of fine wood, and are comfortable for large people.

It was only seconds before our waiter arrived. We ordered some home made
limeade, cold and delicious, and made with purified water. They also have
orange juice, tamarind juice, horchata,
sodas and cold beer. They bring you fresh made tortilla chips, to snack on before your meal arrives...always a nice touch.



We
ordered some Sopa de Lima for $35.00
MXP, which was very good and spicy. And then, the best part of the day, and
what we drove for an hour and a half in order to taste: our order of poc
chuc, for $70.00 MXP.



Dear God, where has this place been? It was so delicious, that I did not
want my eating experience of this poc chuc to end.The meat has all the fine flavors of the slow-roasted, charbroiled pork, served with fresh lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes that melt in your mouth, cured onions, and avocado slices.

My wife knew that I was happy, since I was not saying a word. The meal was
also accompanied with strained beans, that are creamy and have a wonderful
taste of pork in them, as well as home made corn tortillas.



The
waitstaff is very attentive and they move fast. I checked the men’s room
out. The bathrooms are large and clean, but like most toilets here in
Mexico, no darn toilet seats. What in the hell is with that, anyway?



They play nice, soft Mexican music for your enjoyment while you are eating.
The prices here are very reasonable, at $30.00 to $75.00 MXP. You will find
mostly local townspeople eating here, and having a good night out.



We then ordered some desert, the Flan
Napolitano for $15.00 MXP, and the
Ciricote for $15.00 MXP. I always have the flan when we eat out, and
I can truly say that their flan is, most likely, the best I have ever had.




They also have filete de res for
$70.00 MXP, queso relleno for $75.00
MXP,

and relleno negro or
relleno blanco for $70.00 MXP.



Hours:

11:00am – 7:00pm every day



Addresses:



MANI

Calle 26 # 208 x 25 y 27 Centro

Mani, Yucatan Mexico

Tel: 01-997-978-4086



MERIDA

Calle 123 # 216 x 46-A y 46-B

Serapio Rendon,

Merida, Yucatan Mexico

Tel: 929-7721



OXKUTZCAR

Calle 45 # 102 x 50 y 52

Centro, Oxkutzcar, Yucatan Mexico



They accept Mastercard, Visa, and Banamex.



I give Restaurant El Principe Tutul-Xiu 4 Chefs Hats out of 4.





Buon Appetito!

Boston's Gourmet Pizza and Sports Bar

Boston's Gourmet Pizza and Sports Bar

A few people have written me and asked how I liked Boston's Gourmet Pizza and Sports Bar. I tell them that I have been there only one time. I was asked if I was going to review Boston's in the near future, since most people are now Christmas shopping and Boston's is very convenient in that it is located right in the Altabrisa Shopping Mall Parking lot in Altabrisa, located in Merida. There is also a branch of the chain near Gran Plaza in Merida.
Boston's Gourmet Pizza is not new at all, well maybe to Mexico, but it has been around since 1964.It started with Gus Agiortis, a Greek immigrant who had jumped ship in Vancouver, and then opened the first Boston Pizza in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. He worked tirelessly to make pizza a household name in Western Canada. Gus' first restaurant was known as "Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House.
"The company started franchising in 1968 and has since evolved from a "pizza joint" into a full service casual dining restaurant and sports bar. Six years after opening, Gus had 17 locations (two corporate and 15 franchised) in operation across Western Canada. Gus believed that a potential franchisee didn't need a restaurant background, but needed strong people skills, a passion for hard work and new horizons. This philosophy still stands true today.So, I decided to pay Boston's a visit tonight, and here is my review.When we first arrived, we found that there was plenty of parking, and I found a spot right in front of the restaurant.We were then greeted by a very friendly hostess by the name of Pamela, and she asked us where we would like to be seated. We picked a booth, and I was happy to see that the tables move at the booth, so if you’re a big guy or girl, you can be seated comfortably. The restaurant is very clean, and the decor isvery appealing, with six large flat screen TVs in the dining area to watch the games on.They also have a bar area, with more TVs, and a full liquor license, so you can order your favorite alcoholic beverage. At Boston's, you can see into the kitchen to watch all the cooks at work
The ceilings are high, and painted black, just like the other Boston’s are.The bathrooms are large and spotless, and modern, and in the men's room, they put today's Merida newspapers in a frame, to read while you do your business.The restaurant has plenty of nice lighting, so you can see what you are ordering and what you are eating. I asked for a menu in English, and no problem, Boston's has them. The soundtrack was even good, with very nice songs from the '70s and '80s.The prices are around $70.00MXP per person, up to $180.00MXP per personMy wife had a cold, so she just wanted soup. I ordered their signature pizza, Sausage Pomedoro. I got the small one for $125.90MXP.

The other prices for pizzas are:Individual... $94.90 MXPSmall... $125.90 MXPMedium... $179.90 MXPLarge... $229.90 MXPThe prices are kind of high, and the price for the large pizza, is much too high...higher, even, than in New York City!The Sausage Pomedoro pizza has Spicy Italian Sausage, Sliced Pepperoni, Fresh Spinach, Roasted Garlic, Banana Peppers, and Mozzarella.This is the actual photo of my Pizza Sausage Pomedoro: The pizza was delicious, and very zesty, with plenty of sausage and pepperoni.And it is nice to see that they have real Italian Sausage on their pizza, and not slices of turkey hot dogs, or, like one popular pizza place here, little miniature meatballs. I will not even give a ½ a Chefs Hat for that pizza place.I do feel that they should steam the spinach, instead of putting raw spinach on top after the pie is cooked.My wife had the soup, and she said that it too was very good, but the temperature was not very hot. They only give you a small bowl for almost $70.00MXP... very costly.
This is the actual photo of her soup:

For desert we had Apple Crisp. Again, too costly, at $69.90MXP per order. The Apple Crisp is delicious, however, and comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.We had Coke Lights to drink at $31.90MXP each, with free refills.Boston's also has:SaladsSoupsAppetizersPastasSeafoodSandwichesBurgersWingsPizza of all kindsBaked Shrimp Scampi for $119.90MXPChicken Milano for $144.90MXPCheese Ravioli with Shrimp and Rosemary Chipotle Sauce $139.90MXPTraditional Baked Lasagna $129.00MXPOur waitress' name was Anna, and she was a fantastic server. She was very informative, and attentive. The manager, Edgar Herrero Quezadas, came over to our table to see if everything was okay. I love when the owner or manager checks on his customers. Our whole bill for two came to $318.00MXP.
One of the things that we did not like, is that if you charge it with a credit card, they cannot add the tip onto your bill. You need to give the tip in cash, and if you don’t have cash, the waitress or waiter is out of luck. They need to fix this problem.
In Merida, a place where it is almost impossible to find a good pizza, Boston’s will now, be my pizza place. Boston's also has a lunch menu, and delivery!
Hours: 1:00 pm – 1:00 am
Fri – Sat 1:00 pm – 2:00am
Address:Altabrisa Mall Parking Lot
Phone: 999-930-6767
Cost per person in pesos:$70.00-$180.00
I give Boston’s Gourmet Pizza 3 Chef Hats out of 5. Buon Appetito!
I review local restaurants in and around Merida. I am a Chef from NY with a lifetime of experience, My NewYorkChef's column appears at least weekly on Yolisto...and more if I get Hungry.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 CUPS granulated sugar
3 t baking soda
½ t salt
2 CUPS butter, softened
2 CUPS sour cream
8 large eggs
8 oz sweet baking chocolate, melted
1 CUPS Milk
1 ½ t vanilla extract

Topping

1 1/2 CUPS evaporated milk
1 CUPS light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 CUPS butter
2 can (3 1/2 ounces) flaked coconut, or about 1 1/3 cups
2 cup chopped pecans

Grease and flour two 8-inch square baking pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, sour cream, eggs, chocolate, milk, and vanilla. Beat with mixer at low speed until blended. Increase mixer to high and beat 2 minutes longer. Spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove to racks to cool completely.
Make topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring evaporated milk, brown sugar, and butter to a full boil; remove from heat. Stir in coconut and pecans. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
When cake is cool, place one layer on cake platter; spoon half of the coconut mixture onto the layer. Top with remaining cake layer and top with remaining topping.

Recipe For Chicken Kiev

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
4 whole chicken breasts
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
4 ounces cheese (any sharp cheese) cut into strips
5 ounces melted butter


Preparation:
Pound chicken breasts until 1/4 inch thin
Mix together in a bowl bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of oregano, crushed garlic, and pepper.
In small bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons of melted butter, parsley and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
Spread melted butter mixture across the middle of each chicken breast
Lay a strip of cheese into the mixture
Fold the edges of the chicken breast over and roll the chicken breast
Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter
Roll each chicken breast in the bread crumb mixture
Place chicken breasts in a 9 by 13 inch baking pan
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
Bake, uncovered, in a preheated 425° oven for 20 minutes
Important Vocabulary and Measurements

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Bake = cook in oven
Cook Time = time needed to cook meal
Cuisine = which country or tradition the meal comes from
Cup = 250 ml
Dip = put into liquid
Grated = in tiny little flakes
Mix = usually with dry ingredients, combining ingredients
Occasion = appropriate time or meal
Pound = beat flat
Prep Time = time needed to prepare meal
Refrigerate = put into refrigerator
Spread = put onto with a knife
Stir = usually with liquid ingredients, combining ingredients
Strip = thin, long piece
Tablespoon = 15 ml
Teaspoon = 5 ml

Happy Mothers Day to Our Mom

When I was about 9 years old, I saved my allowance to buy my Mom a nice Mothers Day Gift, so on Saturday the day before Mothers Day, excited to know that I was going to buy her a nice gift for Mothers Day.


I walked up the street to our local West Sayville Pharmacy and told the owner Murry Saunders , that I was there to buy something special for my Mom.

I looked around, and looked, should I buy her some perfume?NO, should I buy her some lip stick,NO should I buy her some earrings?NO... What did I buy here, I bought her a Japanese Zero Model Airplane, yes a Model airplane, what the hell was I thinking. So,


I paid for the model, and Murry gift wrapped, but only after he tried to talk me out of this crazy idea. I could not wait to give her the gift after Church on Sunday. So, on Sunday, my mom started to open gifts, and she fist opened my brother Georges and My Sister Margaret's gift, a gift set of Chantille Perfume, she loved Chantille Perfume.

Then my Dad gave her some cash, and I was dying to have her open my gift. So, my Mom opened my gift, and to her amazment she sees the model airplane, and you could her a pin drop....... Then my Brother George says " BONE HEAD" then my Dad said " What the were you thinking Jobby " I felt so bad, and my mom said to me " Bobby, that has got to be one of the niceset Mothers Day gifts, I have ever recieved, but can you do me a big favor" and of course I said yes Mom what is it? She said, can you put this model together for me, since I am not good at building model airplanes?" That was my Loving Mom, Marie Lissandrello , and I miss her very much. I thank the good Lord, each day for the years we had with her,, and for her being the best Mom a kid could have. Happy Mothers Day Mom.







Happy Mothers Day to Our Mom, I hope that you are having a great Mother's Day in Heaven. We all miss you and Love You.

Week-end getaway in Mahahual

This past week-end my wife Cristy and
her Mom Cristina had to make a trip to view one of Cristina's Ocean Front lots
located in the very quiet fishing town of Xcalak located in the State of
Quintana Roo 4 1/2 hours south of Cancun.We decided to stay over night so my wife Cristy found a very nice Hotel on the Ocean called Balamku Inn on The Beach

http://www.balamku.com/accommodations/

If you want peace and quiet and a comfortable place, with a view that will make you think that your in Heaven then this Hotel is the place to visit.
Balamku is a new concept of hotel in the Costa Maya region, one of
Mexico's hidden treasures.

They are located in the southern area of the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of a
little fishing village, Mahahual in a natural, unspoiled environment with a
community of friendly people. At Balamku, they have created a beautiful setting that respects the natural surroundings. And are committed to providing comfort and quality services using the resources of nature without abusing the
environment. Their respect for the environment, focus on ecotourism and intimate surroundings, will suit travelers who want a change from the large resorts. From the Moment we arrived we were greeted with such a friendly owners Carol Tumber who is from Toronto Canada, and she will make you feel like the place is your home.
The rooms are bungalow style rooms, and they all face the ocean.
The price included a delicious style Mexican Breakfast with fresh fruits and juices and Hot coffee right in their own restaurant.




When you enjoy your delicious Breakfast Carol , the Inn keeper plays such soft romantic Mexican music, and she even went as far to make us a copy, what hospitality and a wonderful Inn
keeper. What a unforgettable stay we had, the rooms are spotless, roomy and the beds will put you to sleep in seconds with the sound of the ocean coming ashore, and the waters of the Caribbean are to die for, and only feet away if you want to have a swim in a blue Caribbean Ocean.

At night we took Carols suggestion and went a few houses down to a place called " Travel In " a Dutch Restaurant-Bar and Accommodations that is owned by Chef Owner Justa van Gorkum and her Boyfriend Albert. justa.mex@web.de

Justa makes her own homemade Pitta Bread , I had the homemade
Pitta Pizza, it was delicious, and so was my wife Cristy's Pitta Bread and Hummus, As you sit on their porch eating, you can see all the stars shinning at night, since there are not many bright lights out this way, it feels like you can touch the milky way.

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, then
you need to visit Balamku Inn on The Beach ,in Mahahual Mexico you will be so relaxed.


When you visit, tell her Bob and Cristy sent you...

Best Eco Lodges Balamku
Inn in Mexico nominated by World Travel Awards,Vote for Balamku Inn now! http://www.worldtravelawards.com/award-mexico-and-central-americas-leading-green-hotel-2010

And they are also on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Balamku-Inn-on-the-Beach/146818420865?ref=ts&v=wall

" Your not just staying at in Inn, your getting an experience "

Rice Balls In Rome

My brother Deacon Paul Lissandrello Jr of Limerick Maine enjoying two of life's pleasures. an ice cold beer, and a Rice Ball in the
'Eternal City' of Rome! ~ doesn't get any better than that!

This photo was taken on a recent trip to Rome.

I miss you Paul & Pat

Love ya