The Flan! The Flan!

The name of the place with THE flan in Yelapa is Tacos y Mas, and it is definitely mas!

We had read Tacos y Mas was one of the good places to eat in Yelapa, but I kept mistaking it for a small loncheria type place at one of the main intersections in the village and the atmosphere and lack of customers just didn't do much for me. So the restaurant wasn't on our short list of places to eat while we were there.

We finally passed the real Tacos y Mas one afternoon when we were wandering lost in the village (for the umpteenth time). Friendly workers setting up for the evening yelled out to see if we'd be returning later to eat. It looked good, so we decided to try it that night!

Once again, on our way to the restaurant that evening, we got lost. One wrong turn and we realized we were heading up a path out of the village to the town waterfall. When we turned around, the little guy known to us as Yelapa's one boy welcome wagon again appeared out of nowhere and said, "Are you looking for Tacos y Mas? I will show you!" Add mind reader to his talents since I'm still wondering how he knew where we were trying to wander? He ran ahead, leading us around a corner, on up the path, and around another corner to the restaurant. He dropped us off, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.

I'm so glad we found Tacos y Mas that evening. The food IS so much more than tacos!

Note the nights they're open. We unfortunately didn't discover the place until Friday and they were closed Saturday, our last night in Yelapa. Otherwise, we would have eaten there again!

Craig loved the panko scallops with homemade tartar sauce.

The bartender said he makes the best margaritas in Yelapa. I didn't try one, so I can't certify that fact, but I can definitely say Tacos y Mas has great food and some of the friendliest waiters in Yelapa!

Instead of a margarita, Craig ordered a Noche Buena. That's Dos Equis' seasonal Christmas beer!

I ordered the panko-breaded shrimp and it was wonderful!

Our waiter encouraged us to try the flan because he said it was the best in Yelapa! And I can attest to that claim! In fact, I would have to say it's the best flan I've had in Mexico! It was much creamier and sweeter than the traditional Mexican flan. (And that's probably why we loved it!)

Yelapa -- Pick Five!

Just for the fun of it, I decided to limit myself to picking five photos from Yelapa for this post.

I know I've said this before, but Yelapa is unusual in so many ways. A village without cars. A place that didn't get electricity until the turn of this last century. A location where cell service is spotty at best, and most rentals don't have television and wireless internet. While a large percentage of the rentals are open air with no windows (a palapa in Yelapa), I did notice a lot of local homes with windows, televisions, and satellite dishes. (And after the first cold night of worrying about scorpions and intruders, I admit to being envious!)

Hippies came to Yelapa in the 1960's and stayed, so the locals are extremely friendly and accustomed to visitors. The real estate system in Yelapa for outsiders is totally different compared to other areas I know about in Mexico. The land belongs to the local indigenous people, and any homes built by foreigners are on land leased from supporting local families. As I understand it, the leases are in 10-year terms, so outsiders strive to keep their village sponsors happy so their leases will be renewed. One homeowner even told me she shares any money acquired from her rental with her sponsoring family. I did hear several horror stories about ex-pat's building homes on leased land and then being forced out of their leases. I think one has to be very brave to embark on that kind of journey.

Our daily routine while there included a late afternoon walk. We'd stroll the paths and get lost. But as my dad used to say, you're never lost until you run out of gas. In Yelapa, that wisdom translates into you're never lost until you don't have the energy and leg power to wander until you find your way home.

We covered a lot of territory on our strolls, from the point at the entrance to the bay all the way through the upper village and on upriver to a little village called El Paso. Along the way, we saw some amazing sights. Here are five of my favorites.

Craig has to be a favorite since he carries a wallet. Here he is on the town bridge that connects the main village to the swimming beach and upriver areas.

One day on the path that leads upriver, I peaked through a hole in the fence and noticed this lily pond. What a find!

The clip clop of horse hooves becomes a familiar sound in Yelapa. You soon recognize the approach and get off to the side of the path. This pony appears to have been running a few errands including a stop at the local hardware store. It's time for a drink! Note that tongue hanging out!

Wandering the lower village trying to find our way to the beach, we just happened upon this old wooden dugout canoe. Craig saw a man paddling a wooden dugout on his fishing trip down the coast from Yelapa. I wish he'd had a camera!

One evening climbing the steep path that leads out of the village towards upriver, we caught this glimpse of the sun setting over Yelapa Cove. So peaceful. Once dark descends on Yelapa, all boat traffic ceases and the village quiets to the sound of waves lapping on the rocks. (Well, I guess Saturday nights when they have dueling bands and fireworks is an exception to that rule. LOL!)

Muy tranquilo most evenings!

Do the Yelapa!

Do the Yelapa! - making a free slideshow

I have so many photos from Yelapa, I decided to make a slideshow. To hear the music, slide the mouse across the bottom of the show and click off the mute symbol.

Cafe Bahia -- Yum Yum Yum!

For a village located in a mountainous jungle cove, Yelapa has great food! One of the biggest surprises of the trip was the Cafe Bahia!


The little cafe sits right in front of the town dock where all the water taxis land, so it's hard to miss! I will admit it took us several days to discover the Bahia. When we were dropped on the pier, we ran right past it trying to keep up with the two guys hauling our bags. A few days later walking the lower path in town, we noticed the sign and decided to come back for lunch!

The Bahia's a happenin' place with a New York chef who's not only a great cook, but a kind person. The Bahia serves Sunday brunch, daily breakfasts, and wonderful lunches. Cuisine from scratch using the freshest ingredients!

The Bahia has the best view in town from the table! Not to mention, we picked up seaglass on the playita right beside it.

Some days, Huichol Indians entertain Bahia diners with their string type instruments and sell beaded handicrafts.

The grilled tomato/cheese sandwich with fruit and banana/potato chips.

Ensalada Yelapa with beets, papaya, greens, goat cheese, and balsamic dressing.

Paper lanterns in the trees.

Breakfast pancakes topped with fresh fruit.

Breakfast burrito filled with grilled potatoes, black beans, and huevos topped with a verde sauce. Craig and I both loved this entree! The entree that got away because I ate it without taking a photo was the BLT with avocado.

View from the Bahia!

Susan also serves desserts, drinks, and snacks between 3 and 6:00 p.m., when she lets her customers use her wireless internet signal. (And that's a big deal in Yelapa since most visitors have no access!)

Wish I had that breakfast burrito right now!