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[July 2026: The summer pace in Centro is always slower. Quieter, yes – but not empty – six new restaurants have opened. If you are looking for updates on DHL shipping, cigars,”up-close” magic with Art Johnson, sewing stations, a wine store in Centro, or chocolates – you’ll find them listed in the directory.]

Every August and September, Chiles en Nogada return to Mexican tables, marking one of the country’s most celebrated culinary traditions. While their exact origin is debated, the most enduring story places their creation in Puebla, where Augustinian nuns prepared the dish to celebrate Mexico’s independence.

Its colours mirror the Mexican flag: the green poblano chile represents hope, the creamy white walnut sauce (nogada) symbolizes purity, and the ruby-red pomegranate seeds reflect the passion and unity of the Mexican people.

No two Chiles en Nogada are exactly alike. Each chef brings a personal touch to the filling, blending minced meat with seasonal fruit, nuts, raisins and aromatic spices to create the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

One chef says, “For many, Chiles en Nogada are more than a meal—they are a tribute to Mexican traditions and culture, a symbol of independence, and a true gift to the senses.”

A delicious way to say, ¡Viva México!  Available in August at Gaia Bistrot, gluten free, $220-$280 and at many other restaurants in Mazatlan – now available at  The Melville, [$370] 669 470 0200, Xalma, Belisario Dominguez 1809; Carmela Cocina Caera,[ $280] 669 153 4444; Hotel Emporio, $389; 

New in Centro This Summer

If you haven’t wandered around Centro lately, you’ll find several new restaurants, cafés and wine bars. Here’s a quick look at what’s opened over the past few months.

Puravida Restaurant
A casual new restaurant on Belisario Domínguez, across from Panamá, serving breakfast through dinner.

Efímero Restaurant & Bar
Young Barcelona Chef Manolo has opened an intimate 30-seat restaurant behind the former Military Hospital. Expect Spanish and European influences blended with Mexican flavours.

Marino Cafetería de Origen
A tiny specialty coffee shop just east of HoLA Maz, designed primarily for take-away, with just a couple of tables.

Arde Cocina Nortropical
Taking over the former RAW location, Arde is the newest venture from the chef behind Marde Fondo. The menu focuses on seafood, steaks, oysters, ceviches and creative cocktails, complemented by an impressive wine list.

Xalma
One of the most talked-about openings of the summer. Chef Elías Or celebrates the flavours of Veracruz with a menu built around traditional nixtamalized corn. Breakfast has been drawing enthusiastic reviews, and lunch and dinner have quickly found a following as well.

Nana Pancha
From Marco Bernal (La Molcajeteria) and Eduardo Valdez comes a restaurant dedicated to Jalisco-style birria, served with rich consommé, handmade tortillas and all the traditional accompaniments. [ see full description below]

Wine & Nightlife

Apricot Wine Bar and Bruma continue to offer two distinct wine experiences at El Presidio.

Hashi Winebar has become a favourite for natural wines and small plates.

Vinitivo Wine Bar offers a quieter setting, La Roosevelt, with wines by the glass, bottles to take home and a menu of appetizers. Beside Vinitivo is NSR Brewery serving craft beer and casual food, while BRVO and The Speakeasy remain popular late-night destinations for cocktails and music on Heriberto Frias.

Open Now: On the eastern edge of Centro, Marco Bernal of La Molcajeteria fame, along with his partner Eduardo Valdez, have opened, Nana Pancha. Nana Pancha features the Jalisco favourite, birria.

The beef is marinated in a rich blend of dried chiles, garlic, vinegar and spices, then slow-cooked for hours until it’s so tender it falls apart. But ask any one what makes a great birria, and they’ll often tell you it’s the consomé.

Every bowl arrives with a selection of fresh condiments so you can customize it to your own taste:

• Finely chopped white onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Salsa, ranging from mild to fiery
• Sometimes sliced radishes or pickled onions
• Warm corn or flour tortillas on the side

With Nana Pancha joining Mazatlan’s growing food scene, birria lovers now have another restaurant to satisfy their craving.

[Nana Pancha is closed Tuesdays, open from 8 am. to 3 pm., and is located on Av. Gutierrez Najera #817. The restaurant is air conditioned, cash only [bank transfers are accepted], and has one step into the restaurant. For home delivery call, 669 441 2942, Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks are served]

 

As an Expat, please stop doing these things in Mexico. An article by Mauro Escalante Lopez, May 25,2025.

 

Do you have “an in a case of emergency” wallet card? What’s in your pocket when you take your dog for a walk, go for a morning stroll on the beach, or a run on Malecon? The consulate suggests something like this:

It will surprise you how much it takes to become a certified tourist guide.

[KM had this to say, March 2022:”if you are looking for an exceptional tour guide, I highly recommend Akino Montiel. He is a certified tour guide and the most knowledgeable and pleasant guy you’ll ever meet. We spent the day with him seeing dancing horses, visiting a tequila distillery and learning about the process in Osuna, and ending with a great meal and shopping in La Noria. Akino knows a lot about the area and the one question he couldn’t answer he researched and followed up with me soon after we returned. The whole experience was such a pleasure!”]

Many of you have “your guy” the person you turn to for day trips and for city tours. I always knew, to receive this designation, that it took time and money. A friend who has know him for 18 years introduced me to Akino Montiel  – a certified tour guide. He kindly gave me all the details of what it takes to become a certified tourist guide/Guia Turistas General. I think you’ll find the dedication and cost to be an eye-opener.

• The certification allows a tour guide to work in any city in Mexico, but you must be a Mexican National and have finished high school.
• To be certified requires 510 hours and costs between $30,000 to $40,000 pesos and you must past the bilingual [English/Spanish] test, as well as the CPR course.
• Every teacher is an expert in their subject [architecture, wild life etc.] and has a master’s degree which is partly what makes the course so expensive.
• Every four years Akino must renew his license, which involves 160 hours and approximately another $10,000 pesos.
• Akino must renew his CPR course every two years.
• If you have a federal driving license with a federal plate [which Akino has] he must pass a medical test every two years and every six months there is a mandatory engine and pollution inspection.

“I love to be a good host, it’s like when you have a new friend visiting your house, you just want them to feel comfortable and you want to show the best part of your place. It’s super fun and to give good service is my passion. For me it’s the best job in the world.” [These are all Akino’s quotes with no editing so you can see his English is excellent.]

He’s been tour guide since 1997, and his van holds six passengers. Not a requirement but Akino also has a degree in Tourism from Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa. Akino will take you wherever you want to go, but his two personal favourite tours are the Tequila Factory with El Quelite, and Concordia and Copala. If “your guy” is busy or you want another recommendation for a tour guide judging from his FP page and all the rave reviews he’s your man. You can reach him on WhatsApp 669 912 8999, e mail akinomntl@gmail.com and on FB, Akino Montiel.[ SM, November 2018, his contact info is from 2026.]

[Updated December, 2024: over the years Noë has trained a team, he’s no working alone.  The cost for a a very large and well-used sofa is $850.]

If you have ever thought about giving your mattress a deep cleaning then Noë Guadiana Villareal is your man. He started his business, Deep Extraction Cleaning [yes, that’s the name – “Mexicans love English names”.] opened its cleaning services in 2014.  A deep cleaning takes about 1 1/2 hours depending on your mattress size and stains. Noë begins with a Hepa filter vacuum [oh, the dust bunnies you would not believe!], then a soil remover and finally an injection suction for the deep clean. Allow a four to five hour drying time, with an approximate cost of $500. You may have two mattresses and there is a discount, or you may just need a light cleaning, for $250. He also cleans furniture, rugs, and car interiors. Noë’s team is very punctual and texts right on the dot of the appointed time, “I’m here.” The English-speaking Noë can be reached at 669 134 8864, or 669 986 1314 or e: decmazatlan@gmail.com. Sweet dreams.

If you want to say it with flowers, then Luz Elena is the florist for you. She’s owned Floreria Jardin de Rosas for 35 + years and specializes in fresh flowers and creative arrangements; for years she has had her flowers shipped from south of Mexico City four times a week. Many are unique to Mazatlan! Wish to have a delivery? No problem, free delivery with a minimum order of $1000. Luz Elena also accepts most major credit cards. If you don’t speak flower-Spanish don’t worry, Luz Elena’s English is perfect. In fact, you don’t have to worry about anything with Luz Elena, she’s just so professional. Jardin de Rosas is located on Paseo Lomas #248 [past Starbucks and the school], call 914 1754,or WhatsApp, 669 912 0415 and the hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.and on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Like every florist in the world, plan your order way ahead for Mother’s Day [May 10] and Valentines.