MULEGE CAFE REVIEWS - (THE LATEST - 'ELEVEN-SEVEN')

DONEYS

Most everyone who has been to Mulege at least twice has probably eaten at Mely's .."Doneys"

The cafe is located just a block into town from the 'Y'..(or past that godawful monument you drive under nowadays) It's on your right. Parallel parking in front.


I stopped by Doneys the other day...suffering from another severe snack attack. I loved what I ate there..but then I always have for the last umpteen years, so what else is new?

Well...I'll tell you what is new. The whole dang place is new. New colors, new entry and front, new furniture, new menu, new atmosphere, new prices, new pompano..no wait..it's the same old pompano.



Our host....same old good guy, Mely. Shown here applying 'quality control' techniques.


These patrons show thier selections for breakfast....

Deeelicious, they said.

Fair enough, I said..and ordered both.

Hey!, researching/writing cafe reviews works up a huge appetite, y'know.
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[Edited on 3-18-2009 by Pompano]

the papas Rellenos are uniquely delicious there.
i think Frambes likes the Sunday chicken.

i wish i was eating there now!!

no no no...

the saturday bbq chicken...

we like take-out!!!

[Edited on 11-2-2008 by Bob and Susan]

No offense Roger but...

Fool me once shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!


Two new menus as well?? I hope the prices are the same.


Just hard to shake off that type of experience. I remember that those were tough times after "John" and we were the only folks in there at the time. Besides, they never laid eyes on us before. Not that that matters.

Oh, the food. Yes, I ate it.

Of course remember that food IS very subjective. What you see as a great meal, someone next to you might see as ordinary restaurant slop fare.

I especially like that "paper-plate presentation".

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Originally posted by Sharksbaja Fool me once shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! Two new menus as well?? I hope the prices are the same. Just hard to shake off that type of experience. I remember that those were tough times after "John" and we were the only folks in there at the time. Besides, they never laid eyes on us before. Not that that matters. Oh, the food. Yes, I ate it. Of course remember that food IS very subjective. What you see as a great meal, someone next to you might see as ordinary restaurant slop fare. I especially like that "paper-plate presentation".

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja I especially like that "paper-plate presentation".

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Originally posted by BajaGringo Quote: Originally posted by Sharksbaja I especially like that "paper-plate presentation". Looking at the photo I thought the same thing but after a second look I don't think so. A paper plate would bend under the weight of the food being held up for the photo. For you Mulege locals - do they serve the food on paper plates??? Just curious...

Some answers:

Don't confuse Donny's (Mele"s) with Dany's Asadero. Two different places.

Pompano gave exact directions to Donny's(Mele's). See his first post. Mele does a good job. He's got that flavor thing goin' on. the place is well run. Not too pricey.

Scotty's El Candil is great! Scotty is a great chef from Oregon. His kitchen and wait staff are top rate. They are well trained, know the customers by name and give great service. His top line of food is pricey, but worth it. Not nearly as pricy as a comparable meal in the U.S. You don't have to order the top of the line. You can also get burgers and tacos. If you do order his nightly specials, you can get Yellowtail, Cabrilla, Sonora Steak, Camarones, Chicken, Pork. He also has a smoker. There is a great patio in back, parking too. And it is the cornerstone watering hole and social spot in town, catacorner from the plaza. A great hang, too. Mom and Pop are also there, taking care of business and schmoozing. When there, ask if (Trumpet player)Tony is there (after New Year's day). I'd love to meet all Nomads that aren't on my s**t list.

Just an experience

Quote:

Originally posted by KurtG Quote: Originally posted by BajaGringo Quote: Originally posted by Sharksbaja I especially like that "paper-plate presentation". Looking at the photo I thought the same thing but after a second look I don't think so. A paper plate would bend under the weight of the food being held up for the photo. For you Mulege locals - do they serve the food on paper plates??? Just curious... No, those are not paper plates.

Of course they're not Kurt. Just at first glance they resemble them.

Not that day.
Oh, it wassn't me that got irked. It was a friend who just happened to be an ex-accountant. He almost went ballistic and refused to pay the higher amount. I did pay it for him.

I was pretty shocked as well but my meal was the same price as the Spanish menu meal price. Sorry again I shared this story. Not something folks want to hear.

The food was pretty average imho, actually better than Baja average and a nice clean environment. Darn , I swore off critiquing restaurants. My bad!



[Edited on 11-6-2008 by Sharksbaja]

Judy..those are cosas de rojo. Deelicious.

I know these dishes have a name..but for the life of me I cannot remember. Maybe somebody reading this will help me out? Both breakfast items...hmm..the left one is no. 2 o3 on the menu and the right plate is something de Cortez?
I have it! de Cortez!


I agree on always eating there and loving it, judy..as we did just a few days ago when my cafe-owner pal from Cabo and his buddy, owner of a fancy French place in TJ, took me there for breakfast. They tipped heavily.
Mely has been at this business since he quit working for the Serinadad as desk manager a long time ago. Here's a pic of him a few years back...



And now ..

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart Some answers: Don't confuse Donny's (Mele"s) with Dany's Asadero. Two different places. Pompano gave exact directions to Donny's(Mele's). See his first post. Mele does a good job. He's got that flavor thing goin' on. the place is well run. Not too pricey. Scotty's El Candil is great! Scotty is a great chef from Oregon. His kitchen and wait staff are top rate. They are well trained, know the customers by name and give great service. His top line of food is pricey, but worth it. Not nearly as pricy as a comparable meal in the U.S. You don't have to order the top of the line. You can also get burgers and tacos. If you do order his nightly specials, you can get Yellowtail, Cabrilla, Sonora Steak, Camarones, Chicken, Pork. He also has a smoker. There is a great patio in back, parking too. And it is the cornerstone watering hole and social spot in town, catacorner from the plaza. A great hang, too. Mom and Pop are also there, taking care of business and schmoozing. When there, ask if (Trumpet player)Tony is there (after New Year's day). I'd love to meet all Nomads that aren't on my s**t list.

Hey Tony..Scottys is just plain good food and good people. I hope to see lutefisk or chicken gizzards on the menu next time..good down home cookin, y'know what I mean?


Tony! Jeez...am I on that s**t list? I promise I won't bring up Ed Schultz or any other whacko commie pinkos...honest. Hey, how about opening a new beachside cafe..."Zulema's"..has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? 'Fast Eddy and the Slow Learners' could play there...along with the 'Soggy Bottom Boys'.

Rog.
Naw...you aren't on the list. There's (barely) room enough for the both of us, but once I learned how to get around you after a good meal, it's all a been a piece of cake.

Speaking of pastel.....Hmmm. Zulema's,huh?I see you mentioned my name to her for that photo. She only smiles like that when she thinks of me. ( Uh, maybe that was a sueno?) Well, suenos is all I have until I can get back down there at the end of the year.
Saludos, amigo!

All those Mulege eateries are great! Those battered and bruised lobster chunks dippped in dip ought to be yummy.

Of course they're not Kurt. Just at first glance they resemble them.

Sharks,
It wasn't your question that I was answering.

Oh sorry. How could I know?

EUREKA! A New Cafe Discovery in Mulege.

Pancho Villas Cafe..aka Angel del Mar.. on the North River Road

Well, okay, so maybe it's only a new discovery to ME. New because I've never taken the time to pull over at this cozy, old-Baja-style eatery before. The roadside cafe/cantina has been open for at least 2-3 years, but I always just bounced past Pancho Villa's on my way to another great cafe, Tim's Almeja Cafe on the shore...the old El Patron.

Yesterday, after a great time battling huge snook and pargo in the Mulege rio, I decided to have a late breakfast out by the lighthouse. The tide had turned slack for angling and the incoming flood was not due until 10:30, so naturally desayuno was the best option left open.

Note: The North River Road is a pain in the butt, literally..as the main trail is all tore up with construction. Your best bet is to take the newer riverside trail, lots smoother and quite scenic, too. You will find this new trail right under the highway bridge. Take it!..make new voyages! A plus is avoiding rush hour traffic in downtown Mulege.

So there I was, rumbling along the river road, mentally flipping a coin as to whether I should have huevos rancheros, chiliquiles, or some other delicacy for brunch..when I glanced out my window at this place:
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I hit the brakes when I caught a whiff of some wondrous cooking smell drifting on the breeze. Parking quickly, I went into the cafe and entered a quiet & pleasant refuge, far away from the hectic pace of Mulege...

There within was a Hemmingway-feel cafe, with several tables covered by cheerful tablecloths, all empty..save one... occupied by a very-nice-looking woman enjoying coffee while waiting for her breakfast. She glanced at me, politely acknowledging my presence with the briefest of smiles and a nod. Hey! Seizing the Moment, I asked her if I might join her and sat down quickly, effectively blocking her getaway. I feel this was a good approach, as she did finally put down the butter knife and relaxed somewhat. I ordered some great tasting coffee and we chatted...well, I chatted, she mumbled something about today being Friday the 13th and her 'lucky' day. Women.. who really understands them?

The breakfast comes for my new girlfriend and it looks so inviting that I blurted out in my best Mulegenian....'me, food, huevos rancheros.' I always like to impress new acquaintances with my command of TexMex. We chat away and my brunch date seems to have forgotten where she is staying in Mulege.

Our delightful hostess, Lucy, brings my great smelling plate, says 'Your breakfast, Rogelio'... and I start salivating like Pavlov's dog. My shoes get wet...
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The plate, boss..the Plate!


That was a great breakfast indeed. I didn't look up from my plate for at least 5 minutes. When I did..I was alone. I noticed a dust cloud on the river trail heading back into town.

If anybody runs into a nice-looking woman who ate at Pancho Villas on Friday the 13th tell her Hi from me....??

Just kidding, Amy...it was a truly fine time sharing your table! Muchas gracias.

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Ah..Baja's sand-floor cafes..how can you really live well without them?

Beachgirl, the difference is the same as between consommé and bouillon.

Oh yeah, shari! Dining in those thongs is great.

We all do our best to promote the style...damn, now I am salivating again..

[Edited on 3-14-2009 by Pompano]

I am hungry now...Thanks a lot Pompano!

Pancho Villa in 2007.... what a great place! Had the best pineapple margies there and great food. Local family runs the place.
Bob H

Roger, there was a deck above then... and I think it's been expanded. Wonderful place with great home cook'n. Nice family place indeed. I can't wait to go back there. We stopped by and spent about three hours there... and almost adopted a black lab puppy that sat in our lap as we sipped on our margaritas!
Bob H

Hey, here's the pineapple margaritas that we had.... yummy
Bob H

Here's a closeup of that beautiful black lab that we ALMOST adopted!
Bob H

Now you've done it, Roger!

I had a day goin' where I was just gonna do nuthin' 'cept veg in the sun and read. Now I gots ta git up 'n "force" a trip to Pancho Villa's for almuerzo.

Oh, the stress! Jeez, I might even run into Amy there and I'd have to give my meal my wholly divided attention.

Los Olivos - A Mulege Riverside Cafe

Ah...finally got to try Los Olivos cafe on the south river road in Mulege yesterday. A peaceful place and good experience.

I joined some fellow nomads about 10:00 for brunch..ugh..I am not a 'brunch' kinda guy..so let's make that a 'late breakfast.'

(..slight detour here. I see Brunch signs and think...tea and crumpets, doilies you don't dare spill on, and your great aunt Abagail serving with the tiny cups that would only fit a doll's fingers. I think 'breakfast' in gallons of coffee in mugs, pounds of bacon, full ham slice, mountains of crispy hash browns, a flat of eggs, 6-inch stack of flapjacks, sticks of butter, hogshead of sryup, sourdough Texas toast, jar of raspberry jam...and a small orange slice...halved. That trencherman's table will do just fine, thanks.)

The location of Los Olivos is easy to find, it's next door to La Jungla cantina and has an excellent view of the riverfront and mangroves. Take the highway turnoff where you see the Jungla and Bart's signs..between the Orchard and Hotel Cuesta entries. Down the road you go..all the way to the river and it's right there..on your left.
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I had driven by the place the previous day..after eating at the riverside place on the opposite side, Pancho Villa's. I was full, naturally, so only visited a short time with these satisfied patrons. They had such raves about the cream omelette they had just eaten, that I knew I would be coming here soon. The charming hostess came out with her beautiful child to say hello and invite me back.
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So now I am back...and joined my breakfast companions, Beachgirl and mulegmichael. I asked how the coffee was? That brought on some hearty smiles.
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I think they had some extra Kahlua in thiers, so I hastily ordered the same.
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From hostess Blanca. After asking her name, I introduced myself and she said..I know you, Rogelio.

That's the way it is if you live in a small town for so long...years fly by and friend's children grow up on you.
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Beachgirl shows me the cafe mascot..what a pair of cuties!

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Then our co-hostess, Jeanine, brought me a menu...and I was hit by the thunderbolt...Kaa-POW! I will eat absolutely anything this vision will put before me. Gimme a riverrock, I don't care...

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The new love of my life convinced me to order off the menu..which was full of goodies, as you shall see here:
(Spanish on one side - English on the other..What a novel idea!..the clever angels.)

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Aphrodite..I mean Jeanine ..brought my breakfast of whatever I had blindly pointed to while looking into her eyes.
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The plate was a wonderous surprise...I think she must have guessed my favorite breakfast is huevos rancheros. What a dish..be still my heart.

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And..as if that great meal were not enough, Jeanine sets a beautifully arranged plate of tiny empenadas and fruit in front of me. Ahh..the good life is definetely in Mulege. I could even manage one of those tiny teacups for this cafe.

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Beachgirl asks mulegemichael and me how we liked the place? This picture says it all...
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After another fine cup of coffee and loosening my belt one notch, I go inside to compliment the two businesswomen of Los Olivos..Jeanine and Blanca. Congratulations on a very good cafe. I shall return..you can bet on it.

Sophia and Polo's 7-11 Quick Stop Cafe/Store

shari...poo-poo away. Creative people all over Baja are pursueing thier own Field of Dreams, following the premise of ..Build it and they shall come.

Here's one of my favorite creative persons in Mulege. Sophia, owner-operator of the cozy Eleven-Seven Cafe and tienda across from the highway Pemex station and next to Saul's La Palapa.
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One of those truly delightful people you love to talk to over a great cup of coffee. She also serves muy tasty food...like this mouth-watering chicken snack I recently shared with Two Dogs. Saturdays are for her famous mini-burgers..mmm. She attracts a regular breakfast crowd of admirers. I make up reasons to run to town and stop here coming..or going. You are sure to meet..or make..some friends.
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I would love for my plant experiments to turn out as healthy looking as Sophia's greenery here...wow, good going, Sophia.
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