BajaNomad - Malarrimo Restaurant, Guerrero Negro, disappointment

Malarrimo Restaurant, Guerrero Negro, disappointment

philodog - 1-17-2012 at 10:12 PM

Taco stands have always been the go to places in GN as we usually pass during the day but getting there late on a cold night we decided to finally try the famous Malarrimo mainly because it was inside. The service was efficient but not friendly, the margs were made with a mix and used cheap tequila. I ordered the fish fillet which was tasty but instead of rice, beans and tortillas on the side I got mashed potatoes microwaved frozen vegetables and stale toast. My wife got the fish soup which was uninspiring. Oh well, we tried.

Cowboy

bajaguy - 1-17-2012 at 10:17 PM

Try the cool little taco/chicken place in front of the Cowboy motel. Inside seating, great food........the "loaded" baked potato was excellent!!!!

philodog - 1-17-2012 at 10:50 PM

We`re staying at The Cowboy, the restaurant is closed! Love the hotel though.

Bob H - 1-17-2012 at 11:13 PM

Last time we passed through GN, we drove in to town, and just before the first Pemex station on the right, was a place that had Michoican carnitas.... very, very good stuff! To die for.

woody with a view - 1-18-2012 at 06:45 AM

los poblanos across from the Cowboy is hard to beat for tacos.

Udo - 1-18-2012 at 08:16 AM

Mario's place (a round palapa-looking restaurant) serves satisfying dishes as well as fresh scallops (you'll see the empty casted aside shells in the outside patio...I picked up a couple of dozen of them so I can serve appetizers at home.)
The margaritas are to die-for. You'll only be able to drink about 1/2 of one...I have no idea what tequila they put in them, the gotta be 200 proof!

bigzaggin - 1-18-2012 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
los poblanos across from the Cowboy is hard to beat for tacos.

100% agreed. A+ tacos.

Pompano - 1-18-2012 at 10:49 AM

All kinds of good eating places in GN...some new,some old.

I've enjoyed them all. But...I still go to Malarrimos for rooms, drinks, dinners and nostalgia. No disappointments yet. And will continue that Old Baja habit...hard to beat those memories.

gallesram - 1-18-2012 at 11:36 AM

Udo, where is Mario's located? I agree with Roger that Malarrimo has a lot of memories and for that reason I typically go there, but at the end of the day good food will trump anything and I'd like to try the place that you mentioned.

rts551 - 1-18-2012 at 12:07 PM

watch out for the bugs falling from the roof at Mario's.

windgrrl - 1-18-2012 at 12:16 PM

Great food and friendly, professional service sans falling bugs at Mario's in November. They have a website:
http://www.mariostours.com/restaurant.html

[Edited on 1-18-2012 by windgrrl]

David K - 1-18-2012 at 12:18 PM

When you say 'bugs'... I guess you don't mean lobsters? Bummer! :wow:

Pompano - 1-18-2012 at 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
watch out for the bugs falling from the roof at Mario's.

Ah, a house freebie....they're included on the menu..."Proteína Libre"...free protein. All cafes in GN have them. Over-sized coasters are optoinal to those allergic to wings and legs in their soup.

rts551 - 1-18-2012 at 12:28 PM

One of the side benefits of a Palm (palapa) roof

KurtG - 1-18-2012 at 12:39 PM

I've had very good breakfasts and dinners at Las Cazuelas, on the right as you enter GN a little before Malarrimo. Also the restaurant at Caracol has been good.

vgabndo - 1-18-2012 at 03:59 PM

I know what you mean Roger, in days past I often felt that the Malarrimo was like a welcome port after a run in the storm. I have great memories, but year after year the thrill has gone, and the White Sea Bass Veracruzana is just a taste of the delight it once was.

There is a good story though. Cathy and I often joked that we were traveling in Baja to find the best flan. The flan at Malarrimo was pretty darn good so I asked if I could ask the chef her secret. She came out of the kitchen confused, I praised her flan and asked the secret. She had to repeat "hey tay eh ellie ellie Oh", more than once before I got that the secret was JELLO. Right out of the box.

J.P. - 1-18-2012 at 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
I know what you mean Roger, in days past I often felt that the Malarrimo was like a welcome port after a run in the storm. I have great memories, but year after year the thrill has gone, and the White Sea Bass Veracruzana is just a taste of the delight it once was.

There is a good story though. Cathy and I often joked that we were traveling in Baja to find the best flan. The flan at Malarrimo was pretty darn good so I asked if I could ask the chef her secret. She came out of the kitchen confused, I praised her flan and asked the secret. She had to repeat "hey tay eh ellie ellie Oh", more than once before I got that the secret was JELLO. Right out of the box.

Yeah it used to be something we looked foward too on our trip. but the last time we stopped we had a bunch of young people in the party and the waiter was a real Jerk, we havent stopped since.

Lee - 1-18-2012 at 04:27 PM

There are people who have had good meals at Malarrinno and some who strike out. When they're good, they're good. Doesn't it depend on the chef?

Efficient service that is not friendly? I'll take efficient any day -- and don't care if service is friendly or not. Like, if the waiter doesn't smile, that's not nice, right?

They're batting 50/50 with me and I got there hoping it'll be good that night.

J.P. - 1-18-2012 at 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
There are people who have had good meals at Malarrinno and some who strike out. When they're good, they're good. Doesn't it depend on the chef?

Efficient service that is not friendly? I'll take efficient any day -- and don't care if service is friendly or not. Like, if the waiter doesn't smile, that's not nice, right?

They're batting 50/50 with me and I got there hoping it'll be good that night.

I find its that way with a lot of places, Reminds me of when we lived in So Ca. and having to go to Disney Land every time someone came through. after a while the Illusion began to wear thin and reality sets inn. :lol:

David K - 1-18-2012 at 04:42 PM

Quote:

Sounds like the same odds many have going to Mama Espinoza's... both historic/ tourist oriented restaurants that once got high reviews. Greg Niemann even rated Enrique's Malarrimo one of Baja's finest (back many years ago).

Bajahowodd - 1-18-2012 at 05:14 PM

I weigh in with Roger on the idea of ambiance and memories. Fundamentally, especially for those traveling South, a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere is great.

However, I've posted a couple of times previous that Malarrimo is not what it once was. I noted that last October, we were told by the waiter that they were not accepting credit cards in the restaurant. Considering the hotel, RV and whale watching parts of the business, I figured he was just lying to me so he would have immediate gratification from a cash payment. Might be a management issue.

That said, service has been very hurried in the past few years and the food is not worth the price.

Luckily, there are several good options around town.

I am, however curious about the post stating that Asadero Cowboy was closed.
They had recently installed additional ovens and had a delivery business.

Spearo - 1-18-2012 at 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by philodog
Taco stands have always been the go to places in GN as we usually pass during the day but getting there late on a cold night we decided to finally try the famous Malarrimo mainly because it was inside. The service was efficient but not friendly, the margs were made with a mix and used cheap tequila. I ordered the fish fillet which was tasty but instead of rice, beans and tortillas on the side I got mashed potatoes microwaved frozen vegetables and stale toast. My wife got the fish soup which was uninspiring. Oh well, we tried.

Did this happen to occur on a Sunday?

Domingo is when the 2nd string staff is cooking and I have had some bad meals in otherwise good restaurants on a Sunday.

vacaenbaja - 1-18-2012 at 07:35 PM

Alas the days when Enrique Achoy was chef are long gone.RIP. In its hey day the food was absolutely fresh and
good. But l agree with what others have said. My last few visits have proven a disapointment. Anyone recall Cesars in Loreto years back?
It was great too, but only when the owner or an other competent chef was there.
I have also heard of the food being good and bad through out the years at the Bismark in La Paz.

BajaBlanca - 1-18-2012 at 09:05 PM

wow...we hit malarrimo's often, during the week usually, for their filet mignon.

absolutely to die for - melt in your mouth - delicous.

service, ok. attitude, ok.

vgabndo - 1-18-2012 at 09:15 PM

I don't know if it is the same, but the only time I was ready to walk out, and should have, was when just as our meals arrived a guy with three others sat down at an adjacent table and he fired up a cigar. I asked him for a little compassion, and he made it clear that if I thought I was man enough to put it out for him, I was welcome to try. I noticed with additional homicidal anger that when HIS food arrived, he put out the smouldering, reeking piece of crap.

I really hope my objection didn't spoil this fellows evening. My food and my mood were not made the least bit better by there being no objection to the offense on the part of management.

bajafam - 1-18-2012 at 09:17 PM

I have personally never had a bad meal at Malarrimo's, some have been better than others, but they have all been good. Our service has always been exceptional...friendly, efficient, wonderful. They even make special (not on the menu) pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse for my kids. A novelty, yes, but I love that my children are treated as customers too. Saul always has a warm and genuine smile for us and we will continue to eat there. We love the coziness of the rooms, too, especially the family rooms with the whale tales. While I'd love to try new places, the one time we did was nothing special, I'm a stickler when it comes to places treating my entire family with kindness, not just looking over the heads of my kids or ignoring them completely.

Pompano - 1-18-2012 at 09:23 PM

Giving advice...a dangerous undertaking.

Giving a trip report...always appreciated.

Paula - 1-18-2012 at 09:33 PM

By the time we get to Malarrimo for dinner I am so glad for the efficient and not overly friendly service. The food is always good enough, the soft lighting is soooo comforting.

The best thing about Malarrimo is the mural. I always sit facing the beautiful, mysterious semi-sepia photo of two little girls crossing the sand dunes. I know art, and I know photography~~ and this piece is transcendent.

Malarrimo feeds the body and feeds the soul. So good after a long day's drive.

BajaBlanca - 1-18-2012 at 09:34 PM

by the way

there is a new and BIG sign in espanol saying that anyone smoking will be punished under the law...and this is in the outside part where we almost always sit.

so an american comes in 3 weeks ago when we went and lights up. didnt have the heart to say anything and neither did management LOL

Pompano - 1-18-2012 at 09:45 PM

Paula...without a doubt, Malarrimo's has the most 'ambiance for lovers.' Which is a very important type of nourishment.

Baja Blanca...I once asked a fellow to put out his cigar in a clearly marked 'no-smoking ' cafe. He declined nastily.

There was no sign around telling me NOT to dump my beer mug over his head.

mtgoat666 - 1-19-2012 at 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Sounds like the same odds many have going to Mama Espinoza's...

actually, your odds of a bad meal at mamas are much better than your odds of a bad meal at malarimos. i think mamas is always bad (in fact, so bad i just won't ever stop there ever again, no more forever). and i have never had a bad meal at malarimos.

re ambiance, nothing else in GN has anything close to the ambiance of malarimos.

dtutko1 - 1-19-2012 at 07:14 AM

Quote:

Funny! I agree 100%. We no longer even stop in GN on our way down. Nobody goes there anymore It's too crowded.

bajajudy - 1-19-2012 at 08:35 AM

Headed that way in a couple of weeks. Cant wait for another delicious meal at Malarrimo!
I love that place.

David K - 1-19-2012 at 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Sounds like the same odds many have going to Mama Espinoza's...

Not true for us... but we don't always eat there... breakfast is never bad and that is good being next to Baja Cactus Motel. Had dinner just a couple times the past few years, and no problems. Again, with so many other places in El Rosario, why gamble on a disappointment? Ed's 'Baja's Best' Restaurant and Bar is good, cheaper lobster and better prepared (ask for it Ed's way), or whatever you are hungry for. Hugo's Tacos Mision has killer giant burritos and killer stuffed potatoes. Haven't tried the new Turista Restaurant at the Turista Motel (across highway from Ed's)... and with Hugo or Ed's or any of the taco stands along the highway, may never need to...?

[Edited on 1-19-2012 by David K]

shari - 1-19-2012 at 04:41 PM

we usually eat at Las Cazuelas but last week, they didnt have lion's paw scallops so we went to Don Gus...this is the restaurant where locals go for a special dining experience...the food is ALWAYS exceptional as is the service...it is impeccable and has been for as long as I have been going there...around 23 years. It is a place to go for wonderful ambiance, beautiful decor and of course excellent menu that is always good...never hit or miss. Try it....you wont be disappointed!

tripledigitken - 1-19-2012 at 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
we usually eat at Las Cazuelas but last week, they didnt have lion's paw scallops so we went to Don Gus...this is the restaurant where locals go for a special dining experience...the food is ALWAYS exceptional as is the service...it is impeccable and has been for as long as I have been going there...around 23 years. It is a place to go for wonderful ambiance, beautiful decor and of course excellent menu that is always good...never hit or miss. Try it....you wont be disappointed!

Shari,

Do you have any photos of Don Gus?

Ken

Bajahowodd - 1-19-2012 at 05:06 PM

Shari has convinced me. Don Gus on my upcoming trip.

But, is this not the same property where we encountered hard core porn on the TV?

That said, for anyone who may have missed my post on our last visit to Malarrrimo for dinner, number one, although the menu clearly offered soup or salad with dinner, we were told only soup. Soup was pea.

Menu clearly stated that dinner came with rice and vegetables. Dinner was served sans vegetables.

And, of course, we were lastly advised that they were not accepting plastic.

Just seems to me that for whatever the reason, they were having a major cash flow issue whereby they were not capable of affording fresh produce.....

gallesram - 1-19-2012 at 05:15 PM

I know I always seem to ask the same question, but where is Don Gus located in town? Between this place and Marios, now I have 2 new options next time I'm driving through GN, which is great.

shari - 1-20-2012 at 10:08 AM

Don Gus is just off the main street...turn up at the Comex paint store...there is a big sign...just past Malarrimo on the other side of the street...I will look for some photos of our great dinner there...the decor is fantastic, luxurious rustico, a lovely big wall fountain...waterfall type thing.

the hotel is where lots of businessmen from the salt works stay...thus probably has a porn channel.

gallesram - 1-20-2012 at 11:20 AM

Great; thanks Shari. Photos would be appreciated too! I'll post a review next time I'm passing through (probably April).

shari - 1-20-2012 at 11:41 AM

here we are at Don Gus a couple weeks ago...this place deserves more recognition as it is excellent in every way...always.

Roberto - 1-20-2012 at 07:16 PM

There is no comparison between Malarrimo's and Mama's. Sorry, EL.

I suppose it's possible to have a not-so-great experience at Malarrimo's, though that has never happened to me, but the upside at Mama's is standard fare, prepared well.

A dinner at Malarrimo's can be a gourmet experience with greeat service, wine, and atmosphere. One of my favorites anywhere in Baja,