where for mariachi bands..local tarmales..?

[SaltyB]

Hi All

Just a thought, where can we go to listen to the local mariachis bands ?

and for those who enjoy mexican food -does anyone know a good local place to eat tarmales (not sure of the spelling)- mince corn mixed with some meat and wrapped in corn leaves ?

cheers...

[Steve]

Not much in the way of Mariachi in the hotel zone. Temptation used to have one night a week where a Mariachi band would perform early evening, not sure if this is still the case.

You sound like you have some adventure in you so a trip to the Yaxchillan area downtown might be worth doing, very safe and $10 in a cab from TTR. La Parilla restaurant on Yaxchillan might be just up your street. A wide range of Mexican food and Mariachi every night. The Mariachi 'union' building is just opposite and there are always a few Mariachi guys hanging about there. Next to here are several food vendors I think it's mainly tacos though rather than Tamales but I've never really looked. Not my cup of tea.

For authentic tamales you'll probably need to find a street vendor, again not much chance in the hotel zone. Plenty downtown but I'm not sure I could direct you to any particular one - maybe try Parque Las Palapas early evening. This is a 5 minute walk from Ave Yaxchillan too.

[SaltyB]

Hi Steve

Thanks for the info..will have a look at the place you mentioned...

cheers

[pocodinero]

The Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort has a Mariachi show every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening from 7:30 - 8:30pm in their restaurant called La Joya. I do not know if you can watch them for free but you can sit at the bar, have a drink or a appetizer (the restaurant is fairly expensive for a ful meal) and enjoy the show. The Mariachi band is very good and they play along to a video that is displayed on the walls of the restaurant.
Also next door to the Coral Beach is an OXXO convenience store. A little known secret is that they sell freshly made tamales there. A lot of the "locals" that work close by go there, so they must be good. Another place is the Coral Negro Flea Market. Another local secret. Go upstairs to the second floor and you will find alot of locals eating authentically prepared tacos, tortas, tamales, etc.

[SaltyB]

Hi Pocodinero

Thanks for that valuable info..my wife just crazy for tamales..and we will definite go check it out..we do missed the tamales from cuba ..but here in uk the maize is different and not really that great..so, hope cancun ones will be delicious..

Thanks and have a great day bro... / sis ?...

cheers

mike

[pocodinero]

Also, just so you know, Tamales are not only sold in the mornings. In the evening there is a lady that sells them on the side of the road in front of the OXXO on Bonampak, and they are authentic and delicious. From the hotel zone, head towards downtown. When you hit Bonampak (first street when exiting the Hotel Zone), take a right and go about 2 miles until you wee the OXXO on the right hand side. When you make the right on Bonampak, you will see a Superama store (before the OXXO). There is usually someone selling "Mexico City" style Tamales on the street in fromt of the store. You can stop at both "stands" to compare.

[SaltyB]

Hi Pocodinero

Thanks..we're home now..didnt venture out much and even then late in the afternoon and back pm..but the 2nd last nite I walk across the road from the hotel and the OXXO sells them..but the lady didnt like them and prefers the cuban one!!

cheers

[marlynshopgrl]

You're wife has good taste SaltyB, nothing like a Cuban tamale

[SaltyB]

Hi Marlynshopgrl

How did u know cuban tamale is better if not best?..just curious...