Ginger- Stunning food in Tulum Pueblo ***

Gourmet food in Tulum might not be what you would expect but it is what you can find. For my 5 year wedding anniversary we wanted to go a special dinner in Tulum. My husband and I have always loved food and the fancier the better. Well, I had wanted to go to Ginger since first moving to Tulum but had not gotten the chance in their first location. I was thrilled when I heard that it had reopened.

First I must say that I started my perfect evening with a great massage from my wonderful HEALER Friend Gina. And it was amazing. you can read more about it HERE.

Ginger is located just 1 block off the main avenue at the first round-a-bout- and it is a beautiful restaurant. A wide open space with clean lines and vibrant décor- this restaurant in Tulum would be easily at home in San Francisco or New York. Before I even get to the great food- one of the things that I love about Ginger is their support of local artists and musicians. With expositions for local photographers and artists- the local talent of Tulum creates an amazing space at Ginger.

Just the other day I heard that a very talented musician, Tasha was playing there and I have seen a number of facebook notes of great stuff happening at Ginger. They also have a ladies night and this place makes every lady feel like a queen and 2 for 1 drinks- is just icing on the cake. I am hoping they get on the calendar soon so I can know about all of the great things they are doing. I do not want to miss anything at this wonderful restaurant in Tulum.


I went to this spot a while back with a girlfriend of mine that was visiting and we had the amazing salad with goat cheese and strawberries. It was well- amazing. We also had the tropical civiche. Although not the traditional civiche which I love too- this one used more tropical fruits and was the perfect sweetness to work with the fish.

For this special night- we got all dressed up and headed to Ginger. I was very excited. This was my husbands first time seeing the location and he remarked how easily this could be in SF. I totally agree.
To start we ordered the Goat Cheese Tart. Something I had my eye on since the last time I was here. Although, I admit, it was hard not to get the fresa salad again. We also ordered a bottle or red wine that we had not yet tried.


Before the appetizer came, they brought us some bread and this amazing marinated oil. I am not sure what is in this oil- but it is great. We can tell that there are chilies and garlic and many other wonderful spices- but not exactly sure what. Knowing that the food was going to be amazing- we made sure not to fill up on bread- I do not care how good the oil is- the food is worth the wait.



The tart was as good as it sounded. It was perfect with the wine that we had chosen and we were off to a good start. While we waited for our entrées we enjoyed looking at the artwork on the walls. I love it when restaurants feature local artists and have it for sale. I have found some of my favorite artwork at restaurants on my travels. And here you are going to find amazing pieces of art for a great price and what more perfect memento of your vacation then a piece of art.

For our meals, I ordered pasta with shrimp sautéed in garlic and chili. It was perfect. I love shrimp and many times when I order the it the shrimp gets over cooked. That is not good. The chef at Ginger was amazing. The food was cooked perfectly with just the right blend of spices. And there was a great amount of shrimp in my dish. It is never fun to fish for fish on your plate.

My husband ordered the Filet Mignonin a red wine sauce. He was a little reluctant at first because sometimes a cut of meat is on the menu but it is not what is on your plate. Plus the price for this was great. But we had great confidence in this restaurant and we were proven right. The cut of meat was wonderful. It was in fact a filet mignon and was cooked perfectly. And such a thick cut is easy to do wrong. The sauce was also amazing and complimented the meat perfectly


We would have ordered dessert here but 1 thing my husband and I do on our dates is restaurant hop for courses. So dessert was going to be in town. But I cannot wait to go back and try 1 of the desserts. If the rest of the food in any indication – it will be amazing. I always love it when a chef comes out to talk to a table. Especially when the restaurant is quite. It really takes your dining experience to another level and I think it shows that the restaurant and the chef genuinely care how you like the food and want to know your opinion.

I have not even gotten to the best part.

When we got our bill we were floored. We ordered a nice bottle of red wine, an appetizer, and 2 nice entrees and our bill was like 800 pesos! I could not believe it. A great prices and for the food you are getting!!!! WOW!!!! This is a spot to try. And what is great is that it is not a place that needs to be fancy. We were and did not feel out of place. I came here with a girlfriend the other day in jeans and a t-shirt and easily fit in. It really is perfect for all occasions.

While you are in Tulum, or if you live here- you really need to check thi

Rotary Club Cloverdale, CA & Rotary Club Tulum help our School Project

The Tulum Living School Project which helps fixes the infrastructure of Tulum's schools while promoting recycling and recycling education received a wonderful donation from the Rotary Club of Cloverdale, CA with the assistance and support of Rotary Club Tulum.

This is a wonderful project that is very dear to our hearts here at Tulum Living.

I want to personally thank Elvia, The Rotary Club of Cloverdale, CA and the Rotary Clubs of Tulum as well as the clubs in Playa and Cancun. Together we can change the world. And your kindness and generosity is felt and appreciated. Thank you for everything.

If you want to know how you can help, please contact us. For more information about our Tulum Living School Project visit us at www.TulumSchools.blogspot.com

Tortuga Festival-And the lights came on! Just in time for the dancing

This past weekend Tulum and the Rivera Maya have celebrated the annual Festival de las Tortugas and it has been great. With 4 days of great events I have not been able to make it to all of them and I know that I really missed out. All of the events for this great festival are focused on conservation and protection of these amazing creatures.

A large group of young adults from Global Vision Initiative organized and executed events beautifully. This is from the main website for GVI. I think it gives the perfect description as to who they are. “Global Vision International (GVI) runs responsible volunteering programs in over 40 countries around the world. We offer volunteers the chance for a hands-on experience by personally contributing to important conservation initiatives and community projects. Volunteer programs run from one week to 2 years.”

They have many great trips and opportunities on their website. Check it out HERE http://www.gviusa.com/ for more information. This particular excursion was for people who were interested in Scuba diving and marine conservation. So our Tortuga Festival was perfect for them. They have participated for over 8 years and the whole event was amazing. Check out the Mexico website for more info http://www.gviusa.com/programs/central-america/mexico/marine-conservation-expedition-mexico/home

It was interesting this particular day because whether by accident or by design, the city was working on our street light. The 1 street light we have in town and it is out all day- well so is the rest of the power to the whole town. Tulum went dark for over 9 hours. The entire city of Tulum had no power. This went on mostly as normal but as the day went on and there was still no power things started to get interesting.
That evening was the big event at the casa de la culture. Not thinking much of it we got ready for the dance performance and headed down. It was great. The moment you walk in you see the energetic group from GVI with face painting, the egg dropping game, puzzles, pin the head on the Tortuga and dozens of other games and tables spread throughout and dozens of kids crowded around them learning about Tortugas, this special area and how to protect both of them.

Also throughout the cultural center were displays of amazing art, craft, jewelry, and food. It was an amazing array of color, smells, and kids in brightly colored clothing and face paint. But as we were about to start the dance performance- there still was no electricity- for the whole town!!! After a few hours and trying to find out what the plan was- the sun had set and it was getting dark fast-. Although it was sort of cool to see so many candles lit along the streets of Tulum- in little taco bars and windows. And then- wouldn’t you know it!!!!- BAM! The lights came on. Everyone was so thrilled and the show began.

The performances were amazing. Proud parents, friend’s family, the community of Tulum and the great group from GVI watched the talented individuals and cheered and praised. It was an amazing night. And we were in store for more. The sand castle beach day was in the morning so we headed home to get a good night sleep.

Salsa at Le Zebra ***

When asking around about nightlife in Tulum – depending on the night there are a few spots that you will hear over and over. If it is Sunday night you are sure to hear about La Zebra. La Zebra is already well known for having a great hotel and a great restaurant. But on Sunday’s!!!! Every Sunday the crowds come out for some live music and salsa dancing on La Zebra’s beach front dance floor.

We have been dancing at La Zebra a number of times. We love to salsa dance. When we lived in San Francisco we used to o dancing every Thursday. We loved it. And salsa dancing on the beaches of Tulum ain’t bad either. La Zebra also gives a free class – I think at 6. The class is nice because it gives you a refresh on some of the basics and then teaches you a few fun turns or tricks to use while you are out there.

The food is also very good at La Zebra. It is a little on the expensive side but it is a well known spot and it is right on a beautiful stretch of Tulum beach. For the ambiance and what you get though I think that the prices are good. This last time we ordered a mixed plate that had various favorites like sopes and what not on it and we got some tortilla soup. Both were awesome but the tortilla soup was the highlight for me.
Armed with a few margaritas I was ready for the dance floor. I always say that Salsa dancing and speaking a foreign language that you know only moderately well are both done a little better after a few margaritas.

The band is always great here. Up on the stage which is just above the dance floor and backed by the beautiful jungle setting, music on Sunday nights can be heard up and down the beach. Around the edge of the raised dance floor are several tables and some large beach beds. It is a very easy spot to gather and rest your feet between songs.

This last time that we went we even took the kids. It was not a very late night and they had a blast. There were many kids that were running around and my son grabbed himself a cutie and set out for the dance floor. At only 5 he is quite the ladies man. This is a spot where everyone can have a good time.

So if you are in Tulum – and it is Sunday- you do not even need to ask- the party is La Zebra for Salsa on the Beach!

Massages by Gina**

Getting a massage in Tulum is a wonderful experience. The sun and warmth, the sounds of the Caribbean Sea, the magical ingredients in the lotions and potions all combine to create the perfect massage. This week I celebrate my anniversary and my husband and I really wanted to celebrate and celebrate we did.

I surprised my husband when he came home from work by getting us each massages by my dear friend and wonderful massage artist, Gina. Gina is such an amazing woman. She lives near me and is the 1st person I go to with any sort of ailment because she always knows what to do and some all natural potion for it. It is truly amazing. She is also a great cook and we have grown to be wonderful friends.

I had heard that she was absolutely amazing and I was so excited to be getting this massage. Gina has created a very wonderful spa studio in her home that features artwork by her very talented husband. The feeling that she has created is amazing and really adds to the massage. For this special occasion she came to my home to do the massages, at my request and that was perfect. Hubby walked in and we were ready. I put on an iTunes playlist and we got started! The oil that Gina used was wonderful. It is a mix of her own creating and it has a wonderful smell of chocolate.

The massage was strong and deep and it felt so amazing. Gina packs some serious strength in her hands and I could feel the fibers in my muscles under her hands. Using her whole arm in this unbelievable pattern just sent me to a new world. Ever since my birthday I have been in need of some serious relaxing and this certainly did the trick.

When I was finished and hubby was getting his massage I just melted into happiness. I felt so great. The chocolate oil is even still intoxicating. What a perfect start to a wonderful evening. My husband does not get to many massages. He does a lot of physical work and forgets how great a massage feels. He absolutely loved his massage and felt so great afterwards. I can defiantly see more massages in his future.

Gina’s original background was as a social worker and it was working in hospitals with patients that she first started to incorporate touch and massage into her practice to help heal. It was at this point that she began to learn about Reiki and she found her true calling and passion. She had found an ideology of healing that matched how she felt healing should be and she dove into the practice and began to learn more and more. She began working with reflexology, hot stones and holistic massage. Her massages are a mix of these various techniques.

Gina, originally from Mexico City, has lived in the Rivera Maya for 30 years. She finds that there is a special healing energy in this area that combines the power of the ruins, the cenotes and the Caribbean Sea to create an intoxicating blend of healing energy. This powerful energy helps promote her art of healing in the area. She is an artist.

Not only does Gina get deep into your muscles, but her energy is so incredible. You feel this amazing lightning afterwards and it is amazing. I would be happy to help put you in touch with Gina if you are interested in getting a massage.

Mateo's! Great food on the beach road. ***

When Mateo’s opened on the beach road opened a while back and I was so excited to see a taco place on the beach road. The food on the beach can get very expensive and this looked like a great options for some good food on Tulum beach. In its original location it closed and I was sorry to see it close. But my unhappiness was short lived as I saw it reopen not far away from its original location- but even better.

The location of Mateo’s is on the jungle side of the beach road about 2 km south of the turn. The structure of the restaurant is a large open space and has a very comfortable feel. The space is also great for large groups because it is so open.

We ate here for my birthday before heading off to do some dancing and I must say that the food totally lived upto the great thing that I had hear about this place. Everyone in my family is totally obsessed with fajitas. It is one of my mom’s favorites so she ordered them at several locations around Tulum and these ones I think were the best ones that we had.

3 of us all ordered fajitas and hubby had fish tacos. The plates of fajitas were massive and so good. Served with rice, wonderful black beans and a killer guacamole. The meat was mixed with perfectly sautéed peppers and onions and tasted amazing. My mom is already planning her next trip down to come and eat at Mateo’s. My husband’s fish tacos were also amazing. Served with some great salsas and stuffed with large pieces of avocado- this is another dish we will be ordering again.

The margaritas at Mateo’s were very well made and if there is one thing that always impresses me about a restaurant or bar… it is a well done margarita. Mateo’s totally passed the test. So the next time you are on the beach road and looking for a great place to eat- check out Mateo’s. If you see a table that just keeps ordering fajitas and margaritas- that will be us- come over and say hi! jajaja

El Gourmet Tulum ***

So the other day we set out to find something new to eat in Tulum. We grabbed the kids and set out to town on our foodie adventure. We passed by a shop that we had heard wonderful things about but had not yet checked out ourselves. Here was the perfect opportunity. El Gourmet Tulum here we come.


After living in San Francisco for so many years, wine and cheese are a huge part of my diet. Well, I guess not so much diet as palate. We love wine and cheese. Moving to Tulum was a bit hard at first because there were not many options for cheese- and by that I mean ANY options for cheese. The option was Playa del Carmen. Enter El Gourmet Tulum.

From the sign on the door listing some of the many treats inside, we could tell that this was going to be a worthy stop. A proud announcement of cheeses like gorgonzola and provolone and various salamis and oils! Yummy!!! We could not wait to get inside.

The first thing we saw was a large deli case proudly showcasing cheeses and cured meats. We ended up getting 3 cheeses. We loved 2 of them and the 3rd was a bit salty for our taste. But that is the thing about cheese- like wine- you have to taste them all to really learn the ones that you like the most and why. There were not as many different cheeses as I would have dreamed but it is low low season and not every cheese eater in Tulum knows about this great spot yet. I cannot wait to go back in high season and see all the new things they are offering in their case. We specially asked if they had a semi soft triple cream- a typical favorite of ours. They did not but seemed willing to take input about cheeses we would like to see in the shop.

The rest of the shop also held some special treasures. Along neatly ordered shelves are various forms of stewed tomatoes, olives and capers-and many other gourmet condiments and kitchen needs including some wonderful looking gourmet mustards. I love a good mustard. A good mustard can totally change a recipe. With the plethora of noodles and other items here, you could make 1 killer dinner party with the ingredients from this store. In the future I think the plan is to sell wine as well and then I think I will shop nowhere else.

The basket of fresh baked bread is the perfect thing to round of our little snack. We chose to use some fresh fruits but almost got one of the fruit chutneys that they had to balance our budding cheese plate. We had a wonderful night of indulgence thanks to the shelves and more important the deli case of El Gourmet Tulum. We will defiantly be going back again.

El Gourmet Tulum is about 4 blocks off the main avenue. I will get the street names. This shop is defiantly worth finding. They speak English and Spanish and in fact the woman in the shop is also an English teacher. I would imagine she would also be able to do Spanish lessons as well.

If you need help getting touch with El Gourmet Tulum or you need help finding it- let me know. This is a shop that I really want to make sure stays open. I cannot go all the way to Playa del Carmen for cheese. I will lose my mind.

A perfect Tulum Sunday

Sundays in Tulum always bring with them a promise of something special. Of an especially good day. Families are waking up later then the required time for school and special breakfasts are prepared all over town - and many restaurants around Tulum prepare Barbacoa. This special dish is a real treat and is usually found only on Sunday's.

This Sunday was a particularly PERFECT Sunday in Tulum. We woke up early- although later then normal and that is always welcome. I spent a little time learning my way around I tunes and loading up the ipod that my mom had given me. After making a perfect- sit back and chill play list I headed out to hang in my new hammock. I have wanted a hammock for a long time. We used to have 1 but it was made of much thicker material (like the ones back in the states) and it really hurt to lay in. Then, a kitten staying at our house went to town on a few of the strings and it was never suitable again.

This year for my birthday- I had received a hammock as a gift and I was about to go and enjoy it. I literally laid in my hammock in my garden for about 2 hours listening to music and watching the clouds go by. Remember as a child when you would see so many great images in the sky? Well, there were a ton of great clouds and then floated past my little garden all morning. I saw all sort of great stuff... a dragon - a witch on a broom- a old man sucking on a tobacco pipe. It was a very nice morning.

After a little while I came into the house and we got all of our stuff ready for the week, picked up the house and got ready to head out to the jungle. Parties in the jungle here are always amazing but I knew that this particular party was going to be truly magical.

Our good friends live out on km 26 in the jungle and this family is the truest testament to eco living. A small structure sits in the front of the property where this amazing family lives. But as you walk back on the path into the jungle you come upon some really amazing finds. about 50 km back there is a beautiful clearing complete with campfires and a large open space to dance.

The purpose of this event is to celebrate the love that my dear friends have for one another. They were celebrating their 13 year anniversary and this party was filled with love, happiness and friends. All off the kids were running around the enchanting jungles of Tulum- and were rewarded by amazing sites of reindeer- tropical birds and cool bugs to follow around.

The rest of us were enjoying the sounds of Facuno's dj talents and enjoying the wonderful food and friends that had gathered around us. A real collection of some of the very best people in Tulum. Artists, musicians, massage therapists, parents, kids and friends!!! It was a gathering of people that surround their world with magic.

Just as the dark set in and the jungle was showing just how dark it can get - the beautiful voice of 1 young woman rings over the speaker. Her voice was so beautifully intoxicating. It had that tone from old French music from the 20s. It was beautiful. We could have easily listened to her all night but alas the generator had different plans. It ran out of gas but that was not going to be the end of our good time.

All of our other friends gathered up their instruments that were scattered around and started playing. The drums, guitar, the voices created this soft chant from everyone around. It was amazing.

In addition to just being filled with love, acceptance and friendship- this family is as eco friendly as you could possibly be. Gardens can be found through growing tomatoes, chilies and spices. Small pathways through the jungle lead to outdoor composting toilets, and others lead to naturally made temazcal. With the kids we did not get to stay for the temazcal this time but I am looking forward to the day that I do.

After coming home and putting the kids to bed I laid in my hammock once again- rather then the cup of coffee from the morning- this time I had a cold beer- a cool breeze- and the thoughts from a PERFECT Tulum Sunday.

I hope yours went well too!

El Bistro at Ziggy's Beach Club ***

El Bistro opened a while back as part of the new Ziggy's Beach club at Cabanas Tulum. This great spot on the south end of Tulum beach is really great. Restaurants that are perfect for kids??!!??!! This is it.

I have 2 kids and taking them to a restaurant is not always the easiest thing. And I want to have a good time too. Well this place is great.

El Bistro is perfect for alll groups but especially for families for a few reasons. 1- it is very large. There is a lot of space for the kids to be in without interrupting the other people enjoying their day in the sun.

There is a great 2x1 drink special ALL DAY!!!!!! Serving up all of the Rivera Maya's best cocktails! The beach here is amazing- soft clear - great waves... And just to seal the deal... there is a wooden swing and a screened in trampoline!!!!!!! I mean REALLY!!???!?!?! It was perfect, and made an already great day - even better.

I have been here on 2 occasions and the food has been amazing both times. The kid friendly menu is was really appreciated. The portions are a good size and the food is made with quality ingredients. I hate getting food for my kids that is a total after thought --and this food was really good.

This time I was here with my brother and my husband and the food once again did not

disappoint. I had a shrimp in garlic dish, hubby had calamari and bro had a fajita.

It was all very good.

We ordered one of the most annoying drinking ever made.... the Miami Vise. This drink is half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada. It is a total pain in the butt because it requires the bartender to make 2 - already annoying drinks.

Now- do not get me wrong- bartenders make lots of annoying drinks and the do it gladly.... but if you ask a bartender to make several of these- please show your appreciation. Because they are sooooo good and so easy to order many of- but tip accordingly- because they are not easy. My hubby was kind enough to take one for the team and order the 3rd one in our group so the bartender could make only this one drink. I always like to order a shot of rum on the side and put a splash in each drink because it can get too sweet for me.

The food was amazing and we had a really good time. I would defiantly recommend eating here. It has a very well rounded menu and there are options that will please everyone. And those of you with kids.... this is PREFECT!!! Options for the kids, a play ground, and a perfect beach... what more could you want.

I had heard that there might be some live music or beach parties here. If so I will keep you all posted. This would be a great place for a party or wedding.