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North Banderas Beat - March 09, 2024

Sometimes living in paradise feels like a fairytale and other times it feels like magic.

pg21aThe other eve was epic when five of us decided to walk the beach to the newly opened El Faro grill. The architecture competes with the menu in fabulousness. On the one hand both are simple yet dynamic. The rooftop is profound with the angles and textures captivating the circular lighthouse design. The colorful tile bar brings energy to the space. Every table has a delightful view.

Looking back at La Cruz, the sunset was captivating. “I’m seeing the bay differently from anywhere I’ve been,” one of our group exclaimed.

Alfonso, El Faro’s proprietor, has brought many of the food specialties he used to prepare at his previous restaurants, Ocean Grill and Litibu Grill. Our group delighted in the dorado, each opting for their favorite sauce. Two of us loved the jumbo shrimp in a tarragon cream sauce and one had a huge steak, taking some home for another day. The key lime pie was delicious.

After the beach walk to the restaurant, we opted for the panga ride back. It took us to the marina where we walked the Malecon to the plaza. We danced in the street to a fabulous band then went to Bar LOL for a cocktail and another dance. LOL indeed makes me laugh, but the meaning is “Lusty on Land.” Many have shared with me that the new management has created a great place for bands and for sure it was rocking!

pg21bFor a very special evening, I highly recommend the combo of a beach walk, a fabulous dinner, a panga ride, a walk to the plaza and dancing. It was a perfect evening with great friends!

Speaking of dancing, we just don’t get out enough, which is crazy as we love dancing so much. Our hotel guests have been raving about Bucerias’ options. Luna Lounge has an abundance of tribute bands, with Abba being one that our guests loved. The oasis of a resort, Los Arroyos Verdes, outdid themselves with their weekend Paperboys concert series. If you missed that, find them on Facebook and enjoy any of their pool day music events, which are always fun with great food brought in from the area! Sunday, March 10, the Cuban Girls band will have you up shaking what your mama gave you! This week’s food was by El Mar from Chef Escobedo. Jax in central Bucerias, El Chivo on the beach, and Encore with Jazz sensation Armi Grano and her band in Zona Dorada, all add to the music options.

Heading to La Cruz, the Treehouse has eclipsed other fabulous years, adding a reggae band, an opera singer, the always fabulous Bay Roots rock and roll group and fascinating Luna Rumba, where Geo revives his amazing musicians to create new vibes year after year! Tribute bands bring the best of the best to the area. When at the Treehouse ask Marichuy to taste her unique raicilla. I’ve only heard great things about the Marina Bar and Grill and the band Group Therapy, where dancing erupts every time! For smaller, quieter venues, the Octopus Garden, La Cruz Inn, Agustito and Ballena Blanca are just some of the abundant dancing options.

For those not into music and dancing, three new options have opened in the previous Philo’s location. Ale is excited to share his fabulous Italian ice cream and gelato called Buonisimo. In the middle is the Amigos Sports Bar & Cocina and to the right is Maria’s new boutique selling linen clothing for men and women.

Fairytales and magic erupt in the north bay. Enjoy!

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