Location, location, location best describes La Nueva Posada Hotel and Restaurant which overlooks Lake Chapala and has both indoor and outside garden and terrace as dining venues.
The hotel and restaurant is owned and operated by Michael Eager and his wife Maria Elena and their children. Michael’s parents came to Ajijic from Canada in 1974 and took over the operation of another hotel, the Vieja Posada until 1990. Michael started building the Nueva Posada in 1986 to resemble a traditional mansion. It exudes Old World colonial charm with is stone archways, colorful walls, lots of Mexican artifacts and art work, plus a magnificent stone staircase. The Eagers are the one of the oldest expat families in the area, having lived here for 40 years.
The restaurant features classic Mexican dishes and international fare. For starter courses, I suggest their famous Aztec tortilla soup or the Panchos – tostadas served with spicy beef, queso fresco cheese, guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos. Next, from their salads and light meals, the Anjou pear salad was well presented, with candied walnuts, crumbled cheese in a red wine vinaigrette, or the seven-layered taco salad, which I recommend, consisting of spicy ground beef, served in a tortilla shell that was filled with a medley of beans, lettuce, cheese, tomato, black olives, onions and avocado. Other salad choices include a Caesar salad served with grilled chicken or arrachera (skirt steak) strips with fresh fruit in a Thai dressing.
The restaurant offers a choice of pasta dishes as well as interesting platos fuertes (main courses) such as sea bass served with your choice of garlic, almond or bread crumbs and with a couple of different sauces. You can also order English-style fish and chips, grilled salmon, trout, or chicken done a couple of ways as well as arrachera or beef tenderloin cooked to order. Platos fuertes are served with a wide choice of vegetable accompaniments. Don’t forget to ask your waiter for their homemade desserts which is a special attraction.
The outdoor garden overlooking the lake is where you want to eat on a nice sunny day or on a beautiful evening. At night the trees are lit with twinkling lights and hanging lanterns creating a festive and romantic atmosphere. The service is attentive, the food is good and well priced, and there is a nice selection of hors d’oeuvres, salads and light meals, pastas and main courses.
This past February, the Eagers graciously offered a free margarita to anyone who attended the “Behind the Walls” home tour. Everyone enjoyed not only the margarita but the lunch as well.
People who have stayed at the hotel have said that the breakfast that is included in the room rate consists of a generous array of items to eat. The rooms are comfortable and attractively appointed, and there is a small outdoor pool for the guests.
La Nueva Posada, Calle Donato Guerra 9, Ajijic. (376) 766-1444.