Trip report: Amuleto, Tentaciones, Espuma, Tango

by JBinCT, Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 17:02 (5460 days ago)
edited by JBinCT, Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 18:13

Since downtown dining was not an option last week (see my Pepe le Pew post below) we decided to stay close to La Ropa and go high end- and then some- trying Espuma, Tentaciones, Tango and Amuleto. We have visited Amuleto and Espuma before, Tentaciones and Tango were new to us. A brief review:

Amuleto- still #1 in my opinion. The prix fixe menu gives you options as to courses and selections. The food, view and service are all outstanding. Just a great dining experience. Also think they make the best margaritas in town.

Espuma- stunning ambiance/decor/whatever, outstanding view and great food. I wish the prix fixe menu had a few more options as my wife and I like to order different dishes and share, but what they do offer is fabulous. We also stopped by for drinks a couple nights as well as the setting is just spectacular.

Tentaciones- food and view as good as Espuma, service may be better. My only criticism is that you have no choices at all, prix fixe with no course options. Food is outstanding but meal less enjoyable-in my opinion- when everyone has the same thing.

Tango- not as 'special' as the others, but they don't try to be (and they aren't priced the same) and the food is very, very good (the tiritas were outstanding!). Will make this a regular stop as I think the combination of food, ambiance (live music after 9 or 9:30) and price is as good as anywhere in town.

La Villa Restaurant at The Tides

by Brent & Susan, Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 17:30 (5460 days ago) @ JBinCT

Agree with your report on these top end places.
A couple nights ago we visited The Tides for the first time since it was Villa del Sol. Were not expecting a lot but were pleasantly suprised. Dining was on the sand with white table cloths under breezy palms, La Ropa surf in the moonlight. We started with roasted beet & cheese salad, then rack of lamb and a nice red wine. Ended with a great apple struddle. Overall it was a nice experience. Service was excellent. Price about the same as your top three. Not for everyday, but recommend it for a special occasion.

Oh yeah, we used the donated certificate we bought at the Sailfest auction. Everything included but the wine and propina. Thank you Sailfest!

La Villa Restaurant at The Tides

by JBinCT, Thursday, March 03, 2011, 05:10 (5460 days ago) @ Brent & Susan

Sounds like a great meal! I have not visited La Villa but given demands of Tides' clientele I am not surprised it is very good. Did hear a couple rumors about The Tides last week:

1) occupancy is down substantially from Villa del Sol days; less than 40% during Feb.
2) Tides is quietly on market for less than half what Kor Group paid a few years ago, and
3) Tides actually sold within past few weeks to a group based in Costa Rica

Not sure what the facts are but from the beach it did appear the property was less crowded than last year.

La Villa Restaurant at The Tides

by LadyM in Zihua, Thursday, March 03, 2011, 07:35 (5460 days ago) @ JBinCT

From a couple of people that worked there #1 and #3 are correct. They lost their jobs there when it sold a few weeks ago.