FullDISHclosure

Rich Niche, Great Eats In Puerto Morelos, Mexico!

Posted by FullDISHclosure on Jan 7, 2014 in Mexican, Mexico, Puerto Morelos | Comments Off on Rich Niche, Great Eats In Puerto Morelos, Mexico!

by Amanda Trevelino

The “festive season” is meant to be a time of good cheer, but in late December chilly gray weather (and maybe exposure to Ebenezer Scrooge), left me craving a warm New Year lavish with sun, surf, golden sand, maybe even palm trees laden with coconut loot. And so, that’s how I found myself on a Mexican highway driving south from Cancun Airport to celebrate 2014 near the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.

el Nicho Exterior

Along the way, my family and I visited the lesser-known town of Puerto Morelos where a man on the street told us not to miss El Nicho. Good advice, because this tiny gem is tucked away like buried treasure; only the line of hungry patrons and a small placard mark the spot.

el Nicho Sandwich Board

Owner/Manager Maureen was efficiently running the show during our two visits, and we assume Owner/Chef Pablo was at the helm in the kitchen. The duo have created a vibrant, welcoming niche that obviously appeals to both locals and visitors with a small menu of healthy fare, not to mention a community board announcing drop-in yoga and other organic pursuits.

(more…)

Chai Pani, Decatur, GA

Posted by FullDISHclosure on Jul 31, 2013 in Decatur, GA, I-285, Indian | 0 comments

Chai Pani Indian Street Food Lights Up Decatur, GA

by Amanda Trevelino

If your local farmer recommends a restaurant for vegetarian fare, there probably is no need to look further. Even if the Huffington Post tells you it’s one of the “Top 10 Cheap Eats in the US,” or if The Atlanta Journal Constitution calls the place “one of the hottest restaurants around.” A farmer knows best.

So when Farmer Joe took his team for a lunch break at Chai Pani near Atlanta’s eclectic Decatur Square, we knew we could believe it’s claims of sourcing seasonal, organic produce from nearby growers. Except, that is, for the special items that husband/wife, chef/owners Meherwan & Molly Irani import from India or the spice blends and chutneys they make in house. “There’s no artificial ingredients in anything – ever,” they claim on the menu. (more…)

Elite Eats at Caliza in Alys Beach

Posted by FullDISHclosure on Jul 14, 2013 in Alys Beach, FL, American, I-10 | 1 comment

by Amanda Trevelino

If it’s true that we eat first with our eyes, it hardly would matter what food is served at Caliza. This architecturally award-winning pool and al fresco restaurant in Alys Beach, Florida, is all about limestone, lanterns, glitz and glamor. It’s such an indulgent-looking destination a person might be surprised to find a vegetarian menu among the surf and turf sophistication. The veg menu exits, I promise, but you’ll probably have to ask for it. Better yet, request it when you make your reservation, because sometimes the helpful staff actually has to rummage through drawers to locate it among the wine lists and the full menu of richer options. Don’t worry; it’s worth a little extra effort to enjoy a clean, sophisticated well-composed dinner at this seriously chic poolside setting. (more…)