We are here in Puerto Escondido – day five. Last time we mentioned that we started our adventure here in Puerto Escondido with some restaurant disappointments. Friday night that changed.

Of course prices have gone up in three years. There are still deals to be had. And there are still some fine dining opportunities.

Upon arrival here we were a little road weary and hungry after a 22 hour drive from our casa in Xico to the city of Oaxaca – 550 km distance.  Add another 200 km to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca. Four hundred and sixty-six miles in total.

By the time we secured a motel room and got unpacked we were ready for Happy Hour. A number of watering holes offer a two for one special in the late afternoon and early evening. We tried the two for one deal several times always coming away disappointed.

My theory is they mix one large drink and split it into two glasses and little more. There certainly is no more than a shot of alcohol per two drinks. There are restrictions for any Happy Hour offering – so be sure you understand the rules. Personally, I would write-off the two for one cocktail hour as a losing proposition and not bother.

Twice we ate to disappointment Thursday afternoon and again that night.

Friday night we walked all the way up to the northwest end of Playa Zicatela (on foot). We stopped at nearly every restaurant looking at each menu.  Near the top or northwest end of the Playa we came to the upscale Hotel Santa Fe. Across the street on the ocean front side we spied a charming restaurant setting.

Sometimes it is hard to say what draws one in – but the cloth table coverings and candle lit tables with the backdrop of the sun setting on the ocean were certainly inviting – we investigated.

Anita checked the menu before we sat down – best to rule out what doesn’t work before having to embarrassingly get up from a table. Things looked encouraging enough for us to take the next step – sit down.

We were welcomed by owner Chef Rafael Alvarado Perez. Rafa is young with heaps of energy and more than a dash of enthusiasm.  He explained ‘Bistro 28’ was a mere month old. Before we were even seated Rafa explained in English that he was a recent graduate of a couple cooking schools, both in the United States and Mexico.

He Further explained his family had been in the cooking trade for several generations. He glowingly explained that many of his dishes are secret family recipes learnt from his Grandmother.

Rafa – Chef and Newlywed

Meg – Our Hostess and Newlywed

The young culinary enthusiast seemed like the real deal – we had our pick of tables. All came with a spectacular ocean view – we were mere yards from the water’s edge.

Bistro 28 Beach Side

Not only had we discovered a fine restaurant, but a love story soon unfolded as well.

I asked what the significance of the number “28” had in the name Bistro 28. Rafa explained that he and his bride of a month had married on December 28^th. He and Meghan Wood had met in October and married in December; and then opened a restaurant in January – wow!

Soon Meghan showed up. Her excitement was a bit more contained about the new restaurant venture; perhaps a little less confident. Meg explained that a few nights before, the bistro was full. The two of them were under a lot of pressure with the large hungry audience. “Hours after we got home my hands were still shaking from the effort “– believed to be successful.

But when the conversation moved to the new marriage her eyes brightened and a broad smile appeared as she told her version of the whirlwind meeting and subsequent marriage. “His side of the family gave us household things. My side gave gifts for the restaurant.”

The night’s special was fresh tuna steak in a tamarind sauce with a goat cheese spinach salad with blackberries. That sounded good to us. We had only recently been introduced in detail to tamarind pods in Ursulo Galvan.

Tuna Steak con Tamarind Sauce – Yum!

The fruit of the tamarind tree is within a 3 to 6 inch pod. We had recently tried making tamarind tea.

The thinly sliced tuna steak was glazed with the sauce that produced a sweet and sour flavor – very tasty!

Bistro 28 serves beer and wine. We had a couple glasses of some fine Chilean wine, “Concha y Toro”.

The dinner and ambiance were absolutely wonderful.

Sunday we returned for brunch. I had a Mediterranean omelet and Anita had a Mexican omelet.  They were also tasty.

Rafa suggested we visit his mother’s restaurant “Entre Estrellas Gourmet” in town. If it is true that the apple does not fall far from the tree – we will definitely try mom’s place out soon.

Bistro 28 will not be a secret for long. There are some fine eateries along Zicatela Playa. Bistro 28 has made an entrance at the top end. If you visit Puerto Escondido it is a must stop. As you turn down to enter into the beach area at the northwest end you will find The Santa Fe Hotel – across the street on the beach side is Bistro 28 – Buen Provecho!

Stay Tuned!