Proud To Be Canexicans Nov 19, 2005 – By James Robert Daniels
Mazatlan, Mexico-I didn't choose to stay in Zonas Dorado, the Golden Zone, on
my visit to Mazatlan. I thought surely I'd visit Senior Frogs and the other
night spots there, as my friends had for years on their holidays.
But no, I moved into the house my brother and his wife had rented in Old
Mazatlan, at the other end of the bay. This is the old city, here long before
the tourists, and perfectly fine now with or without them.
Between our house and the tourist traps, still in Old Mazatlan but across
Olas Altas Boulevard from the crowds gathered to watch the cliff divers, we
meet two cultures halfway. No compromise in that, I'd say, it's more like
serendipity.
On the beach, Mujer Mazatleco, the Lady of Mazatlan welcomes all. Below the
cliff, Canucks in Maz reflects her attitude with an open feeling of its own.
The big, white stucco building with thatched roof was once the Fregata, a
restaurant that was said to embody old Mexico herself. Tonight, Phil Nevile
rocks the blues here with the top musicians around. Phil and his wife, Terri,
moved from Winnipeg, Manitoba to open the new restaurant and bar with
Raymundo Casaos Cano of Mazatlan in 2003.
Hundreds of locals and American, Canadian and world-traveling visitors
celebrated the First Birthday Party at Canuck's together in 2004. Phil and
Terri Nevile have succeeded in their plan to create "a unique venture in
Mazatlan combining the two cultures." They're proud to be Canexicans.
You'll eat very well here for under ten U.S. dollars, and enjoy a fantastic
sunset over the Pacific every evening. The coconut shrimp is famous, and all
the Mexican dishes are authentic as it gets.
But there's more-how about chicken "cordon blue" for a change? Or make it
over on Spaghetti Night and choose from four scrumptious sauces, or throw
them all on for (last I heard) 59 pesos. And you can really work it off,
dancing to great jazz.
There's a nod to other traditions of the Americas too. Canuck's celebrates
George Washington Day all day on Thursdays with a bonus exchange rate of 12
pesos to the US dollar. Every Monday is Loonie Day, meaning you get 12 pesos
to the Canadian dollar.
You don't have to settle for chain-hotel fare, and you needn't go native
every night. Head along the beach walk to Canuck's to taste the best of two
cultures. Go Canexican.
"On the beach, Mujer Mazatleco, the Lady of Mazatlan welcomes all. Below
the cliff, Canucks in Maz reflects her attitude with an open feeling of its
own."
