Valentine's Day in Mexico
I’m writing about the incredible Valentine’s Day we had this year, but honestly, you should not wait for a special occasion to do these fantastic activities. The nice thing about Valentine’s Day in Mexico is it is about Love and Peace. It is not a romantic, materialistic holiday for lovers. It is a time to take a moment and love and appreciate those special people in your life. This past Valentines Day started with a group of 20 couples and single friends who shared the cost to rent Dralion. Dralion is a Lagoon 44, a beautifully renovated and maintained sailing -catamaran with the most skilled and attentive crew around. What sets sailing with Calypso Charters on Dralion apart from the other charter companies is that they own 1 boat! They are not focused on filling a large fleet with as many bodies as possible. Instead, their focus is on making your day the best possible. The attention to detail is amazing. The crew will get you things before you even ask – like a pillow for your head if you are lazing in the net. Their drinks are all top-shelf. The food is prepared onboard by an amazing chef. You don’t need to bring a thing. They provide towels, snorkel gear, floats, noodles, paddleboard and, for a little extra, you can even rent the motorized sea scooter.
We have had the pleasure of sailing on Dralion many, many times and each time is wonderful. I never tire of going whether it is the 5 -hour day sail or 3-hour sunset sail. The captain knows this coast and how to read the weather and sea conditions and always finds the perfect spots to take us. Rarely have we gone to the same spot. One time last year we were having so much fun we wanted to try 2 locations, so everyone decided to pitch in and add an extra hour. If you are celebrating a special occasion they always manage to make it even more special.
On Valentines Day we head north to an idyllic location close to shore where people could opt to walk the uninhabited beach, snorkel, swim or laze on the extra-large float – with drink orders delivered to you by the captain on a paddleboard. When we boarded there was a large display of fresh fruit and we were immediately served a drink of our choice for the sail north. While everyone was enjoying the beach and water the chef was busy preparing lunch. We dined on fresh ceviche, delicious guacamole, chicken fajitas with veggies, tortillas and chips. As you climb back aboard the crew is there to help you rinse off with fresh water and hand you a warm towel.
After lunch we hoisted the sails and sailed back to Puerto Aventuras. Cake was served in celebration of Valentines Day – but they will also serve one for any special occasion. Before leaving we booked for next Valentines Day – this was our 3rd year in row to book on or around February 14th.
Mike and I walked home from the dock in time to shower, walk Manito and catch our breath before our driver arrived to take us to Josphine’s for a romantic dinner. Nestled in the jungle south of Puerto Aventuras, in a development known as Santa Teresita, we had known about this unique restaurant but had never been. I knew the restaurant was located on a friend’s property but that was really all I knew. Josephine’s is a perfect place to do a one-of-a-kind private event. For Valentine’s they offered seating for only 3 couples. We arrived and were greeted by our waitress, who led us down the torch-lit pathway to our destination. We were the first couple to arrive, so we were told to make ourselves comfortable and feel free to wander around. Each of the 3 tables were gorgeously set and romantically spaced out to allow each couple a very intimate evening. They spared nothing to create this magical atmosphere. Tablecloths, antique silverware, candelabras, and more candles and tiny lights than you could count. Everywhere imaginable in addition to the candles were fresh-cut flowers.
The surprise for me was that my friend and owner was also the chef! I had no idea among all of Heather’s talents that she was an amazing chef. What was even more special was that all her recipes have been passed down through generations. How I missed this fact I don’t know but I was so pleasantly surprised. Included in our meal was a bottle of prosecco, infused water and juices. You were also welcome to BYOB. Mike opted to bring a bottle of red and I chose the prosecco. There is no corking fee, which makes it nice.
Dinner began with a local favorite, pumpkin dip. It was creamy, rich and perfectly seasoned. That was followed by a freshly made parmesan cracker topped with a thick, flavorful ratatouille. I would have never thought to serve that as an appetizer, but it was perfect! The salt of the parmesan pared so well with the slight heat and tomato in the ratatouille. The next course is one I am still playing with in my mind! I will be attempting to recreate this dish for as long as it takes: a cucumber gazpacho which I loved. I make an avocado and cucumber gazpacho which I have always been quite pleased with, but after tasting this one, I have work to do! This gazpacho was so cold and refreshing, yet it had a hint of heat along with the peppery flavor of arugula and baby spinach. The complexity of this soup made it one of the best I have ever eaten. Between courses a freshly made black cherry sorbet was served to cleanse the pallet. Mike had the Filet Mignon with mushrooms for his entree and I had a spicy shrimp dish, both came with asparagus and blazed cherry tomatoes. My shrimp were perfectly cooked and seasoned. I love the pop that you feel in your mouth when the shrimp are just right. Mike’s filet was cooked to order. The biggest surprise for me were the mushrooms! I am NOT a mushroom lover. I am not a fan of the texture of most mushrooms. That said, these mushrooms were the absolute best I have ever put in my mouth! This is the first time I would say I could have eaten a meal of just those mushrooms. I don’t know what the secret to this recipe is other than she used arbol chilis in the most amazing way. The meal ended with some very decadent desserts. I had a dark chocolate cheesecake, melt in your mouth, piece of heaven on a thin chocolate crust with chocolate bits and accented with fresh raspberries. It was extraordinary. Mike had a lemon and strawberry tiramisu. I can only take his word for it that it was incredible, because I am allergic to strawberries.
I can’t think of a more romantic and unique dinner Mike and I have ever had on Valentines Day. I would highly recommend others experience this hide-away in the jungle. It seems like the jungle is often forgotten because it must compete with the gorgeous Caribbean Sea. In my opinion the jungle is a magical and very beautiful place. It was incredible to be there as the sun was setting, moon was rising, the sounds and smell of nature and the perfect music selection made this evening so memorable. Thank you, Heather! I should add that everything except for the baguette is prepared onsite by Heather.