¡La Vida Es Rica! ~ Life is Delicious!

Charlie’s tail wagging on my screen door this morning announced the pending dawn and a reminder that we hadn’t recently shared a walk and The Morning Show (the sun rising from the ocean of Puerto Morelos) –this day’s Show was magnificent!

 Slightly chilled through the morning damp, with sticky salt in my wind-styled hair , I was making my way toward home when I close my eyes to feel — more than hear — the gentle rustle of the whitecaps and the occasional whoosh of a pelican dive-bombing for breakfast. I open my eyes to visually drink in even more of this moment — a kiteboarder silhouetted against the recently dawned sun — lovers strolling, toes in the surf, fingertips lightly touching , with an occasional glance to the other, oblivious to all but themselves and the sea – Charlie dog frolicking with his beach-dog-buddies…. If nothing more, just this morning moment could be enough….

 Ahhh….I’m drawn by the seductive scent of frying bacon and brewing coffee melding with salt and seaweed….How could one resist being led into such a delectable temptation?  Ixchel Beach Bar with the lively chatter of Helene, the more-subdued Ben, and steaming coffee….Burly Newfoundland Kanya settles herself behind the counter.

At a little after 7:00 am, Helene’s already dusted the bar, jiggled tables into sand, clothes-pinned plastic cloths to the tops, and trapped menus beneath the condiments.  Locals chat. Tourists glance as they walk the beach, perhaps wondering if this rustic shack could possibly withstand today’s wind. A variety of dogs play tag around the tables, occasionally finding reason to joyfully leap into the waves….

 The limited menu choices are exactly right for the capabilities of this jungle-pole constructed, extension-cord powered,  magnificent “joint” – Eggs any style with toast and bacon or sausage, pancakes, French toast, yogurt with granola–  each dish individually prepared with seasonal fruit.

 I’ve been diligently working my way through the menu. Today: The Duo – two eggs over-easy accompanied by the initial temptation — crackly bacon fried to the perfection point of not-quite overdone, along with whole-wheat toast and slices of watermelon, pineapple, and starfruit….

 The breeze is a bit strong this day , and the hide-and-seek sun with clouds cause sunglasses and cover-up clothing to be on-again/off-again. Sand sticks to my sea-damp legs. Charlie vainly anticipates a dropped bite of something more savory than coffee….

 This meal —  the food, the setting, the people, the overall experience — could not possibly be more glorious….

 Ixchel Beach Bar

Hours

As with most Puerto Morelos establishments, hours depend solely on the weather and mood of the proprietor. Don’t even think about reservations.

 In general – Ixchel Beach Bar is open every day with breakfast served 7:00 am to 10:30 or 11:00, followed by a delightful bar experience with beer, wine, mixed drinks and snacks until dusk. If it’s crowded, be prepared to wait. Bacon and sausage is generally ready, but everything else is prepared as it’s ordered.

 Getting There

Stopping at Ixchel is the perfect complement to a morning stroll – To find it from town, remove your shoes and walk north on the beach past Hotel Ojo de Agua, Playa Sol, and mustard-colored Hotel Arrecifes —  you’ll see this rustic shack on the other side of Ocean Homes….

 Menu

Eggs, bacon or sausage,  fruit, pancakes, French toast.

Coffee, tea, fresh-squeezed orange juice, various boxed juices

Full bar

Tables and lounge chairs in the sand with a view of the amazing ocean

 Atmosphere

Definitely a family-friendly and dog-friendly place, as children dig in the sand and locals with dogs congregate for morning coffee and conversation….