Casa Denis in Mexico

Yucatan Dining in Cozumel

Don and I returned to an old favorite, on a trip to Cozumel last May.

Over 10 Years Before

Here we are with our kids in 2007. The quaint sidewalk cafe, was just steps from the town's plaza. I believe our good humored waiter took the photo.

What's Different?

The place looked pretty much the same after 10 years. This photo shows the tables and chairs looking more modern... and the diners looking more aged. I kind of missed the old wooden tables and chairs.

Since 1945

As the placemat reminded us, Casa Denis has been around since before Don and I were born.  So that made us feel younger.

Martin

Don and I recognized our old waiter from 10 years ago. Martin was just how I remembered him... gruff one minute and playful the next. He said he'd been working at Casa Denis for 17 years. He hasn't lost his posing skills.
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Little Yellow Casa

Don and I arrived hungry at about 9 pm. There were plenty of tourists sitting outside the little yellow building.

In Daylight

When we walked by earlier in the day, I could see the house-like shape and hoped to take a peek inside when we returned.
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Homey Interior

In the evening, I walked through the white doors and took a peek inside. I could imagine the Angulo family once living in the casa.

Yellow Walls

There were no tables for dining, just framed displays of family photos and a few famous guests like Jackie Onassis.

It was easy to imagine  Denis, Juanita and their children working and living here long ago. The couple actually sold food from their home in the 1930's.  Tourists hadn't begun to flock to the island yet.

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Food and Drink

Don and I were happy to sit outside on a balmy evening. We had spent the cool and rainy day, visiting the ruins of Tulum and we were ready for margaritas and some Yucatan dishes.

Luckily the margaritas were delicious and safe...
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Another Cozumel Trip

This is what happens when you indulge in bad margaritas. (I'm not proud of this  mother/daughter photo from 6 years ago) I know I sound like I'm blaming the margaritas... which I am.  They were deadly.

Food?

We were starved so we ordered 3 dishes. Don's Yucatecan pork tacos were yummy, as I recall.

My dish was very festive, as you can see.

Sadly I failed to take notes. This was a while ago and I'm not going to lie. I remember being happy with my food and that's about all I remember.

Ole for Mole!

I do recall that we ordered Enchiladas de Mole, since Casa Denis is known for Yucatan specialties. The enchiladas were smothered in a creamy mole with onions. Very delish!

New Friends

Lydia and Jennie stopped by selling key chains. They spoke some English and Don spoke enough Spanish to be able to communicate fairly well. They were good humored and talked about school, so we hoped it was okay to buy from them. There was a lot of discussion about which animals and shapes were best. Both insisted we include at least one mermaid in our purchase.

Pups and Music 

I don't have a photo of the tiny dog that strolled about the tables as we dined. He was so old I think he may have been the Casa mascot, when we visited 10 years ago.

We enjoyed the strolling guitar player just as much as the amusing pup. Our musician wasn't intrusive. He just politely asked if we preferred something happy or something romantic.

We chose our favorite, the dramatic love song, Maleguena!

Until Next Time

Yes, this place attracts the tourists and sometimes the waiters are grumpy. But we love the place. We've been coming to Cozumel since before the cruise ships started coming. We will be back, I'm sure.