Holy Mole` David's Birthday Trip

Bienvenidos mi amigo y amigas!

The inspiration for the title: Pollo y Mole Negro

First let me tell you about my spectacular better half, who takes me on a trip every year for my birthday!   That's right every year!  My Baby is the best!  I am truly blessed to have her in my life!  This year we went to the J.W. Marriott Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico.  Wanna hear about it...here it go!

International Trip Tips

Make sure your documents are in order.  Now I know some of you are saying: "Duh!"  Trust me I've seen people try to fly to Europe with only a driver's license...I swear!  Get your passport...it takes 4-6 weeks, but once you have it, it's good for 10 years.  You can download the forms online and do it yourself,  If you go to the post office don't pay them to fill out the forms!  Passports fees are around $60.00 to renew, and a few bucks more to get for the first time.  The Post Office will charge up to $30.00 just to fill out your forms, I wouldn't do that, fill out your own forms and mail it in.

Make sure you alot plenty of time for travel.  The last thing you want to do is create stress on your vacation by being late and worrying about missing your flight.  Make sure you are at the airport two (2) hours before your flight...trust me that's not a long time with all the stuff you'll have to do.  My philosophy:  I ain't from Russia, so I ain't rush'in  :-).

Learn to pack light.  On a 5 day trip and less, Michele and I carry everything on...we don't check anything...it will also save you up to $80.00 bucks in checked baggage fees!  Carrying on takes skill so make sure you have the proper size luggage for the over-head.

Eat at the terminal.  Ya know you will pay 10-20% more, but again, why create the stress and hassle...crushing your sandwich in your handbag.  If you pack light and carry on, your hands will be full.  That sandwich and chips dangling from your wrist will have bounced off of your thigh so many times, you will think its a salad by the time you are through the security check point!  Food is to be enjoyed, and I like to eat my food freshly prepared.  All due respect to the 3rd grade field-trip...I've had my fill of soggy sandwiches.

Pay no attention to the tropical storm headed our way

Warning...Cancun is totally touristy, meaning all the stuff we have here in the States is over there...especially in the hotel zone.  You have to go north into the interior of the country to get an indigenous Mexican feel, although there is plenty of Mexican culture to take in...just be ready for all the marked up touristy prices on everything.  We stayed in the hotel zone which has excellent access to all the stuff we wanted to do: eat, sleep, relax, and spa!

The J.W. was very nice, not as nice as I expected for the flagship Marriott that competes with the Ritz Carlton, but extremely comfortable with great service and amenities.  All the rooms had a beach/pool view, and the on-site facilities were excellent.

The view from our balcony

Standard guest room, nothing too fancy - minus the embroidered house coat and slippers

We got in late that afternoon, so we decided to try one of the five in-house restaurants.  We chose Gustino's a warm and engaging venue featuring Italian fare.  Right away we knew this place was a cut above, as every detail was meticulously tended to: the greeting by the hostess, the entrance and presentation, the live saxophonist setting the mood, not to mention the complimentary first course: bruschetta with shrimp, organic greens, and a balsamic reduction.

The hook up, complimentary first course

Interestingly enough, we both had beef this particular night.  Michele had the Rib-eye Risotto, which was incredible!  It was hearty with tremendous flavor and depth.  I was pleasantly surprised at what this dish was not.  Being a connoisseur of risotto, I had high expectations and what came out was a great partnership of culinary creativity involving beef and pasta.

Rib-eye Risotto

I had the Rib-eye prepared with mushrooms in a red wine reduction accompanied by organic wilted spinach and potatoes.  My dish was a bit on the salty side and extremely bold.  The red wine reduction was steeped with rosemary, which was a little over powering.  I wanted something to counter balance the concentrated flavor of the reduction...maybe a creamy cheese based polenta or some black pepper grits...I know, I know...its the southerner in me, and me probably taking my critique too seriously.  Nitpicking aside, this place and food was excellent!

Rib-eye Steak (medium well) with organic wilted spinach and potatoes

We finished the night with a walk around the hotel to take in all the sights and amenities of the resort.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words...what to you think?

The pool and beach at night

The lobby entrance

All right that was day one, come back in a few days and check out the rest of the trip - we were there for 5 days.

Hasta Luego!