More than a Meal: Lalaxtli Bread Restaurant
Tara A. Spears
In the mood for Zen dining? This charming hidden jewel on the beach in Chacala is worth the drive. Lalaxtli Bread Restaurant, cell 311 240 6576, is an excellent break from the hustle and crowds of the hotel zones in Jaltemba Bay. Besides having outstanding breakfast and lunch, the view is stunning! Open daily from 8 am-4 pm plus in the evenings 6 – 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.
The extensive menu features 20 different breakfast meals varying from toast with fruit, Eggs Benedict, omelets to crepes. In addition to a kid´s menu, there are many vegetarian options. The dessert choices are so temping and there is even a pet menu! Love a thick sandwich? Lalaxtli has 19 tasty sandwiches all on fresh baked buns, wrap, or bread. If you prefer a lighter meal, the salads are flavorful options. All food is exceptional quality and flavorful, as indicated by the 100% five -star rating on Trip Adviser. Your hosts, Edgar and Esther, believe in providing good service, quality, savory, healthy food. Cash only but there is an ATM on premices. Restaurant Lalaxtli Bread stands out for its delicious, fresh artisan food, charming Zen atmosphere, and its historical location.
Having ‘artisan’ in its name is significant. A true artisan baker is a skilled craftsperson whose bread is defined by method and ingredients. Unlike mass-produced bread that relies on predominantly industrial processes and additives, artisan bread is crafted with care and attention to detail.
The majority of bakers choose this method because of a deep-rooted passion for how food should be made. The best ingredients, minimal number of ingredients, respect for the process, bread that is flavorful and nutritious, are the main objectives to an artisan baker. It is only recently that we are defining artisan bread to distinguish it from the commercially mass-produced bread in the market place. According to Bread Bakers Guild of America, one can tell a loaf is truly artisan by its imperfect beauty, appealing aroma and exceptional taste.
Key characteristics that make artisan bread healthier are that it has fewer ingredients, often with no additives; complex flavors due to longer fermentation, and organic, natural ingredients. Lataxtli bread excels in all areas.
Part of the restaurant’s charming atmosphere is its structure. Lalaxtli does not have a roof or walls! As you enter the ruins of a centuries’ old armory, the lush jungle vegetation transports you back in time to a calmer time. It’s so peaceful in the shade of huge strangler fig and mango trees with the breeze coming off the water as the sun sparkles on the ocean. I anticipated a half-clothed pirate to stroll up from the beach in search of a cold beer. The leather barrel chairs enhance the rustic vibe and the hand-carved live-edge jungle wood tables are classic hacienda style furniture. Perfect décor for an artisan menu. Very romantic, organic, and relaxing.
To reach Chacala it’s a pleasant 20 minute drive north of Penita. After driving on 200, you will turn left to go down a twisty road through mango groves and jungle that sets the stage for the romance of the village. The name Chacala comes from Nahuatl and means “where there are shrimp.” Chacala was a coveted port during the 16-18 centuries that had commercial links with other South American ports. Chacala was a place of exchange for goods of all kinds, such as wine, European silks and Peruvian silver. The history of the area is based on fishing, and boats are often moored in the bay.
In fact, Restaurant Lalaxtli Artisan Bread hugs the shore next to the Harbor Master’s office on the north end of the inlet which provides its stunning vistas. Chacala is located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, about 62 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. This beach town is off the beaten path, surrounded by lush jungle vegetation, pristine beaches, and gentle waves. It has a population of around 350 year-round residents, making it an ideal destination for laid-back visitors and a perfect location for this unique restaurant.
If you appreciate the unique, you’ll love Lalaxtli Artisian Bread restaurant. Excellent food, calm atmosphere, and wonderful service. Thank you to Esther and Edgar for their creative vision that makes a meal at Lalaxtli a memorable experience!
