Aqui Es Con Flavio

by Margaret Fleming

We had lunch at Flavio's the other day. It sits on the Malecon overlooking the water right near the fish markets in the Old Port. The restaurant consists of a spacious room tiled and roofed, restrooms at one side and bar and kitchen at the other, but open at the back and the front. We sat at a table next to the railing and looked out at the sea. Ahead of us were nine shrimp boats spread out against the turquoise water just as if Flavio had arranged them on a stage for our viewing enjoyment. Behind them we could see several sailboats in the distance.

Another interesting sight was a mural on the side wall painted with an intriguing surrealistic design. At the other end a vocalist was singing Mexican songs. Flavio has always had live music. Our server brought drinks--one of Flavio's gigantic Margaritas for me and beer for John. We ordered shrimp cocktail, one of the specialties of the house that keeps loyal customers coming back.

We recalled that not too many years ago Flavio's had been just a small building with most of the tables and chairs outside on gravel. But the magnificent view of the sea was the same--and of course the wonderful food and drink. Flavio used to have signs that said, "Make a cow happy--eat fish," and "Make a pig happy--eat fish." Now the building has been enlarged and the decor enhanced. There's even space in front for parking, much in demand on the Malecon.

Flavio took us upstairs and showed us a whole upper floor that we hadn't been aware of. He pointed out that it would be a perfect spot for weddings and receptions. In fact, he said, there had been a wedding performed there recently. I could imagine the bride and groom standing up against a backddrop of sea and sky for the ceremony, followed by an elegant reception , all in a private open-air setting. Engaged couples, take note.

It was good to revisit this restaurant, one of our perennial favorites in Puerto Peñasco.

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