($$$$) Bogart’s restaurant goes all out with the Casablanca theme (plus photos of Bogie himself thrown in for good measure) without going over the top, still maintaining the atmosphere of a cool, luxurious restaurant. The outer walls are lines with spacious booths and flowing sheer curtains, and the central part of the restaurant has a beautiful water feature and a grand piano. The food is delicious, and always elegantly presented. The piano music in the background completes the "Play it again, Sam" experience.

just the facts, ma'am: Bogart’s is open for dinner every night. It is one of the only restaurants in the area that is completely air-conditioned. Live piano music every night.

don't miss: The lobster and avocado appetizer arrives in an ice bowl, but is so delicious that it is guaranteed to be gone before the bowl melts. The duck is roasted with figs and is a delightful dish every time.

meet me @: Bogart’s is located on Ixtapa Blvd, next to Hotel Krystal in Ixtapa.

filed under: @ixtapa- fancy schmancy- restaurants by Bev (Nov 06)

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($$) For fans of chili, this recent creation of Canadian Deborah (of "Mamma Norma & Deborah" fame) is the place to be. This colorful restaurant serves a wide variety of Mexican and American/Canadian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, most of it leaning in the direction of Tex-Mex (which is generally not readily available in Mexico). Vegetarian dishes, including vegetarian chili, are also included on the menu.

just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 7:30 am to 11 pm. Choose between the airy sidewalk or shaded indoor seating with quite possibly the most complete collection of chili- and bean-themed décor!

don't miss: a must-have is Deborah’s clever creation, the chili chili, which is a chili relleño filled with chili. Absolutely delicious! Also, the nacho supreme salad and the BLT salad with honey mustard dressing are quickly becoming customer favorites.

meet me @: Chili Beans is located on Ixtapa Blvd, at Ixtapa Plaza #5, just across the street from the Emporio Hotel.

filed under: @ixtapa- casual dining- restaurants by Bev (Oct 06)

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($$$) La Malinche in Ixtapa is a lovely, relaxing setting for a nice meal. They serve a variety of traditional Mexican food for prices that are moderate for Ixtapa standards.

just the facts, ma'am: La Malinche is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 8 am until midnight. Happy hour (two for one beers and margaritas) is from noon until 5 pm.

don't miss: a trio of salsas is served with tortilla chips while you wait for your meal. The tomato salsa is fabulous, and the others are delish as well. The tortilla soup is served with the customary condiments of avocado, crumbly cheese, chilis and sour cream, and is a tasty light meal or appetizer.

meet me @: La Malinche is located in the Ixtapa Plaza, Anador Punta Potosi # 17, behind Señor Frog’s.

filed under: @ixtapa- casual dining- restaurants by Bev (Dec 06)

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($$) Lilian's Coffee is the area's first foray into franchised coffee shops. Located on the main strip of Ixtapa, Lilian's provides both hot and cold versions of many modern Starbucks-style drinks including cafe americano, cappuccino, mochaccino, espresso, and frappuccino. They also have pastries and bottled beverages including beer. Make sure to take the time and enjoy your freshly-brewed coffee or espresso under one of the umbrellas in front of the stand and take advantage of their wifi and prime people-watching location

meet me @: Lilian's is located on the main strip of Ixtapa across from Playa del Palmar. It is in the front of the Los Patios shopping complex.

filed under: @ixtapa- cafes by Isahrai (Dec 06)

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($$$) Canadian owner/chef Deborah has developed some tasty twists on the traditional Mexican favorites in this airy restaurant in Ixtapa. Menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner include the traditional (such as breakfast burritos & enchiladas) and the unique (like chili relleños with lobster and shrimp). The broad selection is certain to satisfy all tastebuds.

just the facts, ma'am: open daily from 8 am until 11 pm. It can be crowded at dinner time during high season, but it’s worth the wait for a table.

don't miss: piña colada pancakes, orange chipotle shrimp and Deborah’s award-winning chocolate cake.

meet me @: the purple awning marks the restaurant, located in the commercial shopping center between Señor Frog's and Banamex in Ixtapa.

filed under: @ixtapa- casual dining- restaurants by Bev (Oct 06)

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