Saturday, September 29, 2012
La Roca, Nogales, Sonora , Mexico
You won't find the most famous restaurant south of Tucson at the elegant Tubac Resort and Spa, nor in sprawling Green Valley. The Cow Palace in Amado despite hosting John Wayne, Stewart Granger and other notable Hollywood cowboys is not the most famous either. One and only one restaurant has held the title for the the last forty years, and it is the spacious architectural gem located a mere block and a half inside the Mexican border simply called, La Roca.
The massive wrought iron gates, stone paved patio and colossal fountain greet us along with the bountiful greenery, abundant stylish outside furniture, fresh bright paint and generous second story windows. La Roca looks more like a stately mansion than a restaurant, however it is not stuffy in the least, it is vibrant, fun and alive with activity. It is a special place that mixes a bygone age of leisure with a contemporary zing that is unique. The many employees you'll notice all wear a smile with their clean pressed uniforms, in fact their pride is contagious, we the patrons are proud to be there.
Climbing the wide stairway to our destination we enter the main dining room to the warm greetings from Captains Enrique and Lupe to their handsome waiters in starched white jackets, black bow ties, and name tags (least we forget), even the uniformed busboys are welcoming. Now where to sit? Near the ample stage? The alcoves that are carved out of the mountain's stone? Near the roaring fireplace on a frosty night? Or perhaps the bright, comfy booths along the windows with splendid views of the gardens? Vases of fresh flowers, bright Mexican paintings, and artifacts mingle with the colorful cotton tablecloths and napkins that await our attentions.
This evening as its my guests first visit we choose to continue to the bar. El Balcon, La Roca's bar is past the ritzy bathrooms, spacious kitchen, and elegant meeting room that is inviting rather than sparse. More tables line more windows overlooking the massive fountain, another two smaller rooms with flat screens and Viola! we're in the bar. El Balcon as you might have guessed has a large balcony replete with tables and chairs looking out on the street, where I can grab a smoke. Inside we notice the polished copper bar and stools along with comfortable overstuffed leather chairs. Some choose to dine in El Balcon and do so on pounded silver Nambe trays, perhaps watching something on the massive flat screen. Tonight though, we sip our frozen margaritas and daiquiris Roberto so expertly concocted and flag down Lupe for our table.
We are seated as the mariachis softly play an old favorite from the stage, the glasses of purified water and colorful billboard style menu arrive with a smiling waiter. I explain to my guests that Sonora the Mexican state that we are in serves the finest beef in all of Mexico and it is the home of Guaymas on the Sea of Cortez where the huge and tasty jumbo prawns come from. I also share with them that the sea bass is outstanding. By the time we are finished we end up sharing a single flan with our Mexican coffee. For we three, the bill (including tip, and our drink in El Balcon) came to an even 100.00. Quite a bargain for the quality and quantity we devoured. However, you can take advantage of La Roca's buffet either for lunch or breakfast on the weekends and there you'll get the same outstanding service, and great food for under 10.00 for breakfast, and under 15.00 for lunch.
Now, when you mention Southern Arizona to your friends back home, and they say (as they always do) "Did you go to La Roca?" you can smile and say " Absolutely ! ". Reservations are encouraged. Call from your cell phone if you'd like an escort from the border. For hours, directions, telephone, menus, catering, special events and the world famous artisans store on premises called, El Changarro see:
www.larocarestaurant.com
www.larocarestaurant.com
Labels: Arizona, Charles Spencer King, eats, El Changarro, fine dining, food, La Roca, Mexico, Nogales Sonoran, Sonora, Tubac
# posted by Cubaking @ 12:24 AM 
