Authentic Mexican Pastries and Coffee: Walk Up Café El Rodeo
Tara A. Spear
For all the visitors staying in Guayabitos hotels, now it’s easy to treat yourself to an authentic Mexican pastry and specialty coffee without taking a taxi. Located on the main street, Ave Sol Nuevo #37, you can walk from most resorts or hotel in a matter of minutes. The café is open every day from 8 am until 10:30 pm to enable one to satisfy your urge for coffee any time. This charming little coffee shop offers espresso, latte, Americano, or cappuccino besides a variety of cold coffee beverages. Add one of the fresh daily pastries and life is good! You can call in orders, 327 274 1367, for pick up and take your goodies to the beach. Feeling hungry for more than pastry? Not a problem as Café El Rodeo has a great selection of pizza and sandwiches.
Designed and decorated by noted artist Roberto de Gil, the intimate space has beautiful art and logo products that are nice souvenirs. With the refrigerator case front and center you don’t have to worry about speaking Spanish- simply point. Behind the case is a quaint chalkboard listing the beverage choices. The talented chefs of the full restaurant create the cakes, muffins, desserts that are sure to please. The lemon torte is outstanding as is the popular sour dough bread.
Many people are unaware that Nayarit Mexico coffee is rated one of the best organic coffees worldwide. Most Mexican coffee beans tend to be mild and light-bodied, making them perfectly suited for use in blends and artificially flavored coffees. In many ways, these beans are similar to Guatemalan coffee, owing to the similar climates and the imports of Guatemalan coffee plants into Mexico. Café El Rodeo serves the highly rated ‘Café Carrula’ brand in several types of roast as well as the tasty ‘Café Penita de Occidente’ in the gold package.
Mexican specialty coffee has its own unique flavor profile. These beans tend to have a dry, crisp acidity and delicate body. They are often sweeter than regular Mexican coffee, with floral and fruit flavors and notes of chocolate and spice. Dark roasts are very common in Mexican coffee, but you can still find light and medium roasts if that’s your preference.
Since 2019, the Undersecretary of the state Economic Development has run a promotion for the Nayarit coffee growers. “Nayarit is located in a biome of Mexico that offers year-round growing season. That’s why the process of maturation lasts longer than in other regions. Due to the climate and altitude, the cherries take longer to ripen, allowing them to develop their sugars to the maximum. The result is a very fruity tone with delicate aromas, rich flavor, good body and balanced acidity.”
There are several reasons why Nayarit grown coffee is superior. In Nayarit, the coffee-growing areas receive the high moisture content breeze from the Pacific Ocean throughout the year. Another factor is that the soil has volcanic origin, with a high content of organic matter. These unique characteristics create a favorable environment for the cultivation of quality coffee.
Not only does Café El Rodeo feature locally grown organic coffees that are exceptional quality, after one cup, you’ll be purchasing a bag of ground coffee beans to take home! Café Carrula is one of Mexico’s best coffees. It’s easy to toss a couple of bags in your suitcase as a vacation souvenir for yourself and as gift for house sitters.
While you’re there, pick up a personalized El Rodeo mug to bring home. It’s a great conversation starter to share trip highlights or to simply enjoy your coffee while gazing at the ocean. When you go to the café, check out the full menu available for take-out. Although it has just been open a few months, Café El Rodeo is a fantastic addition to the area dining experience.
