Volume 10 - Issue 1, February 15, 2008 - Lake Chapala Review

Page 14 Lake Chapala Review
February 2008
In & Out Dining
by Norma de Plume Pepito’s
Another new eatery! It’s just impossible for me to keep
up. Pepito’s, it seems has been created for those who
don’t always want a huge dinner, or perhaps for those
who want a change from Mexican food. It’s a small place
with a small but varied menu. The service is friendly and
prompt. I had heard from several people that the food
was excellent and, while I’ve only been once, I have to
agree. Four of us ate together and, unfortunately for this
column, the others all had the hamburger which they all
enjoyed. I had a Philly cheese steak sandwich which I
had never eaten before (remember I come from north of
Philly). Wow, was it scrumptious! Thin slices of tender
rib eye are smothered with fried onions, mushrooms and
then the melted cheese all on a fresh baguette and served
in a basket. All orders come with fried potatoes or onion
rings: I asked for half of each so I could try both. Can I
use the crummy word, “yummy”? The fries probably have
a proper name and I should have asked what it is. They
are not French or home fries but cut in a sort of woven
design then deep fried. MMmmmm.
Because I called ahead for my take out order, they gave
me a photocopy of the menu, and I didn’t have to borrow
one, or try to take notes surreptitiously. You can choose,
for $56, The Pepito, which is a beef tenderloin sandwich.
A barbequed pork loin sandwich is $48. There is also a
bbq chicken for $48 and my next choice, Alaskan salmon
sandwich at $58. Vegetarians will be pleased that there is
a veggie and cheese for only $42. My companions had
the Angus burger but there;s also, for the very hungry,
the Royal which is a half-pound of burger, done as you like
it, for $58. Remember all come with those unique fries
or onion rings. For two pesos more you can have cheese
added to your burger and for only five pesos, bacon.
Dessert? I don’t often eat them but couldn’t turn
down a Haagen Dazs ice cream bar. Beverages include
Starbucks’ Frappucino (in a bottle) and A&W Root Beer (in
a can) and there are several beers and wine. I did notice
the glass was larger than in some places and costs $35.
There are a few tables inside in case of bad weather
but the outside tables all have easy-to-move umbrellas to
keep us in the shade.
Pepito’s is located next to the Waffle House on the
highway on Ajijic’s east side. Open 11:30 to 6 except
Saturdays when they’re open 12 to 5:30. Don’t ask. I
don’t know why the half-hour diference. This is Mexico!
They’re closed on Sundays.
BITS AND BITES
Let’s hope this doesn’t become a trend but recently
a friend and I went to El Guayabo, the restaurant at the
end of the restaurant pier. It’s always been my fave for
molcajete. Well, when we were presented with our bill,
the tip was included. This was not a hand-written bill but
one generated from a cash register. The amount was not
more than we would have left but how presumptuous!
The size of the tip is for the customer to decide. Good
service, good tip. Am I wrong?