La Cata Del Mar

People and food. That’s what I remember when I travel. Tucked away in the La Cruz de Huanacaxetle Fish Market is a tiny restaurant called La Cata Del Mar — “a taste of the sea.” And it is.

Polo is the proprietor. He was the general manager at the Four Seasons as well as Puerto Vallarta’s famous, Cafe des Artistes. Evers was his right-hand man and Maître d’.

The restaurant game is hard work. It’s long, grueling hours. Finicky customers. Polo and Evers wanted something different. The freshest possible fish. Attentive service. Great wines. And, to be home at a reasonable hour with their families.

And that led to La Cata Del Mar. It’s a collaboration with Polo’s son a successful fishmonger at the market. It’s open from about noon to 6 pm every day except Monday. Yes, lunch or an early dinner. And that way, these guys can deliver an amazing culinary experience and be home to spend time with their families. It works for them. And it works for me.

Why am I writing about this place in a sailing travel blog? Because while the food is truly inspired, they’ve also become good friends.

When we took delivery of Roam she was tied up in the La Cruz Marina. By chance, I stumbled upon La Cata Del Mar. I am a sucker for tuna tartar and one taste of what these guys create and I was hooked. I was eating there pretty much every day. Polo also knows how to assemble a wine list — an interesting mix of French, American, and Mexican wines.

I’d eat, drink and talk. I’d have a problem and Evers would “know a guy.” He became our “fixer.” Need new keys for the door on the boat? Evers sent his locksmith. Pam needs advice on dealing with the local traffic police? Put them on the phone with Evers. It was wonderful. I looked forward to it every day.

When we moved the boat across the bay to Paradise Village I couldn’t eat there as much. But I managed to find excuses to get over to La Cruz for a tartar fix.

One day, we took Evers and his wife sailing. Fully intending to feed them like we would any sailing guests. However, Evers showed up and took over the galley. And, yes, he made tuna tartar for me!

Back up in California, I miss their cooking. Evers checks in on WhatsApp every few days. When are you guys coming back down? Soon. Very soon, my friend.

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