Hi gang. RT here.

I’m working on a full-blown trip report, but in the meanwhile, here’s my latest gastronomical update: Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Camino Real.

In a word: Excellent! This buffet compares well with many of the better brunches back in the states.

The hotel is in Zona Rio, and is the standard $5 cab ride from the border. Go up the escalator, hang a right, and give the beautiful chica your name. I had to wait 15-20 minutes.

There was plenty of food: clams, oysters, stone crab claws (small), and a mixed seafood salad. Hot dishes included fish, chicken, pasta, many Mexican items and rib-eye. There were two soups. Sides numbered vegetables, rice, beans, and a bunch of other stuff. There were the standard breakfast items: omelets to order, huevos rancheros, sausage, cereals, etc. There was a separate table for breads and cakes/desserts. I know I’m leaving stuff off, but you get the idea.

The service was very attentive (my waiter spoke English), but incredibly, this was the only place in all of Mexico where I was spending money, that was not made to feel like a human ATM machine. It was a pleasure to be somewhere that the hustle factor was a zero!

I’m not sure of the brunch hours, but I left about 1 pm and there were still stragglers coming in. Also, there was a five-man set playing background music (Spanish).

Total including tip: $20 for one person. I asked for coffee – I have no idea if it was included or not. I saw others getting champagne. Juices were available on the buffet. Was this as good as the brunch at the Hotel Del Coronado? Hell no, but nothing is. Also, Hotel Del costs $30+, so what can you expect.

That’s it. Trip report coming soon.

RT