Salsa Sundays

[BP.]

I'm torn. The Tuluminatti have given Salsa Sundays at La Zebra enthusiastic reports. I haven't been yet. Loud music & DJ's are awesome, but I'm in the camp who generally likes Tulum's peace.

Gonna be nearby LaZ Sunday 26 Jul, and would like to at least have a meal there. Was thinking perhaps I'd bump into Margo there, but doing the math from her post about her US trip, don't think she'll be around.

So two questions about Salsa Night:
In case I loath it - Is it even audible at nearby places?
And in case I love it! - If any fellow trip-lurking Tuluminatti are there- look for some more- or let us know you'll be around, OK?

Cheers!
Barb

[beachreader]

It's not DJs, it's usually a live salsa band. I personally find live music far less noxious than recorded music (though they do play recorded salsa during the times the band takes a break), so that's a plus in my book.

I also find salsa less noxious than, say, techno. I think the music stops at LZ by 10:00, but perhaps someone can correct me there, so it's not going to keep you up all night.

Definitely try the dance lessons, they look really fun. I've been to salsa night twice, but neither time did any of my compadres want to dance, and the second trip one friend had a wicked nauseating headache so we couldn't stay long anyway. One of these days I'm going to actually go, sit at a table on the sand and really participate. The professional teachers they have are amazing dancers, so if you have any secret fondness for Dancing with the Stars or anything like that, you should have fun.

Food/bev service has been seriously slow on salsa nights, at least in high season, so you might consider going early for dinner or else going somewhere else for dinner and coming for the party later.

If you're staying where I think you're staying, yes, I'd imagine you can hear it there, so if you hate it, maybe you can go into town for the evening and hope it's over when you get home?

[irishgirl]

Hello Barb. Here's my take on it for what it's worth.

We were at La Z last Sunday for Salsa lessons. Yoohoo...I spotted Margo right away (we had yet to meet but I recognized her immediately!).

It was not nearly as busy or as loud or offensive as I anticipated. There really weren't that many people there at all and it seemed very family friendly, as there was a young boy out on the dance floor as well. We did a few lessons then had a couple of beers and left. We were really glad that we had the chance to experience it. We did not stay for the party just because we were tired from our long day of travel and were sleep deprived, but we would have loved to. So, I can't speak to the party but I just can't imagine it being that loud, crowded etc. in low season.

This past Saturday night we went to La Z for a few drinks and were literally the only customers at the place for a few hours. Kinda sad, really. On our way back to TDS from La Z, we walked past OM and they were having a "Party". Somewhat loud music and a few (maybe 1/2 dozen) people dancing in the sand just below the resaraunt. Not our cup of tea but not overly loud. The sound didn't seem to carry at all once we walked past.

You might just find that you'll enjoy it!! Be sure to let us know what you think if you check it out. Have a great time!!

[minniemex]

I loved Salsa night at La Zebra ~ I enjoyed watching the locals dance after the lesson more than I enjoyed the lesson. We made reservations for dinner for 8pm and they started dancing shortly after that I think. I can't remember if there was a live band?? Anyways, they really can dance salsa and I was very entertained while I ate my dinner and drank my drinks. We left before they were done, walked there via the beach and really about the time we reached NVdR, we couldn't hear the music anymore. I would guess that would always vary depending on which way the wind was blowing?? Understand, I love salsa music too.

[BP.]

Thank you so much beachreader & irishgirl & minniemex for sharing your impressions, and supplying great ideas & info.

Yes, BR, of course I'm staying where you think I am! ;) When I took a look at just how very close we are to LaZ, and arriving on a Sunday, I knew I had a mission- investigate this salsa thing up close! And the tequila bar should make it all OK! (Sidebar- I usually like tequila straight, but that margarita with fresh pineapple & ginger- I'll be dreaming about trying that one!)

Checked LaZ's website & it says DJ'ing until midnight, but who can say??? :)

Will try to remember details for a report! I'm up for something new- now who else will be lurking down there??

BTW- plan on trying two new eating spots this trip- Ocho & LaZ- which for lunch, which for dinner, or interchangeable? Well, make that three, as I want to try Trece Lunas for late breakfast or lunch- looked adorable when I was shopping at Posada del Sol last year. I know you guys like that spot. To hijack my own thread and divert to food talk, by the time I hit Zamas twice (breakfast & late night pizza) and maybe Don Cafeto's or La Nave in the pueblo, I've suddenly run out of mealtimes. :(

[Grasshopper]

BTW- plan on trying two new eating spots this trip- Ocho & LaZ- which for lunch, which for dinner, or interchangeable? Well, make that three, as I want to try Trece Lunas for late breakfast or lunch- looked adorable when I was shopping at Posada del Sol last year. I know you guys like that spot. To hijack my own thread and divert to food talk, by the time I hit Zamas twice (breakfast & late night pizza) and maybe Don Cafeto's or La Nave in the pueblo, I've suddenly run out of mealtimes. :(

Salsa Night at LZ you will have to experience it... okay for me but we got there too late and it was packed - again this was high season...I would love to go back during low season and enjoy it...anyway not the reason for my post.

We stayed at LZ in February and ate lunch both at LZ and Ocho - I liked both. We also ate at Om and liked that for lunch too. Most of our dinners were in town. Although I did have a dinner at Casa Banana on the jungle side right across from LZ and Nueva Vida ...great food, good price and fabulous service. Just my two peso's!

[heenan]

We've been to the Salsa Party at La Zebra twice. Most recently last November. We like it. We usually eat there at about 7:00 p.m. and do not stay too late. It is very much a family event with lots of kids. The salsa band was different each time and really good both times. We did not stay nearby so the volume of the music was not an issue for us. I would tell anyone to give it a try.

[BP.]

Thank you heenan & Grasshopper! Seems all the board members loved their Salsa nights! I can't go against prevailing wisdom, so now I am getting very psyched to check it out, thanks to all you guys!

[beachreader]

BTW- plan on trying two new eating spots this trip- Ocho & LaZ- which for lunch, which for dinner, or interchangeable? Well, make that three, as I want to try Trece Lunas for late breakfast or lunch- looked adorable when I was shopping at Posada del Sol last year. I know you guys like that spot. To hijack my own thread and divert to food talk, by the time I hit Zamas twice (breakfast & late night pizza) and maybe Don Cafeto's or La Nave in the pueblo, I've suddenly run out of mealtimes.


I don't love the sound of "DJ'ing until midnight at all. There used to be a music restriction on the beach of 10:00, but I guess that's changed. :(

As for food, I always run out of mealtimes before restaurants. I hate that! I've enjoyed all of my meals at Ocho (two breakfasts and a dinner, I think); the view is terrific. We heard a recent report of a great dinner there (maybe Mayaflya?), so unless you're having dinner at LaZ for salsa night (which I'm not sure I recommend given the service issues we've experienced there on salsa nights, though those were high season).

I would also recommend El Tabano for a dinner, depending on the heat and bug activity when you're there. Great food, cool ambience, subtle music, but alas not on the beach. Say hi to Israel if you go (taller guy with black-rimmed glasses).

I'm trying not to think too much about food for this trip. I know we'll have Bronco Pollo on our porch at least once and I'm sure we'll eat at Casa Banana once or twice, but other than that I'm not planning food things or I'll get depressed that I can't get to all of them!

[Lynnette]

I would (did) do dinner at Ocho (fabulous) and lunch at LaZ. I second Beachreader's recommendation of El Tabano...our very favorite dinner in May!!! As far as loud music from the salsa party, we couldn't hear anything but the rustle of palms and the crashing of the waves from NV. :)

[BP.]

All right then . . . inserting an extra meal into my 3 days/2 nights in Tulum to visit El Tabano. And Ocho will have to have a firm spot in the restaurant line-up. Weird thing is, meals/restaurants have been the one area I tend not to plan in advance. :confused:

I guess I'm in that pre-trip zone where I'm just so ready . . .

[beachreader]

Why don't you guys just hang around for another week so we can meet up? You can come up to Isla and meet us for whale-sharking, or you can just wait for us in Tulum. That'll give you plenty of nights to eat everywhere you want to.

Come on, what better things do you have to do at home? :)

[BP.]

Why don't you guys just hang around for another week so we can meet up? You can come up to Isla and meet us for whale-sharking, or you can just wait for us in Tulum. That'll give you plenty of nights to eat everywhere you want to.

Come on, what better things do you have to do at home? :)

Aww, you know I want to. I don't have much going on at all, but GF is in school full time right now, and I've surgically inserted this trip between her classes. Come down early . . . pretty please??? :D I've snagged this cool spot that an amateur trip-planner-soon-to-turn-pro planned for me for NADA! ;)

[beachreader]

Well, why can't she go home and you stay and play for a while longer? Hmmm?

[BP.]

You know, I saw that coming! Umm . . . gotta get the dogs outta the kennel??? Now wait . . . thought YOU were coming down early! :)

[beachreader]

No can do, got a job tying me down! I'm already practically sneaking away right between two big meetings.

So, GF gets the doggies out and has lots of peace and quiet to study for the next class?

[Margoinmexico]

Salsa Party ROCKS! Sorry I'll miss you Barb, but go anyway, and have fun!

They've done some new things lately, they built a new platform, so the band is on a separate platform higher than the dancers,,,,,,,and just last week they built a palapa roof over the band one. Hope they don't build one over the dance one, I love the under the starsness of it.

They have been having the lessons several days a week lately, but they are sporadic, maybe check in when you first get to town. The lessons are very fun, you don't have to have any experience at all, and by the tiime you are done, you have enough under your belt to have a bit more fun than if you don't. They do a great job with them. Check Tues, Sat and Sunday at 6, but sometimes a bit late. It is Mexico!

The live music starts at 9 and often ends about 10:30 or 11 and then they do have some canned music til about midnight, but not too audible for the neighbors. I can hear it at my house when the band is playing, but that lets me know when the break is over and to finish my cocktail and head back over for the fun! It is not unpleasantly loud, just adds a nice vibe to the beach.

They do often have dance exhibitions by the teachers and their friends, and that is super chido. Complete with sequins, feathers and big dips!

As far as eating there, why not go to the lessons, make your reservation when you get there, eat when you're done, then work it off on the dance floor!

[tbpeaceful]

Lucky you ! We had a fabulous lunch at La Zebra. Even hubby was impressed, which is a little hard to do. Would love to be there to check out Salsa lessons. Have fun.

Happy days - T.

[BP.]

Salsa Party ROCKS! Sorry I'll miss you Barb, but go anyway, and have fun!

They've done some new things lately, they built a new platform, so the band is on a separate platform higher than the dancers,,,,,,,and just last week they built a palapa roof over the band one. Hope they don't build one over the dance one, I love the under the starsness of it.

They have been having the lessons several days a week lately, but they are sporadic, maybe check in when you first get to town. The lessons are very fun, you don't have to have any experience at all, and by the tiime you are done, you have enough under your belt to have a bit more fun than if you don't. They do a great job with them. Check Tues, Sat and Sunday at 6, but sometimes a bit late. It is Mexico!

The live music starts at 9 and often ends about 10:30 or 11 and then they do have some canned music til about midnight, but not too audible for the neighbors. I can hear it at my house when the band is playing, but that lets me know when the break is over and to finish my cocktail and head back over for the fun! It is not unpleasantly loud, just adds a nice vibe to the beach.

They do often have dance exhibitions by the teachers and their friends, and that is super chido. Complete with sequins, feathers and big dips!

As far as eating there, why not go to the lessons, make your reservation when you get there, eat when you're done, then work it off on the dance floor!

How sweet that you're taking time from your awesome-sounding trip to chime in! Hope you are having a blast, Margo. I love your plan for my Sunday night!

[Margoinmexico]

No, I have a cold, sniff sniff.:eek:

[BP.]

Aww that's really sad . . . just read your other post w/details of your plans changing. Such a bummer. Don't ya know we're supposed to get sick GOING to MX, not LEAVING!! :) Feel better!

[beachreader]

I think she's just allergic to pine trees, or whatever it is they have way up north there.