The Thirsty Parrot

[rplarry]

I usually go to the guy on the left just as you turn into the Malecon, but this weekend, he wasn't open. As I said, only about three of the markets were open. I used to go to Cowboy all the time, too, but he was also closed. Just took my chances with somebody else, but the shrimp, price and weights were all good. I think it was Armondos.

Yeah, definitely different down there right now. I hope they get it all sorted out.

I have bought shrimp, scallops, clams, flounder, sea trout, and "chicken fish" (which is unbelievable) for over 20 years from Jose'. Jose has his own place now right below what is/was (?) "El Perrico" next to the statue on the Malecon. I think he used to work at Armando's but opened his own space 1-2 yrs ago. He is very friendly and extremely honest, always telling me if the shrimp is fresh (more fresh) or frozen. He will tell me to avoid certain fish if it is too old, etc. He will cut bait, clean/shell my shrimp on the spot, clean any fish I catch, etc.

Just a good hearted guy who works hard at making relationships and hopefully loyal & long-term customers. ( I have seen his kids grow up from toddlers to now teenagers). I tip him well and would not go to anyone else, unless he is closed.

Just a thought in case anyone's loyal 'shrimp guy' might be closed or are looking for somebody new to buy shrimp from...

 

[rplarry]

I had wondered about the parking. Unless there is some special plan that we do not know about I think they have created a failure for the area. Half the fun of going there was all of the vendors inviting you in to see there stuff and buy. I also noticed concrete boxes being built on the streets that looked like future planters. If this is what they are there goes more parking. I wonder if they are planning on making the new building into a new grand mercado for all of these vendors. Who knows how great minds work and how planners minds don't.

I totally agree. Driving down to the Malecon and being able to park in front and run into one of the restaurants, or to buy shrimp, is part of the experience of going to Penasco. I think Kenny mentioned this as well.

The one thing I have never understood, especially when it is busy, is why the employees of the bars, restaurants and shrimp stalls... they all park their own vehicles right in front of the establishments they are waving the visitors and tourists to come in to AND by default , because of the filled up spaces, their customers have to just drive down the way to park somewhere else.

Seems it would be smart if those parking spaces were freed up for their customers. It might help at least a little bit... ??

 

[Smilin' Jack]

rplarry -It's because they like their vehicles, and prefer to keep them in sight.

 

[Smilin' Jack]

rplarry - Most of these guys sell the same stuff. We all have our favorite that we have dealt with for a number of years. However, any of these vendors who tells you that their shrimp is "fresh" is not being completely honest. Virtually all of the shrimp sold on the Malecon has been previously frozen and defrosted. The only truly "fresh" shrimp is bought off the pangas, usually with heads on. "Chicken fish" is incredible on the grill.

 

[dwig222]

We're planning to go down the week of January 11th for a little R&R, but for me it's to buy my shrimp for the year (about 35lbs.) I always buy from Alberto/Jessie. Do you think he will be closed? Are the shrimp vendors closed on weekdays? Are they ALL open on weekends? If we can't get shrimp from a reliable place, I might postpone my trip until Spring Break when I know it will be busy.

 

[kazpilot25]

I'm heading down on Thursday and wondering if anybody has an update on the malecon as of late? I LOVE the shrimp cocktails down there and NEED to get one, just don't want a big hassle to get in there. Also, what is the difference between brown and blue shrimp (I'm a shrimp newbie)?