PLAYA DEL CARMEN -Two weeks ago I was just having one of those days (yes Jazz does have bad days) so I decided to head out of the house and explore. I’ll often come back from these missions refreshed, realizing that things are never as bad as they seem. On this particular Friday I made my way to 46th Street (CTM) and 10th Avenue where I was told about “Mr. Chicken”...a local in Playa Del Carmen that serves up some of the best BBQ chicken in town.
When you look at the photos you’ll quickly agree that Zurito is your classic off the beaten path discovery. I sat down on one of Zuritos wooden bar stools and watched punch buggys putter by. The lady behind the counter said something to me (my Spanish sucks) which i assumed was “can I get you anything”. I looked at the man behind her and and said “I was told to come here to see Manuel....or “Mr. Chicken”. The man stopped chopping his carrots, looked up at me and smiled. “How can I can help you” he answered in English. I had found the man.
My bad day was quickly turning into a good one. Manuel served me his last chicken with a side of sauteed potatoes along with fresh tortillas and warm soup. I told Manuel that I was trying to eat healthy and would pass on the Coke or cervecas. He then asked if I wanted fresh juice? I said sure, why not. Manuel then reached under the counter and pulled out a juicer! Minutes later I was sipping on freshly made carrot juice, pretty impressive I thought. We began to chat about the world, his travels, life, and that’s when I decided to pull out my Iphone and take a quick video. Manuel immediately went into shy mode which is why I had to ask many questions but at least you’ll get a feel for Zurito and “Mr. Chicken.
The more I listened to Manuel the more I was impressed. He had taken over Zurito recently from another local and decided that serving up the best local chicken was going to be his speciality. He also noted that his choripan is a must try....so two signature dishes. Most tourists like me would pass by his restaurant and wouldn’t think about stopping by. Another deadly assumption would be to think that this local Mexican has never been outside his own country but it turns out that Mr. Chicken has probably seen more of the world than most of us. He worked in Asia, travelled the US, parts of Mexico, Europe, a lifestyle that he loved but recently decided to change. Manuel seemed very humbled about his worldly experiences and was happy doing what he loves most, to cook!
I paid my bill (did I mention that you can get a whole chicken with sides for $90 pesos....ya, $7.48 USD!!) and headed back home with a smile. Trying Zurito based on a tip from my friendly Vancouver neighbor was a cool reminder that there’s just so much to see, to do, and that this world is filled with good people. Sometimes hitting the road and trying something new can make a bad day into something worth writing about :) Good luck Mr. Chicken, thanks for the carrot juice!
