by Kathleen Horner
The Deck Bar and Grill is the new place to be for lunch, afternoon snacks, and cocktails at the bar or at tables under canvas shades. Enjoy the ocean breeze, tell a few stories, and watch more in the making with views of Pacifico 1, the tee box and green of Pacifico 17, the green of Pacifico 16, and the practice putting green. What a vantage point.
And what a menu! Many Tail of the Whale favorites are on The Deck's menu, like the grilled cheeseburger (with house-made barbecue sauce) or beef hot dog with French fries, Baja fish tacos, and Caesar Salad. Signature sizzling fajitas (beef, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable) are also available in a full- or half-portion skillet with Chef Bertha's famous seasoning blend and melty Oaxaca cheese. Warm corn or flour tortillas accompany by refried beans, Mexican rice, and guacamole.
Don't miss the chance to try new items as well. Start with the shareable Grilled Brie Cheese, served in a hot skillet and melted over grilled bell pepper slices with fresh basil leaves. Seasoned grilled bread is served on the side for dipping, or use a spoon to get every last bit.
The Blackened Fish Sandwich is a bite of big flavors: grilled mahi-mahi (or catch-of-the-day) dusted with a blend of dried chilis (árbol, guajillo, and pasilla) on a house-made Mexican telera bread roll with garlic avocado spread and jalapeño slices. The roll is not too thick; the heat is multi-layered. Choose from a mixed salad or crispy French fries on the side.
The Avocado Sandwich is a vegetarian offering in a fluffy house-made whole-grain roll stuffed with thick slices of avocado and tomato, crunchy lettuce and cucumber, jalapeño slices, pickled carrot, and cilantro. It's a satisfying bite, and the pickled carrot adds both texture and a hint of tangy flavor. (Added grilled chicken, skirt steak, shrimp, or fish are available.)
The Deck drink menu features The 'Jonesy' Margarita (with grapefruit juice)named after Mike Jones, and the John Daly, which is a basically an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade) with vodka. Bloody Marys and Mojitos are also on the menu. Not on the menu, but therefore the asking, is Nancy's Spicy Collins, a refreshing blend of vodka, lime, sparkling water, and a few freshly-diced serrano chilis. Salut!
Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (bar closes at 7:00), The Deck is your new gathering place after or before golf, or for just taking in fabulous views of Punta Mita's signature golf courses and practice facility. A is for appetiteso bring your A-game!