La Marina Inn with 23 Rooms, 3 Suites and George’s Restaurant – Poolside
I was honored to attend a party for the remodeled La Marina Inn and George’s Restaurant. It was a lively affair with lots of family and old friends of the previous owners, the Armstrong’s. The new owners, Melinda and John Pentz, have worked their magic renovating this little piece of old Cabo where the Armstrong family and their staff have welcomed its patrons for over 20 years. Chef Hugo and his team prepared a gorgeous, whimsical and delicious buffet in Hugo’s new kitchen. The margaritas and music were flowing and lots of old stories and memories shared.
Chef Hugo in the Back Row with Glasses and His Staff
Chef Hugo’s Whimsical and Delicious Appetizers
George Armstrong, his family and staff took real pride in making folks feel at home when they opened in 1995 and that is the tradition that John and Melinda Pentz want to carry forward. They understand they have a diamond in the rough and have pledged to keep the Armstrong vision alive by offering a traditional Mexican atmosphere, a cozy room for your vacation stay and amazing food.
Room at La Marina Inn
John Pentz gave a moving speech about his love for George Armstrong and talked about his friendship with this Renaissance man who was among other things a developer, an aviator and an extremely intelligent individual who was ahead of his time. “We would like to dedicate George’s restaurant in the memory George and for the future of La Playita. When you come to the La Marina Inn and eat at George’s – the Renaissance man will be in all of you.”
After the festive party last week, I had dinner at George’s with friends this week. George’s is an unpretentious restaurant that supports our local fishermen and the restaurant was full of people enjoying the ambiance. I was able to spend time with Chef Hugo at the end of the evening to learn more about his journey from the Palmilla to Havana’s to La Marina Inn and finally George’s. He is passionate about his food and is proud of his accomplishments as well he should be.
We started with something I had never tried – Mariscos Bomba – deep fried flour tortillas stuffed with sauteed seafood served with black beans and cream. I would return to George’s just for this dish. But the star of the evening for me was whole red snapper deep fried which is called Huachinango. It was not on the menu but Chef Hugo agreed to prepare it for us. It appeared in all its glory served with a simple garlic butter and it was heavenly. The evening ended with Chef Hugo’s signature dish, coconut and chocolate flan.
Coconut Flan
The menu has something for everyone so if you are not a fish or seafood person, there are pizza parties on Tuesdays, steaks, burgers, pork chops, ribs and chicken, pasta, soups, salads and traditional Mexican fare. It may take me awhile, but I plan to eat my way through their menu.
They are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Located near the San Jose’ Marina across from El Gonzo Hotel.
Office: 624 142-4166
U.S. Cell: 949 375-3214