Tamarind Margaritas in Punta de Mita, Mexico

This was the longest, most indulgent lunch I've ever experienced!

We stopped at Cafe des Artistes in the Hotel des Artistes, which is in Punta de Mita.

Before any food was served, we toasted our trip with tamarind margaritas. Delicious! The rim was dipped in a chile-salt mix that gave off a perfect bite when combined with the sweet tamarind.

The cocktails were followed by wine (two bottles of Malbec).

And appetizers (cheese plate, salad, lobster bisque).

And a main course (duck, snapper, osso buco).

And dessert (chocolate, sorbet, berries).

And coffee (cappuccino).

All of this was accompanied by long beautiful views of the ocean and lots of laughs.

It lasted three hours and when it was done, even though I don't smoke, I was hard pressed not to light one up when one of the other writers on the trip pulled out a pack.

The entire experience inspired this haiku:

cocktails before lunch

T - R - O - U - B - L - E

I forgot myself

What I won't forget is the wonderful feeling of lightness and shared humanity I felt while dining here.