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FOOD & DINING IN HONDURAS / HONDURAS DINING GUIDE

Honduras Info — Wed Nov 22, 2006 9:03 pm

Author: Honduras Info

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 9:03 pm

FOOD & DINING IN HONDURAS

There is a wide variety of restaurants and bars in Tegucigalpa and the main cities. However, you should step out a little and move beyond the recommendations that you have read about in all the Honduras travel books. How? A good place to start when looking for food is by walking the squares or plazas of Honduras, branching out, and looking for the places where locals are gathered.

If your Spanish is limited, you are always safe in ordering plato tipico. In Honduras, this typically consists of refried beans (red or black), crema, rice, a very salty piece of otherwise bland cheese, plantains (a fried sweet member of the banana family) and corn tortillas.

Plantains come prepared in different. Ask for maduros (mature) and they are the overly ripe ones you will see in the markets of Honduras. Often, on the north coast, they are apt to serve them less ripe (verde). On the islands, you can also find boiled plantains.

When in Tela, Ceiba or Roatan, the fresh fish is a must. Don't be so interested in what kind of fish it is; merely asked for what was caught that morning. Don't forget to try conch (pronounced 'konk' in English or caracol in Spanish).

Beef on the mainland is good but the range-grazed steer is a tougher cut than at home. However, the taste is superior. If you get to La Ceiba, Ricardo’s is an excellent restaurant but be prepared to pay North American prices. Save room for dessert and the coffee is magnificent.

Avoid uncooked vegetables (particularly salads) and fruits that haven’t been peeled. You have to have fresh pineapple for breakfast. Every day. One problem; You will never want to look at canned pineapple again.

Note: In Honduran restaurants, a hostess does not seat you. Walk right up to the table you would like and sit down. Honduran restaurants are beginning to establish separate smoking areas.

Tipping: Service is included in most restaurant bills. In hotels, cafes and restaurants, 10 per cent of the bill is customary where service is not included.

NIGHTLIFE IN HONDURAS / HONDURAS NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

Honduras Info — Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:26 am

Author: Honduras Info

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:26 am

NIGHTLIFE IN HONDURAS

TEGUCIGALPA

Tegucigalpa offers many options for the your enjoyment during the night. Following is a list with the most recommended establishments. From casinos to bars, discos and night clubs, we are confident that you will find the place to suite your taste.

Casinos

Casino Royale
The only full fledged casino in Tegucigalpa is the Casino Royale, located at the trendy Honduras Maya Hotel. Here you can try play a variety of games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more. Access to the casino is limited to foreigners, so make sure that you carry some sort of ID to prove that you are not Honduran. There is also a section with slot machines.

Video Cafeteria El Palacio

An ample selection of slot machines is available at this establishment, located in the Lomas de Guijarro sector of town.

Bars

El Mirador
Located at the trendy Honduras Maya Hotel, this is one of the favourite spots for locals and foreigners in the city. Good music, a good buffet with local bocas a complete selection of booze. Ask about their happy hour!

Portal La Leyenda
Although not located within Tegucigalpa city limits, this lovely, quaint café-bar located in nearby Santa Lucia is well worth the trip. Open daily, this charming bar, located next to the park in Santa Lucia is light by candlelight, offers soft music, a full international bar and a variety of light bites.

Bar Scenario
Located at the prestigious Real Intercontinental Hotel, this bar offers the most extensive liquor selection in town with the outstanding cocktails. A variety of local bocas, as well as an appetizer menu is available. There is a great selection of live music during weekdays, and Saturday night is Karaoke night. Sunday, this bar is the best spot in town to relax and enjoy your favourite sport on the giant TV screens.

Café Paradiso
Located on Calle Barahona, in the heart of town. This is a regular get together spot for many of the artists and writers that live in the city. It has a definite bohemian atmosphere to it. They also have an ample selection of local books and serve a good coffee.

Rojo Verde y Ajo
Located in the Colonia Palmira, one block off the Boulevard Morazan. Offers soft jazz music with a fully stocked bar. Popular with middle aged adults. A very pleasant atmosphere. Also has a full service restaurant.

Ruby Tuesday
A great bar to enjoy an extensive selection of tropical cocktails while chatting with friends or watching your favorite sport games on TV. Open daily till late. Located on Avenida Juan Pablo II, close to the Multiplaza Shopping Mall.

Fridays
The typical US neighbourhood bar is also here in Tegus. Located at the Multiplaza Shopping Mall. Open daily till late. Extensive selection of tropical cocktails and drinks.

Bar Iguana Rana
A relatively new bar with an informal, sports bar type atmosphere located at the boulevard Morazan, A usually young crowd get together spot. Light snacks and a fully stocked bar.

Taco Taco
Located one block from the Boulevard Morazan. A popular get together spot with the local and middle aged crowd of the capital. A full service bar and Mexican style tacos are available. Outdoor and indoor ambiance's.

Oui
A combination of Bar, Disco and Karaoki Bar. Located in the Juan Pablo II Boulevard. Three different atmospheres, each with a different theme: Bar, Disco and Karaoki Bar. A Lps. 50.00 per person cover charge guarantees a select crowd. The bar is well stocked and the Karaoki offers over 500 different titles in both Spanish and English. The Disco offers giant screens and monitors. Closed Sunday. Open from 8:00 p.m. till 4:00 a.m.

Arenas Sport Café
Located in the Boulevard Morazán, this sports bar is a very popular spot for the local crowd. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. Major sporting events, such as NFL, NBA, boxing and baseball matches are shown via satellite on their screens throughout the establishment. During the NFL season, they are also open on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. There is a selection of light food, such as chicken wings, tapas, etc available. A good selection of mixed music is available. Cover charge from Thursday to Saturday.

El Cabildo Bar
Located at the Hotel Prado in the heart of downtown Tegucigalpa. Good atmosphere with ample selection of domestic and imported beers and cocktails. Live music from Monday through Saturday during the evening and night. Without doubt the best bar in downtown Tegus.

Clubs

Tropical Port Disco
A continous selection of salsa and merengue music distinguishes this disco from the others in town. A good bar selection is available. Located on the Boulevard Miraflores. Closed on Sundays.

Confetti's Disco
Located on the Boulevard Morazan, this is one of the newer discos, and a sister establishment to the disco in San Pedro Sula that has the same name. Giant screens and good music. Open daily except Monday.

Alejandros Disco
Located on the Boulevard Morazan, across the street from Confetti's Disco. Giant screens and full bar service.

SAN PEDRO SULA

At first site you might think that San Pedro Sula is lacking in activities for the night owls, however that is far from true. Amongst the varieties are a casino, movie houses, bars and night clubs. The best movie theatres in San Pedro Sula are the Geminis, Plaza de Sula and Aquarius, all located either on the Boulevard Morazan or a couple of blocks away from this important avenue.

Casinos

There is only one casino in San Pedro Sula, The Casino Copan. It is located in the Hotel Copantl and is open daily from 8:00 PM. Hondurans are prohibited by law to enter the casino, so you will only find foreigners, although there are frequently many foreign legal residents that hang out here. Games include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat as well as slot machines. Proper attire is required at the casino, and you will be requested to show your passport as proof that you are not Honduran to gain access. In addition, El Palacio, located on Avenida Circunvalacion offers slot machines. Open from noon till 4:00 am.

Bars

There are several good bars in town, some of which offer happy hour specials, as well as a particular theme that gives them their own personal touch. Following are the most recommended bars in town.

Don Udo's
Pleasant setting in an outdoor deck, located next to Don Udo's Restaurant. One of the fashionable places to hang out for the locals. Ample selection of mixed drinks. On weekends (Thursday to Saturday) there is always live music. Accepts all major credit cards. Open until midnight.

Clancy's Bar
Located at the trendy Princess San Pedro Sula. One of the more refined bars in the city. Open from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Live entertainment, snacks and good booze. A perfect spot to have an appetizer before dinner or a night cap just before turning in for the night.

El Capitan
Located in the exclusive Los Proceres Hotel, this elegant bar offers an extensive wine and cocktail list, domestic and imported drinks as well as a daily happy hour from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. Good "bocas" served.

Bar Guacamaya
At the Hotel Saint Anthony. Happy hour from 7 to 8 p.m. Open from 6:00 PM to 11:00PM daily.

Bar Las Rejas
Located at the lobby of the Hotel & Club Copantl. A good place to meet with other travelers before going out into town. Nice atmosphere, giant TV screen and exotic cocktails and bocas.

Bar Oro Verde
Located in the heart of downtown at the Gran Hotel Sula, this bar offers a good combination of locals and tourists as well. Open from noon till midnight. Bocas and exotic cocktails available.

Las Rocas Pool Bar & Grill
Located at the top of the International Palace Hotel, on the pool deck and with an outstanding view of San Pedro Sula. A good selection of grilled dishes, and a full bar service. The cool evening breeze will surely refresh you from this vantage point.

Conquistador
Bar with restaurant service specializing in typical Honduran food. No credit cards are accepted. Located in the Zona Viva district on 16 Avenida and 10 Calle.

Mangos Cafe Bar
Variety of international and domestic cocktails in a pleasant open terrace, as well as reserved rooms. Pool tables, dancing floor. Modern music played. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Located in Zona Viva district on 16 Avenida and 9 Calle.

Los Cocos Bar
Located at the Bolivar Hotel downtown. Open from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. Air conditioned. Relax and enjoy your favourite drink as you enjoy the view to the shaded pool of the hotel.

Caribbean Bar
Located within the zona viva district, on 16th ave and 10th street S.W.. Open Monday to Thursday from 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. and Friday and Saturday till 4:00 a.m. Domestic and international cocktails and pop-rock and alternative music.

Gators Karoaki Bar
A new establishment in the heart of the zona viva. Located on 15th Avenue and the corner of 11th street S. O. A nice open air deck, combined with the Karaoki Bar inside offers two different atmospheres. Light foods are served. Open from 5:00 p.m. till past midnight. Closed on Sunday.

Clubs

Henry's Discotheque-Bar
Open Thursday through Saturday. Dancing floor with good modern music. Full bar service. Also pool tables. Without question the classiest disco in town. Located on Avenida Circunvalacion. Cover charge at entrance. Visa and Master Card are accepted.

Confetis Disco
Giant screen and dance hall with modern disco music. Full service bar. Popular with the local crowd. Accepts Visa & Mastecard. Located on Avenida Circunvalacion. Cover charge.

El Quijote Discotheque
The most exclusive of the San Pedro Sula Discotheques, with modern music and very pleasant atmosphere. Master Card and Visa are accepted. Located on 11 Calle between 3rd and 4th Avenidas, Barrio Lempira, S. O. Entrance cover charge.

SHOPPING IN HONDURAS / HONDURAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Honduras Info — Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:18 am

Author: Honduras Info

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:18 am

SHOPPING IN HONDURAS

GENERAL

Visit the local markets where local craftsmanship is excellent and inexpensive. Typical items include woodcarvings, cigars, leather goods, straw hats and bags, seed necklaces and baskets.

Shopping hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1800, Sat 0800-1700.

Currency

Lempira (HNL) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of HNL500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centavos. A real is one-eighth of a Lempira, and is used colloquially, though there is no such coin.

Currency exchange

Sterling cannot normally be exchanged, except at branches of Lloyds Bank; visitors should therefore take US Dollars.

Credit & debit cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Some banks offer cash withdrawal with Visa or Mastercard. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Traveller's cheques

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import and export of local or foreign currency, but it is advisable to declare US Dollars.

SHOPPING IN SAN PEDRO SULA

Shopping in San Pedro Sula can be fun. The best place to purchase everything from rum, coffee and vanilla, as well as handicrafts to take home as souvenirs is the Guamilito market. This very large market opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. The first rule at Guamilito is you barter any price that is given to you. As a general rule, you should be able to pay between 15 and 20% less than the original price you were quoted. The local rum is the Flor de Caña, and they have several different quality products. The best is the Reserva, that is 7 years old. This is a great rum that can even be drunk strait or on the rocks. The best coffee brands are Cafe Welchez and Café Miramundo.

As for handicrafts, the most attractive are the handmade wood carvings, as well as the weaved baskets and panama hats from Santa Barbara. These items have colourful patterns and are a real bargain.

There are many souvenir shops in town. Try Casa del Sol, located just accross the street from the Guamilito Market. This has excellent products at good prices. The newest shopping experience in town can be found at La Plazita, located across the corner from Guamilito market. This new establishment is actually a small artisan plaza, including a cigar shop and a small café. When stopping at Guamilito, make sure you visit La Plazita.

For all around shopping, there are two shopping malls in San Pedro Sula. The brand new Multiplaza is by far the trendiest in town, offering many of the better souvenir shops in the city, as well as art gallery's, and fashion clothes. The mall is fully air conditioned and can unquestionably offer a break from the hot climate that San Pedro is famous for. Eating in the mall is made simple with an ample food court that includes franchises such as Burger King and Subway in addition to other excellent restaurants that are local, such as El Catrachito and Mexiquense. Multiplaza is located across the street from the Copantl hotel, and the new Camino Real Hotel that is under construction will be adjacent to the mall.

Megaplaza, the other mall in town is only four years old and offers a more open air atmosphere. Here you can purchase just about anything you might need. It is conveniently located on the road to the airport, so you will surely see it on your way in or out of town.

Although not really in San Pedro Sula, but definitely worth your time is the brand new Turicentro Imapro located in EL Progreso, on the road to Tela. Only a half-hour drive from town, and with what is without doubt the most complete selection of outstanding souvenirs in the country, including an ample selection of the best Honduran hand made cigars. Prices are more that fair and the selection and variety of products for sale here will impress you.

Wood Carvings

If you have the time to go as far as Progreso, located 30 km from San Pedro Sula, besides enjoying the banana plantations, and maybe even going into one of them, you should not miss the IMAPRO handicraft school. This unique artisans school gives you the opportunity to see artisans at work carving wood. They only carve fine mahogany boards, and their pieces are real works of art. They have an ample selection of finished work on exhibit, all of which are for sale, and best of all, you can use your credit card to pay for it. Where else do you have the opportunity to purchase a handicraft and actually meet the artisan who made it? Prices are good and they are fixed, so don't try bartering here. If you don't have time to go to Progreso, visit the IMAPRO store in San Pedro, located on 1 Calle between 4 and 5 Avenidas N.E. They have a fine selection of souvenirs and wood carvings.

Leather Items

Honduran leather items are of fine quality at only a fraction of the price they would be overseas, making your visit to Honduras a great time to purchase these. Bags, attaches, belts, wallets and even garments are a bargain. There are four local producers in San Pedro Sula whose quality is up to par with international standards: Danilo's Pura Piel, La Maison du Cuir, Latino's Leather and Lesanddra Leather. Danilo's has a store in town at their factory, located at 18 Avenida "B" # 180 corner with 9 Calle S. O. La Maison du Cuir has a shop on the Boulevard Circunvalacion, almost across from the Andes supermarket, as well as a new shop at the Multiplaza mall. Latino's has a shop at the new Multiplaza Mall and Lesanddra's has one at the Megaplaza shopping mall.

Honduras has a long history as a silver mining country. Excellent artisans work the silver and produce very artistic and high quality silver products and jewelry. There are several different jewelers in town, but one of the most reputable is the Joyeria Cantero, whose shop is at the Boulevar Circunvalacion, across the street from Burger King. Another popular item are paintings by Honduran artists. These usually depict colonial towns and mountain landscapes that are typical of Honduras. The best selection of these can be found at the Maymo art Gallery.

Last, but not least, Honduran cigars have become an excellent souvenir or gift to take back home. Although Honduras is one of the leading countries manufacturing hand rolled cigars, the vast mayority of these are exported, which makes it difficult to find good cigars locally. In San Pedro, Cigar and Coffee, located at the new La Plazita market, across the street from the Guamilito Market offers the most complete variety of cigars. There is also a cigar and tobaco shop at the Gran Hotel Sula, however they do not offer such a wide selection. Cigar and Coffee shop at La Plazita also offers a variety of export quality coffee packaged in different forms that is also a good souvenir to take back home.

Looking for bookstores

scargosun — Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:48 am

Author: scargosun

Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2006 10:48 am

My Mom is currently in Honduras on her first trip as a teacher volunteer. She is looking for information about bookstores in Honduras. Any information you can provid would be very helpful. Thank you!