Late lunch here at Palagar was a relaxing experience. The food was really good, but the view and atmosphere added something that you smell and savor along with everything else. Should I say that you breathe it.

Old town vibes since you approach the place. Nothing fancy, which I definitely like.

On a Sunday at 3 in the afternoon, the sun still shines brightly in this coastal town, even when the sky threatens to pour down with heavy rain.

The sky is still blue, can you believe it? Even the cheap camera of my cell phone can capture it. There are some clouds in the distance who refuse to go away.

This large churuata welcomes you majestic though unpretentious...

Devoted.

Inviting.

They offer sea charter besides their delicious food and drinks, just in case you're interested.

As soon as we entered, the staff greeted us with a smile and asked us where we'd like to sit. We chose the area closest to the sea. You see, one lives by the sea, but one's never tired of looking at it. What's more, eating something delicious, sitting comfortably by the sea, while someone else cooks, serves, and washes the dishes is priceless. And all this without remorse, since the people who work here are well paid and receive good tips. So we all win.

From my seat, I took my time to examine the details of the place and take a couple of photos that captured the spirit of the place. The ceiling was something; it was laden with decorations alluding to the sea and with traditional hand-woven basket lamps.

...and by the door, next to a large wooden carving, they had this cute table, with Tabasco and a collection of miscellaneous items; behind the table, I could see the helm of some long-forgotten ship.

I was enjoying myself, and more when the waiter brought the menu. You can see the igt below, and like in most places nowadays in Lecheria, prices come at the end, like a surprise. Price-surprise, friends. I'm telling you I'm always afraid when it's my treat--it wasn't (phew!).

Both my sister and her father in law ordered the same: deep fried red snapper, fresh salad, and tostones (unripe plantain flattened and fried).

My brother in law ordered and asopado (seafood soup with overcooked rice in it)

And I ordered this beauty:

It was mar y tierra BBQ with fries. The fries were topped with sausages, chicken, beef, fish, and seafood. Tostones on the sides, some extra at the waiter request, who considered the plate was not heaping with food as it should--OMG--, and the sauces: regular ketchup from the bottle and tartare sauce.

Our lemonades were good, though they weren't blended with fresh spearmint as we usually have it prepared.

Finally, do you want to know something really special about this place that really took me back to the old days? They served complimentary consommé while we waited for our orders to arrive, just like all the restaurants I used to go to as a child. Complimentary, the courtesy that I thought was dead.

I almost forgot the surprise. Below you can see the check: less than $25 per person. Fresh food, good cuisine, cold drinks, excellent service, lots of sea. I think it's great. What do you think?