Chapala: Drop it like it’s hot

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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If you’ve been keeping up with Ted’s excellent adventure, you’ll know that Ted met Steve Miller, a sharp photographer and freelancer. They met up in the Lake Chapala area, and Steve has been dropping notes and generally keeping in touch.

If you haven’t done it yet, you need to check out his Web site, where you’ll see samples of his photography. You can also join in the discussion on his great site.

Here in Ashvegas, we have a local chain of Mexican restaurants named “El Chapala.” When Ted was here in Ashvegas not long ago (before embarking on his excellent adventure), he popped in and talked to the folks in one of the restaurants. They confirmed that they were indeed from the Chapala area, and they had a mural of the lake painted on their restaurant wall.

On a related note, here’s Steve:

I wonder if your local “El Chapala” restaurant owners know that there is a special hot sauce sold _here named after the town of Chapala and the lake. I use it all the time as a better and tastier alternative to Tabasco.

I was just in Chapala an hour ago. Soriena opened a huge grocery store there. It’s on par with most U.S. grocery chains in size. Not as big as a Super WalMart, though, but very nice with lots of great brands, including many items imported from the USA.

I especially like the deli and the bakery sections. There is even a mini-food court. Maybe I’ll take some photos next time.

Steve, thanks for the update.