Bistro Nuevo Sol
A restaurant that can't get its house special right can't get anything right. So when I eat at a new place, I always try the house special first.
That's the Baked Italian Meatloaf Sandwich at San Pedro's only bistro, Nuevo Sol. Not only did they get it right, they aced it: oversize portions of meatloaf baked with mozzarella and red sauce on homemade bread, served with a salad for Q32 (about $4 US at the time of this review).
Other first rate dinners I've had since last June were the toasted Foccacci bread sandwich with Virginia Ham and cheese, the calzone and the Gourmet California Pizza.
Gourmet Pizza
It's the crust that sets Nuevo Sol's pizza apart from others. Light and fluffy best describes the true gourmet California pizza crust. The Chicken Parmesan Pizza is hands-down the town's favorite. Others include Hawaiian, Hey Meatloaf and Veg-o-rama. Any of these selections can be put into a calzone.
The calzone crust, filled with mozzarella and your choice of two veggie fillings, is chewier than the pizza crust, again, the way it's supposed to be.
Breakfast a la Bistro
The Tropical French Toast, Q20, is a unique dish invented at Sol. Made with slices of locally-made pan de banano, this French Toast tastes better than any banana pancakes I've ever had.
Three eggs fried, scrambled or in an omelet with two fillings and toast costs Q25. Hash browns and bacon are optional.
Sandwiches are the star of the lunch menu. A basic sandwich with your choice from four breads costs Q7. Like the three-egg omelet for Q12, it can be supplemented with onion, bell pepper or more than a dozen other items for a little more. Soup and salads round out the lunch specials. The bar has a fine wine selection and great drinks. Happy hour is 9-10 PM.
Free movies are shown on a wall-sized screen every night at 7:30. The wide mix of cinema ranges from the latest Tarantino to thought-provoking documentaries. The warm decor and knowledgeable staff make San Pedro's only bistro popular with locals as well as world travelers. Around the corner from el Barrio, Nuevo Sol sets the standard for dining on this end of the trail.
Or did until August, 2010, when they closed their doors. The review is being kept on the site in case the place reopens for high season.