Missing Sleepy Sunday at Hippo

Ever get a song stuck in your head?  Well of course you have, we all have. This morning that song was My Favorite Things.  Julie Andrews listing her favorites was rattling around and got me thinking.  As we are venturing out a little bit more and trying to get used to “new normal” (whatever that means), I was remembering some of my favorite things that have not returned.  Hugs of course is right up there on the top of the list.  I’m a hugger and it has always been one of my favorite things about this area, people hug.  A kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace in greeting.  Now it’s a nod, a bow, one hand over your heart, both arms crossed, even an elbow tap, but none are the same as a hug.

We are now out eating in some of our favorite places – remember, pretty much everything down here is outdoors. Everyone has their spot where they feel most comfortable, but always in small groups.  The nights of dancing to live music are no longer happening nor are Sunday brunches. 

Here in Puerto Aventuras, Hippo was home to “Sleepy Sunday.”  If there are two things that are typically American it is BBQ, whatever that may mean to you, and Sunday Brunch.  Sunday Brunch has become a uniquely American institution, a get together on a Sunday late-morning, mid-afternoon to eat, drink and linger with friends.  It often includes music, and is that one time no one was looking to turn and burn a table. No worries, no hurries.  Mimosas and Bloody Marys flowing and food and laughter in abundance. 

Sleepy Sunday at Hippo was the re-creation of THE Ex-Pat Brunch.  If you had plans for that Sunday you probably weren’t heading to Hippos that morning, and if you did you were probably blowing off your previous plans.  The music was always awesome, and as the afternoon went on you often heard the largest table singing along and quite often dancing.  “Déjà vu” was the band, and in the short time we had Sleepy Sunday, we saw the musicians go from 2 to 4 with the addition of Ito’s sons. 

Hippo is still known for about the best breakfast around, always delicious with tons of options.  When we first moved here, I can’t tell you how many people were shocked that we had not been for breakfast yet, that was quickly remedied and we were fast fans.  Looking for a light breakfast? You may want to share a meal, their helpings are the best cure for any hangover!  And more than enough food. 

Hippo also does a mean lunch and dinner menu and I find it is my go-to place even when we were in lock down, when I just need an American fix – in my case a corned beef sandwich, but you could literally close your eyes and pick anything on their extensive menu and not be disappointed. 

So, even though Hippo is open again for dining, with significantly less tables but the same good food, “Sleepy Sunday” is one of the things I miss the most and, fingers crossed, one day in the not too distant future we can gather and while away a gorgeous Sunday in paradise with good food, one too many drinks, lots of laughter and great music.