The Guadalajara Reporter

City Living - September 21, 2013

La Gourmetería/Encore Hotel

Some people may feel that Guadalajara already has too many plush malls and hotels. Marketing analysts clearly think not.

One of the city’s latest malls, “La Gourmetería,” located on Avenida Lopez Mateos Sur near El Palomar neighborhood, sets itself apart from competitors as a self-proclaimed “revolutionary concept: a whole commercial center exclusively aimed at entertainment and pleasure.”

While “revolutionary” might seem a rather far fetched assertion, the mall does have some unique features.

The three-story center is wrapped around a Ramada Encore Hotel and boasts a variety of restaurant options. Outlets currently open include Chilis, Johnny Rockets, Nikkoy, Ma Como No, Chai, Barezzito, La Tequila, Sirloin Stickade, Black Coffee, Outback Steakhouse, Peter Piper Pizza, Puerta 39, La Grelha and La Vaca Argentina.

By October, a Blockbuster Cinema, Vivo family fitness club, a Mac store, Thrifty car rental and additional restaurant concepts are expected to open.

The Ramada Encore Hotel is located at the heart of La Gourmeteria. According to booking.com, the modern three-star, 135-room establishment has “stylish” rooms with work desks, flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. The website says the hotel serves a daily American-style buffet breakfast in the dining room and snacks and free beer at the bar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The hotel also boasts a business center, meeting rooms, a large terrace and a gym.

The midweek price for a standard double room at booking.com was 80 dollars. A king suite with spa bath was priced at 180 dollars.

This week, Trip Advisor ranked the Encore fourth out of 109 hotels in Guadalajara.

The Encore and La Gourmeteria are located at Av. Lopez Mateos Sur 1710. Zona El Palomar. Call (33) 3898-6000 to 01-800-333-3626 for more information. Visit http://encoreguadalajara.com or www.lagourmeteria.com.mx. Also on Facebook.

Bazaar at St. Mark’s

A sale of slightly used clothes and accessories is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Anglican/Episcopal church.

“We have already spent a couple days sorting and pricing the donated clothes, and I am very happy with their quality and style,” said Sue Priddy, organizer of the event, adding that proceeds will help people in need.

Chichimecas 836, corner of Aztecas in Colonia Monraz a few blocks north of Plaza near the end of bus route 33A. Mexico. www.stmarksanglican.org

Upcoming soccer matches

Estudiantes vs. Merida F.C. (Tres de Marzo) Friday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.

Atlas vs. Veracruz (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, September 21, 9 p.m.

Leones Negros vs. Alebrijes de Oaxaca (Estadio Jalisco) Friday, September 27, 8:30 p.m.

Chivas vs. Atlas (Estadio Omnilife) Sunday, September 29, 5 p.m.

Wrestling

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) returns to Guadalajara at the VFG Arena on Thursday, October 17, 8:30 p.m. There have been over 70 WWE shows in Mexico, but this marks the first since 2011.

“We wanted to stop for a while to see what we could do to improve the next event,” explained promoter Bosco Attolini.

Among the stars on show will be Mexican-American wrestler Rey Mysterio, who is due to make his return to the ring after a two-year absence due to a ligament injury in his left knee which almost forced him into retirement.

Tickets range from 308 pesos to 2,200 pesos. To get yours visit www.ticketmaster.com.mx or call the VFG Arena at 5325-9000.