Friendly-Dolphin-2This restaurant is definitely not new to town. It has been a landmark in Rocky Point for almost 30 years. It had been closed for almost 2 years mainly due to construction in the Old Port area and the slower times caused by the worldwide recession, but much to everyone’s delight, on Friday, February 21, 2015 this iconic restaurant reopened its doors to the public and is even better than before. I know that this place has been sorely missed and a great many people will be very happy to see it’s return.

The restaurant represents the dream of Gaston Rochin, who started with a small rustic restaurant with only 7 tables some 30 years ago, working hard in order to fulfill his dream. Over the course of many years, the restaurant has transformed into what we know today – a wonderful place (with so much to see that it is almost a museum in itself), in a great location, with the best food and service anyone could ask for. There are five different dining rooms and the unique architecture, while appearing random, was planned from the very beginning.

It is decorated with many antiques, the walls are adorned with old photos from the Casasola archives, and customers can enjoy pictures of local and international personalities which have visited the restaurant over the years. When you go for a meal, make sure to set aside some extra time as you will certainly want to do some exploring and marvel at everything there is to see.

The restaurant has been the set for 4 Mexican soap operas and it has received distinction by four Sonoran governors and two from Arizona, including Janet Hall. The Friendly Dolphin even made it to the pages of the renowned newspaper the Washington Post, where an article highlighted its ambiance and variety of food.

Gaston has decided to add even more value to the restaurant this time around, partnering with International Chef Felipe Gastelum, who’s talent is well known and will allow for a larger variety of specialty dishes for all tastes.

The menu has most of the classic Mexican recipes consisting of local seafood, poultry, special cuts, and now a few delicious Italian pasta dishes have been added to the menu. Gaston is also the creator of the “fish La Farga” style recipe, which later extended to shrimp La Farga and enchiladas La Farga. You will have to check it out for yourself if you want to give this specialty a try.

The restaurant is located at the old port on Ave. Alcantara #44. Current hours are Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays) from 12 noon to 10 p.m. (weekends open until 11 pm). Happy hour from 4 to 6 pm daily.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Group, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing.