The dearth of good things to eat and drink in Progreso has prompted many a ranting post on this site. The weather’s getting sweltering, and that too contributes to our huddling in the office, grumbling and sticky. Reader and fellow Brooklyn refugee Missy suggested that we to try the newest spot in Progreso, Tamba Juice, located on Calle 80, one block back from the Malecon.

Two days ago I happened upon the bright, bold, airy, fruit colored corner space, where I was welcomed in English and offered an explanation of the menu of licuados and smoothies. You can choose any single fruit or one of their blends. As with other licuado joints, you decide if you want a water or milk-based beverage. I selected an agua fresa, sat on a spinning stool, and waited. The counter kids were cute and curious about me. It was a cruise ship day and the tip jar was spilling over with dollars. They were surprised to learn that I lived here, and spoke Spanish with me happily thereafter. I paid 17 pesos for a good size styrofoam cup and walked back along turista strait between the Scylla of shark tooth and Talavera vendors, and the panama hat and hammock Charybdis. The drink was excellent, cold but not brain freeze-inducing, sweet but not saccharine, and pleasantly wholesome and toothy, like the Hanson brothers.

When I went back for my fix this morning, I was lucky to meet the owner, Christian, who greeted me warmly in English and again offered help deciphering the menu. It’s extensive. I made a mental note to remember all the add-ins and special names of things, however, I was so busy chatting that my typically sharp journalistic skills were momentarily dulled, and so I can’t really report on the specifics. I probably should have asked pertinent questions like how long they’d been open and you know, “Why juice, why now?”; I’ll risk my credibility to answer for him: “about two weeks” and “because juice is delicious, the Norteamericano tourists keep on coming in droves, and the people of Progreso deserve a product that is fresh and remarkable.”

Today I had the house specialty – made with mango, apple, melon, pineapple and orange juice. Totally good stuff. The adorably and somewhat audaciously named, “Tamba Juice” is just the sort of place you want to find in a tropical port, and definitely an asset to the town. My lack of integrity as a reporter works in their favor: don’t take my word for it, get down there and see for yourself how terrific it is.

Relevant Spanish Word of the Day: popote, drinking straw.

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