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Why You Should Hungry Grouper

by tacogirl 30/04/2020
written by tacogirl 30/04/2020
San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Looking for a great local meal? Hungry Grouper is a popular restaurant in downtown San Pedro. Well known and loved Chef Argyle is back in business and serving up his tasty cooking with a side of humor. (Pick up only till further notice.)

When I say well-loved, I am privileged to share a reader story below about just how well-loved and why Argyle deserves community support right now and some praise next time you are talking to him.

One of the reasons I love chef Argyle aside from his humor and special request coconut-crusted pork chops, is that he is alert and aware. I was once out with a traveler, and Argyle, who saw he was looking faint, promptly got him water and asked if the guy had been diving. As it turned out, the traveler was severely dehydrated. So Argyle sent him back to his hotel with a big jug of water and advised him that due to the nature of his symptoms if he should need it, his hotel dive shop (Ramon’s) had oxygen onsite.

If you are wondering, here is what getting a meal from Argyle’s looks like during covid-19. Walkup up with a bell and a limited menu of stewed or fried chicken, sweet and sour pork chop, wings popcorn shrimp, and ceviche.

Hungry Grouper Popular Restaurant Downtown San Pedro Belize

Argyle Saved the Day and a Life

Not only did he save someone’s day as I mentioned above, but he also saved a life. Reader, Ron Weisguth sent in the following email and gave me permission to share.

Good Morning Laurie,

This is Ron Weisguth in St Louis, MO. We emailed a month or so ago about Argyle from The Hungry Grouper encouraging me to get SCUBA certified. I was supposed to be in San Pedro for 2 weeks on the first of August. I had to change my plans postponing my trip for at least 3 months as I’m having open heart surgery this morning.

From your blogs you’ve said you live close to The Hungry Grouper. Here’s the favor and what I think is a cool story. The next time you see Argyle please thank him for putting the SCUBA bug in my ear. As I said earlier I was all set with Scuba School and Family Dive Center to become Open Water Certified.

In 1993 on Father’s Day no less, I had all five of my kids when I had what turned out to be a heart attack which I blew off as nothing. A friend happened to call then stop by practically forcing me to go with him to the hospital. Just as we pulled into the emergency room I was told I grabbed my chest and lunged at my friend who was driving. I “coded” in the emergency room. They did an angioplasty and now I take an aspirin a day.

Fast forward to last year at the Hungry Grouper. I thought about what Argyle said all winter, which is why I contacted SSSDC for lessons. Even though I’m in pretty good shape (I thought) because of my past medical history, I had to get my doctor to sign a medical release. Geoff signed the release, but because of my past, set up a cardiac stress test and made me promise I would have the test before coming to San Pedro.

I failed the test. I didn’t think they were going to let me leave the hospital at that time. They set up a cardiac cath last Monday, and I thought I might have to have a stent or two but would still be able to come to San Pedro but postpone the SCUBA. I wasn’t so lucky. One artery is 80% blocked, and the other two are almost that bad. The thoracic surgeon kept saying, “wow, you are so lucky!”

So if I would not have had lunch and a great conversation with Argyle last July I would not have considered getting SCUBA certified and would not have had any testing. Might say I owe Argyle my life.

It will be a few months but looking forward to getting back to San Pedro as well as meeting you and having a Belikin.

If you get to the Black Orchid or see Tom and Judyann, please say hello from me. I’m on the ACMB as “ronw.” Last year Sally and I had dinner at the Black Orchid after being on the YOLO the night before. I had a great meal, but I was still suffering. I plan on visiting again, but this time not battling a huge hangover.

Thanks in advance for conveying my messages.
Warm Regards,
Ron

  •  Hungry Grouper Popular Restaurant Downtown San Pedro Belize
  •  Hungry Grouper Popular Restaurant Downtown San Pedro Belize

Part Two

Hi Laurie,

Feel free to share my story. I’ll attach a couple of pictures I’m in from last year. Might take you up on your herbalist.

Let me bore you with a little more background. In 2004 I was on a cruise when I went on an excursion “Swimming with Sharks.” I knew nothing about San Pedro. The water was beautiful, but the excursion itself was not that good but did include lunch in San Pedro. I was on the cruise with a wonderful woman who turned out to be nuts (that’s between you and me). She decided not to go with me on the excursion, which turned out to be a blessing. Lunch was at a restaurant above Crazy Canucks. I was the only person not with someone else, and we had a couple of hours before going back to the cruise ship. I ate quickly and decided to walk into San Pedro. I still remember walking along the beach with my mouth open, mumbling, “wow!” BC’s was still there, and the streets were still sand.

A couple of years later, I found the message board, then your blog, then Rebecca’s blog. Back then, there were board regulars who posted a lot as well as a lot of “Trip Reports” being posted. All of this drew me closer to San Pedro, but things just did not work out as far as returning.

In 2015 I went on another cruise. This time I put my own excursion together, grabbed a plane to San Pedro, snorkeled Hol Chan, grabbed a quick lunch, and almost missed the cruise ship.

Last year I was finally able to spend time on San Pedro falling in love with the view from Coral Bay’s balcony. Everyone I’ve come in contact with in San Pedro, whether an ex-pat or local, has been great. You have no idea how much I appreciate your blog. You help keep me connected, so here’s a huge THANK YOU!!

I look forward to meeting you in person soon.

Best Regards,
Ron

Snorkeling Hol Chan Belize

Thanks for Sponsoring

Hi Laurie,

This is Ron Weisguth in St Louis, MO. I hope you are safe and well. I saw a post from your blog a few days ago regarding a Paypal link to sort of help out with all this craziness going on. I can’t find it…which is not unusual for me. If you send me the info, I’ll deposit $50.00 in your account.

Please stay safe. Tell Argyle I can’t wait to get back and lick a plate clean. Last summer, I was there with two of my daughters and two grandsons. My oldest yelled at me not to embarrass her by picking up the plate. I just used my fingers.

When I introduced Argyle to my daughters and grandsons, I told them I owe this man my life.

I had to cancel a trip in mid-March. Hopefully, I can get there soon. I was trying to put a trip together for next July with all my family. Four kids, two of their spouses, six grandkids, and my ex-wife (That could be interesting). 2021 will be the 10th anniversary of my daughter Lisa losing her battle with breast cancer. She loved the tropics. She had a dream of getting married with her toes in the sand.

Hopefully, you know Christian. 12-13 yr old who works the beach by Estel’s, and The Hungry Grouper selling bracelets, necklaces. Last summer, we had a “business arrangement.” Whenever I saw him, I had to buy something. If you see Christian, please tell him I’ll be back to buy more along with my “cheap pickney” Stacy.

Next time I’m there, we will have to have a Belikin Beer. I’d like to introduce you to my family. BTW…my two grandsons (18 & 20) appreciated your discount at Premier Duty-Free last summer.

Please send me the PayPal link so I can help a little. Stay safe.

Best Regards,
Ron

Thank you for sponsoring tacogirl.com Ron and providing the write-up. Your great story with a few pics was divine timing. I had taken the square pic the other day thinking Argyle needs some creative promo – likely many people do not know he is open.

You not only helped Argyle and myself but you are helping me keep my editor a bit more stable as well during this challenging time.

Ambergris Caye Beach bar

For the Yarbouroughs and the Veeperts, both your sponsored posts are in process. Thanks again to everyone who has sponsored so far. For now, we are in 8 h power out and I am about to disconnect from my desk and hotspot.

Related

tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
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Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
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We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
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I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
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I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
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tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
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It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
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I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
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I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
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Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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