The 'Los Chapitos' route: How much does it cost to eat at Iván Archivaldo and Ovidio's favorite restaurants?

'Los Chapitos' are 'good eaters', and this is reflected in the restaurants they have visited, such as Mar and Sea, from where Iván Archivaldo Guzmán escaped dressed as a waiter, or Ovidio Guzmán's favorite bakery .

While it is true that the sons of 'El Chapo' Guzmán have eaten in several well-known places not only in Mexico, but in other latitudes, it is also true that there are places that mark their history.

Operations, kidnappings or simply a daily treat are the ones that stand out among the favorite restaurants of 'Los Chapitos' .

Iván Archivaldo Guzmán 'El Chapito' is one of those who most likes to tour seafood restaurants, mainly located in regions where the Sinaloa Cartel has a presence.

There is one in particular, which, in addition to being the restaurant where Emma Coronel gave her first interview , is marked by an anecdote of escape, while the other is the complete opposite; she suffered an express kidnapping there while celebrating a birthday.

Located in the Tres Ríos Urban Development neighborhood in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the Mar & Sea restaurant is owned by Juan Sigfrido Millán , former governor of Sinaloa, and this place was stolen by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán dressed as a waiter in February 2014.

It specializes in fresh seafood with a gourmet touch, representing the authentic Sinaloa seasoning. The history of Mar and Sea dates back to 2001, when it started as a franchise. However, around 2013 it acquired its own identity and is what we know today.

Although their specialty is seafood, the Sinaloa Cartel's favorite restaurant also offers breakfasts like a fruit plate with banana, strawberries, melon, papaya and blackberries on Greek yogurt, topped with granola and honey for 127 pesos, or 3 hot cakes with red berries for 183 pesos.

The list of dishes offered includes appetizers, soups, shrimp, fish and seafood, as well as meat, pasta and even sushi. Some of them are:

• Scallops with chile de árbol : 469 pesos.
• Raw shrimp : 263 pesos.
• Shrimp toast : 139 pesos.
• Octopus toast : 209 pesos.
• Shrimp aguachile : 263 pesos.
• Personal shrimp pizza : 239 pesos.
• Shrimp and different types of fish tacos : From 79 to 150 pesos.
• Caesar salad with shrimp : 239 pesos.
• Shrimp in garlic sauce or breaded : 299 pesos.
• Grilled fish (depending on the species): From 309 pesos.
• Whole fish : From 599 to 677 pesos per kilo.
• Tuna medallions : 299 pesos.
• Octopus : From 383 to 587 pesos.
• Sushi rolls of different specialties : From 233 to 363 pesos for 10 pieces.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages , coffee, tea, herbal teas, spirits and beer are also sold here, and the price will depend on what you consume.

The average consumption per person varies between 500 and 800 pesos , but this can be less or more depending on your stomach and thirst.

Located in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, La Leche is known for its avant-garde atmosphere and daily changing menu, offering a unique gastronomic experience.

This restaurant gained notoriety in 2016, when Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, son of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, was kidnapped there during his birthday celebration with his brother, Jesús Alfredo Guzmán, on August 15 of that year by members of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), led by 'El Mencho'.

Another fact that this restaurant is known for is its owner; La Leche belongs to Alfonso 'Poncho' Cadena, the chef of MasterChef Mexico . Its original owner was 'Poncho's' father, Nacho Cadena , who died in 2020.

'Poncho' Cadena's restaurant offers a different menu every day, although there are some very popular dishes at this place like the NADA soup , which is actually a vegetable broth with chili oil for 300 pesos.

Starters, main dishes, grilled meats and dessert are included in their menu. Some of them are:

• Tuna marinated in vinaigrette : 340 pesos.
• Salad with anchovy vinaigrette and parmesan cheese : 340 pesos.
• Oysters (house recipe): 420 pesos.
• Baked duck : 580 pesos.
• Stewed beef ribs : 530 pesos.
• Mussels : 450 pesos.
• Fettuccini pasta with fish and seafood : 560 pesos.
• Braised and glazed pork shank : 560 pesos.
• Grilled cabbage : 390 pesos.
• Grilled shrimp : 570 pesos.
• Grilled sirloin burger : 460 pesos.
• Rib eye with chimichurri : 780 pesos.
• 'La Leche' Chicken (house recipe): 480 pesos.
• Prawns : 730 pesos.

Drinks to accompany your meal range from 120 to 300 pesos for cocktails with alcohol . You can also buy bottles, and these have prices starting at 1,000 pesos depending on what you choose.

Considering starter, main course and drink, the average cost ranges between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos per person , although as with everything it can be more or less depending on what you order.

As for Ovidio, son of 'El Chapo' Guzmán and brother of Iván Archivaldo, he is more fond of sweet food , and it is known that desserts, especially cakes, are his weakness.

That's why 'Ratón' Guzmán's favorite bakery (and not precisely because of his 'good tooth') belongs to an internationally recognized restaurant chain.

With several locations throughout Mexico City, The Cheesecake Factory offers a wide variety of American and internationally inspired dishes, in addition to its famous cheesecakes .

According to reports from the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy, Ovidio Guzmán, son of 'El Chapo' Guzmán, frequented the branch located in Parque Delta , where he used to enjoy pastries and milkshakes on Thursdays.

The story of this business began in the 1950s with Evelyn Overton and her husband Oscar, who started selling cakes in the basement of their house in Detroit. Little by little the business grew until it became what it is today: a restaurant chain with an international presence.

The Cheesecake Factory has an extensive menu that includes dishes such as pastas, steaks and burgers. Some of the dishes include:

• Glamburgers : Gourmet burgers with various ingredient options, accompanied by French fries: From 186 to 229 pesos.
• Breaded macaroni and cheese balls : 170 pesos.
• Fried squid : 207 pesos.
• Avocado toast : 141 pesos.
• Breaded chicken strips : 239 pesos.
• Fish tacos : 207 pesos.
• Chicken breast with cheese crust and marinara pasta : 292 pesos.
• Neapolitan pasta : 292 pesos.
• Pasta with shrimp : 294 pesos.
• Fish and chips : 298 pesos.
• Grilled salmon : 335 pesos.
• Filet mignon : 399 pesos.

The signature dish at this place is cake, and as the name suggests, most of their creations are pies or cheesecakes of various flavors.

The menu listings for the Mexico City and Guadalajara branches are as follows (cost is per slice).

• Original (cheesecake with cookie): 143 pesos.
• With glazed strawberries : 173 pesos.
• With pineapple : 156 pesos.
• With strawberry, chocolate and vanilla : 165 pesos.
• Chocolate and cherries : 165.
• Chocolate and hazelnut : 165 pesos.
• Caramel and brownie bread : 165 pesos.
• Toasted marshmallow and cookie : 165 pesos.
• Oreo cookie and mousse : 165 pesos.
• Dulce de leche : 165 pesos.
• White chocolate : 165 pesos.
• Mango : 165 pesos.

A typical meal, including main course, drink and dessert, ranges between 400 and 600 pesos per person , but it will also depend on what you order and if you dare to try their menu of cakes and desserts, which are actually their specialty.