Although they had originally set their sights on the Pacific side of Mexico, they eventually landed here, and they have found their perfect spot!

Robyn Day has had the bug of adventure in her blood for years. In 1995, she decided to take a semester off of school to travel, and she has been hooked ever since. She lived in Puerto Vallarta from 1999- 2000, and fell in love with the life style and culture of Mexico. And although she did not arrive here until 2003 she knew that Mexico had stolen her heart. When Robyn was living in England in 2002, Wendy came over for a visit, and they decided then and there that they wanted to go into the restaurant business together. Although Robyn had been in the restaurant industry, in management and service, for more then 15 years, she decided if she was going to be restaurateur she had better become a chef. So in true Day style she approached a local chef in England, and she then became his apprentice. Once she felt she had mastered the basics of this intricate craft, she was off to Mexico to make her dream a reality.

Wendy had first come to Playa del Carmen on holiday with friends in 1997, but she actually arrived to set up shop shortly after Robyn, in December 2003. She brought with her years of experience in business and management, as well as a “go to” attitude. Wendy owns 3 convenience store, called Run ‘n’ on empty, a strip mall, and a liquor store, all in Red Deer. To say that she is energetic and highly motivated is a definite understatement! Not only does she run Magdalena’s with finesse and gusto, but she travels between here and Red Deer to continue to run all of her businesses with a “hands on” management style.

The two Day women took Playa del Carmen by storm while scouting for their locale in January 2004, and by the end of February they had taken over the location that now is the home to Magdalena’s Grill House and Bar. Amazingly enough the renovation only took 5 short weeks to complete and they credit it this to the pure fact that they were there EVERY day to be involved in every step of the design and renovation. They opened their doors to the public on April 12^th, 2004, and have been non-stop ever since. Their goal was to serve fresh, home cooked food, to visitors and locals alike, and they have filled out that niche perfectly. They offer an incredible variety of international cuisine, ranging from fresh seafood, ribs, and pasta to crisp fresh salads, wraps, and hardy delicious breakfasts. In addition they offer a full bar, and extensive wine list that will please even the most discriminating palate. Although they said that it has been challenging being in a male dominated business community, as well as being in a foreign country, they are not that easily deterred. When asked if working so closely as mother and daughter is a benefit or a challenge Wendy answered: “ 90% of the time it is perfect, and 10% of the time there is a bit of a grey area” From what I can see it is certainly working 100%!

Magdalena’s is open from 7:30 AM until 11:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

They are located on 1^st Avenue on the corner of 26^th Street.