Old Town Farmers’ Market-Returning for a 2nd season!

Every Saturday, starting November 6th, 2010

Nearly 50 participating vendors. Many of last year’s favorites are returning plus new ones.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – One of Banderas Bays’ favorite activities from last season is returning for a second fabulous year! Every Saturday, starting November 6th  from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Paradise Community Center located at Pulpito #127 (across from Coco's Restaurant) will once again come alive with the sights and smells of a good old-fashioned Farmers’ Market.






This year, you’ll have nearly 50 vendors to choose from, including many returning favorites from last year plus a few new ones.


Only the freshest and finest fruits and vegetables, herbs and plants, preserves, coffee, organic products, baked goods and a dazzling variety of crafts will be available for sale.

There will also be an area for non-profit organizations to keep you informed about their services and how you can become more involved. Musicians will provide the background music while you stroll through the aisles enjoying the rich aromas and sampling available products.

After shopping, enjoy lunch from one of the many food vendors, including Thai food, barbecued sandwiches or homemade tamales with freshly squeezed juices or agua frescas.
If you have a product that you would like to sell and are interested in becoming a vendor, please e-mail coordinator (AT) oldtownfm.com.

Join us every Saturday, starting November 6 from 10 am to 2 pm (an added hour to shop this year) at the Paradise Community Center for the return of Puerto Vallarta’s own Old Town Farmers’ Market. For updated products, event announcements or news, visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Old.Town.Farmers.Market.PV  or on line at http://www.oldtownfm.com/

Map to the Old Town Farmers Market

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 25, 2010
Press Contact: Charlotte Semple - oldtownfm (AT) hotmail.com or call 322-133-9673

Making the Move to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

If you are considering moving, retiring or relocating to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Learn Vallarta is here to help you make the move.

While Learn Vallarta is a relatively new company in Puerto Vallarta, the owners, Sandra and Marc are not new to living in the area. They have resided here in Puerto Vallarta and other areas of Mexico for many years and have made it their personal mission to assimilate into the local culture as well as discover all of the tips and tricks to living here.

Their love and knowledge of the area shows when you meet them on one of their “Learn Vallarta Package Tours” where they take you around the area on “off the beaten path” custom tours to show you how the locals live, where they shop, eat, and play. These tours provide their clients with the information they need to live here comfortably, well prepared with knowledge. For example, where to get the best cuts of meat, buying local produce at prices below the grocery stores, where to get shoes made or fixed, paying your electricity bill, phone bill or how to find a great apartment, condo or home.

The Learn Vallarta Day Tours are designed to take you places you would probably not find on your own and they are filled with helpful hints and information.

Besides showing you around town, Marc and Sandra are involved in many groups, including the local Writer’s Group and will gladly introduce you to other local expats. By becoming a member of Learn Vallarta you will also receive updates about local events, new tours, news and new information.

More than just tours, they also provide their clients with necessary information on immigration, banking, home purchases, healthcare, and insurance plus virtually anything else you need to know to live fruitfully in Mexico. They are partnered with some of the best experts of the area in regards to medical care and doctors, real estate agents and free home tours, Notarios and lawyers, bankers and accountants and pet care providers. Professional Consultations are free of charge for Learn Vallarta members.

Retiring to Puerto Vallarta can be very economical, not to mention a wonderful lifestyle change. The health care here often rivals that of North of the Border, dentistry services are less than 50% of what you pay back home, Vallarta’s weather makes it a perfect place to enjoy perpetual summer and activities abound. Local produce is fresh, inexpensive and tasty and there are plenty of charities and groups to get involved with to keep you active in the community and afford you tons of new friends. Learn Vallarta puts you into contact with all of this and more. Join them in uncovering the mystery of how to relocate and prosper in a tropical paradise.

Moving is difficult to say the least and moving to a new country may seem insurmountable but Learn Vallarta helps make the move not only easy but fun! View their website for more information on how they can introduce you to Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas.

POP Diner- Comfort Food in Puerto Vallarta

I have been craving onion rings lately and while I can cook them myself, having a kitchen covered in oil splatters and smelling like a greasy diner is not worth the energy to satisfy my hankering.

Recently someone on Facebook mentioned a new diner that opened in Puerto Vallarta that serves up all the artery clogging delights that I miss from the Great White North and my Cardio doctor says I should eschew.

I am weak. I admit it. I should not give into temptation but oh dear, sometimes a cheeseburger and onion rings are the only two things I need to make my world right.
Last week I had a weak moment and gave into temptation and plummeted myself into the greasy evilness of the best darn onion rings I have ever had this side of the border. Mexico is not known for greasy diner gringo comfort food. Which, when I think about it is a very good thing. Otherwise my lack of will power for finding comfort in comfort food would have me on a fistful of Lypitor, Crestor and Zocor for breakfast every morning. And I thank my lucky stars that Burger King onion rings have no allure for me.

I curse Maria O-C for giving me the head’s up about Pop Diner. I should un-friend her for leading me down a naughty eating path once again. She got me back onto eating burgers with her Best Burger Competition and now she has me waking up at 2:00 AM craving a plate of Pop Diner O-Rings. *sigh*

So, last week, I had a bad day and wanted to find solace in something. While some seek their mate, some seek the bottle, I sought after hot golden rings. Sadly, my husband is not a gringo comfort food lover, in fact, he doesn’t like burgers all that much and *gasp* pizza! But then I am not a big taco, pozole or mole eater. I guess we are even. None-the-less, as a loving and understanding mate, he accompanied to fulfill my dinner wish.

Unfortunately, the address they had on their Facebook page was incorrect and had us wandering around downtown Puerto Vallarta frustrated, hungry and cranky. I even phoned a friend to double check the address on FB (Yes, I need a Blackberry!) and what we had written down was what they had listed but the physical address did not exist. After 20 minutes of trudging around, two friends we ran into pointed us to the correct location.

Upon arrival to Pop Diner, (Right next door to Sr. Frog’s on Morelos #540 -NOT on Hidalgo!) we opened the kitchen styled diner door (complete with port hole) to the delicious smell of what will eventually lead me into coronary hell.

We sat down and our server quicky brought us a menu. We ordered Diet Cokes right away (Go ahead and insert hamburger/ Diet Coke joke here) and checked out the dark interior complete with diner chairs (red of course) and small tables lining a long naugahyde bench . The music was funky as was the “art” on the walls, mainly photoshopped photos of the area and New York. I liked the atmosphere, it “worked”, and for being on a busy street, none of the buses, taxis or dust entered the restaurant.

Our Diet Cokes came and soon after a plate that was artistically drizzled with a balsamic glaze and two steak frites landed in front of us. A nice to touch from the owner after we mildly complained to our waitress about our efforts on trying to find the place.

Not long after we devoured the complimentary steak frites (delish!) our burger came along with the side order of Onion Rings. We decided to split the cheddar cheeseburger with bacon , French fries and onion rings. OMG. Where to start?

The onion rings were thick cut and perfectly battered, golden fried, crunchy, heavenly circles of love. With a side of thick and creamy homemade dill –ranch dipping sauce. Even though they were flaming hot, I could not stop myself from trying to chew and take more bites. Call me a junky- I found my fix!

While the onion rings were my mission, the French fries took a very close second. Hand cut, fried golden crisp with an amazing blend of seasonings, I was hard pressed to decide which was going into my mouth next. As I was going back and forth, happily chewing, my burger tolerating hubby cut the burger in half, gave me my share and proceeded to take his first bite. I can always tell by his eyes if he likes something or not and Halleluiah! His eyes smiled. Being polite, I asked how it was and he gave me a favorable grunt. He asked about the onion rings and I grudgingly gave him one.

His eyes lit up and he proclaimed them “excellente!” much to my dismay, forcing me to share. He then tried the fries and declared them excellent as well. I tried the burger and found it to be very good, nice and juicy with thick cut, perfect cooked, FLAT bacon. The patty was well seasoned and while I prefer my burgers grilled over a flame, this one was one of the best cooked on a plancha (flat grill) that I have had in Puerto Vallarta.

The prices are very reasonable, our bill came to $180 Pesos and the service, atmosphere and location (once you have the correct address) are excellent.
Other items on the menu include a variety of innovative salads, filet mignon, fish and chips, some funky tacos, lobster rolls, specialty hotdogs and appetizers. They also have breakfast and serve a special brunch menu on the weekend,

Highly recommended, great for late night dining, early morning breakfast and a fun place to get your grub on!

Video about Mexico

The Mexico Tourism Board recently released this video and I have to share it. It is simply stunning and shows so many reasons why I chose this country as my home.



It saddens me that Mexico always seems to be the target of negative press by the Media. Granted Mexico has its warts but every country does, as well as every State/Province and city. Unfortunately, Mexico is a HUGE country (11th largest in the world), yet the Media makes it seem tiny and that everywhere you go in Mexico has danger lurking around the corner.

Puerto Vallarta is safe! Puerto Vallarta is about 1000 kilometers from the border towns where there is violence and a drug war going on. Even there, unless you are directly involved in the drug trade you will be just as safe as driving through some areas of Chicago or New Orleans.

Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas has over 300,000 residents, this does not include the over 2 million visitors each year. 

Needless to say, Puerto Vallarta is a safe and wonderful place to visit, or in my case; live. After eight years of living here full time, safety is not my concern, unless you count walking on the cobblestone streets in heels!

Come explore the beauty of Mexico, the safety and diversity of Puerto Vallarta and hopefully you will fall in love with this beautiful country like I have.

Grocery Shopping in Puerto Vallarta

I consider myself the guru of grocery shopping in Puerto Vallarta. If it is available here, I pretty much know where to find it and at what price. Ask my husband, he will be the first person to tell you that my affinity for shopping knows no boundaries or time restraints, especi ally when it comes to tracking down food.

The first thing to know about living in Vallarta, gone are the days when you had to pack your suitcase full of Snickers Bars, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and cans of chicken broth.  Most stores now carry these items regularly but other common items like Pop Tarts and Miracle Whip have disappeared completely. This is why I look at grocery shopping like hunting, you go out well armed but never sure what you will come home with.

If you “wing” your dinners, you will not be discouraged, but if you set out to shop with a list of specific items you need, you will find yourself going to at least five different stores and missing at least three items from your list when you return home. It is not uncommon to find a store out of heavy cream, potatoes, bananas or avocados. Welcome to Vallarta! Rule #1. If you see it, like it, BUY it!  Rule #2- What is here today is gone tomorrow. Rule #3- Learn to adjust. (Your recipe, your menu, your attitude.)

The next thing to realize is that not all stores carry the same things, at the same time, all the time. For example, Ley’s is the only grocery store that typically carries bok choy and Napa cabbage. No other store in Vallarta carries either item on any sort of regular basis. If I make Mu Shu Pork, I can use either item but only those two as regular cabbage will not do, so I have to add a stop at Ley’s. But, Ley’s does not carry Hoisen sauce, so off to Wal-Mart I go, although believe it or not, Liverpool carries it and at the best price in Vallarta. Ley’s also stocks my favorite soy sauce (Pearl River) and it is a bargain (18 Pesos), so go there for your soy sauce needs.

Now if I want wonton or egg roll wrappers, I used to go to Rizo’s but since their shelves are as bare as a monkey’s butt, I have to go to Toyo Foods for them. Three stops for a homemade Asian dinner and I still haven’t gone to Rizo’s to pick-up the mini-flour tortillas for the Mu Shu Pork. Or the butcher for the pork shoulder. Now we are up to five stops. See what I mean about adjusting your menu? (Or your cravings!)

Long story short, grocery shopping is an adventure especially when you cook often and cook atypical dinners. If a sandwich is as far as your cooking skills take you, you will be fine.  If you have a special diet or crave something out of the ordinary, be prepared to run around all over town.

For people needing gluten-free or special diet items, you will have an even more tiresome adventure and less fruitful, but the good news is; more Gluten-Free and organic items are being stocked. A new store called Iyari Organicos just opened on Constitución #279. (Between V. Carranza and Cardenas) They stock quite a few Gluten Free products and Organic items, from chicken to Ezekiel bread and much more.

Another organic shop opened a couple of blocks away on Basilio Badillo and Constitucion called Gaia, they have organic ice cream, butter and agave syrup, plus other items. Of course there is also Organic Select which has a great online ordering system and delivery service, and a booth at the Old Town Farmer’s Market. 

If you are a coupon shopper, forget about it! They don’t do coupons here but there are specific days to save. Every Tuesday Wal-Mart, Soriana and Ley’s has items they put on sale to bring in shoppers. Usually it is produce and chicken and some staples. I always hit at least one of them on Tuesday and stock up on sale items.  On Wednesday, Mega/Comercial Mexicana has their sale day. So plan accordingly to save some dinero on your grocery bill.

Soriana offers a "points card" and often has free items when you use your points or “Dinero Electronico” which is money put on your card that you can use on your next purchase. Sometimes they have 20% dinero electronic on everything you purchase which is like getting 20% off your bill.

Little produce markets are often the best places to buy produce. Both of the local mercados in 5 de dieciembre and Emiliano Zapata Market have produce vendors and butchers that are worth checking out. My favorite way to shop is when they come to me. Often a truck selling fresh strawberries drives around Vallarta selling these red beauties for 15 Pesos a kilo. Keep your ears open for the shrimp guy or the produce truck or the bolis car or peddle bike person who sells delicious frozen treats in a plastic bag, similar to an ice cream Popsicle. My favorites are the coconut and café (coffee). 

You can buy local honey from a guy on the corner of Cardenas and Auguacate. Local honey is amazing and helps with allergies and slapping some honey on parched lips is a great humectant and tastes yummy.  

If you have any questions on where to get what here in Vallarta, be sure to comment below this post and I will try to answer your questions. Until then, happy shopping!

Destination Wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Destination weddings are “hot” right now (pardon the pun) especially for couples looking to escape the traditional wedding venues in their city as well as for economic reasons.

Ecomomics 101

When you take the biggest day of your life to a location away from home, you end up limiting the guest list which can often be a blessing, especially for couples feeling trapped into inviting the whole neighborhood, their teams of co-workers and the distant cousins they haven’t seen in a decade or two.  Destination weddings ensure that you share your day with only the nearest and dearest people in your lives thus lessening the pressure of how to cut down the guest list. 

The Big Enchilada

A destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta combines not only an incredibly romantic backdrop to your wedding but you combine a family reunion, a romantic vacation (not just for yourself but for your friends as well) a spectacular honeymoon and memories that cannot be made at the local wedding hall or Hyatt Hotel. Especially in the dead of winter. 

Planning

Planning a vacation is always exciting. Planning a wedding can be daunting to say the least. But planning a romantic honeymoon in an exotic location often gets the groom to get involved in the arrangements. Since most of the leg work is often done by a wedding planner, all you need to do is dream together, send the planner your ideas, concepts and desires and they bring your dreams to fruition. Best yet, in-laws, family and friends have limited say this way when they feel the need to butt-in and tell you what to do for your big day. 

Get Away!

Since most friends and families today are spread out across country and the world, considering that they would need to travel anyway, a destination wedding makes sense logistically. Plus, it takes the pressure off of having to find comfortable places for them to stay, local transportation and you having enough “space” to prepare.  Most guests at a destination wedding end up exploring the area, bonding and enjoying a mini-vacation which allows you plenty of time to relax and unwind. You can work with your planner to set up tours, spa days and fishing or canopy tours to keep them entertained.

Location

There are many places to hold a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta but our favorite is a spectacular private villa, Casa Valerie, Mismaloya. This 10,000 square foot Villa is nestled on the hillside above the Bay of Banderas and offers stunning 180 degree breathtaking views of the ocean and spectacular sunsets, the surrounding mountains, lush jungle and the glimmering lights of Puerto Vallarta.

Breath Taking Venue

Brilliantly designed for groups and special events, the dramatic open spaces of Casa Valerie, Mismaloya include over 5,600 square feet of tropical poolside terraces making this an idyllic setting for your destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The beautiful lavish interiors, guest suites and poolside master bedroom, provide every amenity you desire and the clean lines and white façade provide a blank canvas for you to customize Casa Valerie, Mismaloya into your fairytale wedding venue.

Your destination wedding or special event at Casa Valerie, Mismaloya can be decadently intimate or as grand of a celebration as you desire. Bring your friends and family together in the exotic paradise uniting a life-long memorable occasion at an opulent yet relaxed vacation Villa. 

No Worries!

With more than 30 years of experience and over 100 blissful weddings and celebrations hosted at Casa Valerie, Mismaloya, the professional and gracious staff caters to absolutely all aspects of your stay by making the most amazing moments of your life stress free and magical.  

To help make your special day complete, they work with a variety of Puerto Vallarta’s best wedding planners.  Based upon your needs, desires, style and budget, they can suggest a wedding planner that will feel suit you best

Please explore the Casa Valerie wedding  website and envision how your dream occasion can become a reality. You may contact them by phone, fax or email for a detailed quotation and further information.

Welcome! Bienvenidos!

C'mon in! We are happy you found our new blog. We hope that you find it interesting and useful, especially if you love Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as much as we do. We will regularly update it with any news, information, events and anything else we think you will enjoy.
We welcome comments and contributions and of course sharing our bloog and posts with others.