Riviera Nayarit Tacos in Mexico

 Eat, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Aug 142013
 

Riviera Nayarit Tacos are “Cheap Tacos”

If you have ever been to the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, then you know what I am mean when I write about Riviera Nayarit  Tacos, or “Cheap Tacos”.  The price ranges from 8 pesos to about 12 pesos. Some Riviera Nayarit taco restaurants charge more for shrimp and other meats. No matter what Riviera Nayarit pueblo your staying at, from Bucerias to Chacala with San Pancho and La Cruz  in between, you are going to find some of the best Riviera Nayarit Tacos you have ever tasted!
The vendors are everywhere selling Mexican tacos, and just about anything that can be created in a  tortilla! Vendors with carts roam the Riviera Nayarit Mexican Pueblos, or the Taco Carts find their corners and put a few tables around them so you can sit down to eat.  There are also the Taco restaurants, which are much larger with many tables for sitting and eating, and serving all kinds of delicious Mexican drinks, like Orcheta, (a rice and milk drink)  Jamica (a red flowered plant ) and Atole (a hot corn drink), all which have a lot of added sugar.  I enjoy making my own Jamica with a lot less sugar right at home!    The folks that live here seem to have their favorite Taco eateries…I know I do!

Fresh Tortillas
I love watching the women in the Riviera Nayarit restaurants and stands making their own tortillas. Tortilla after Tortilla. I like to go and tMasa Mix (Harina de Maíz)ip them personally. What a labor of love!  Tortillas, made from corn are still a big part of the mainstay in the Mexico diet. Kernels are cooked with lime to remove the husk, and ground down. They then form the corn in to little round balls, and either pat out by hand, or put in a tortilla press, known as a tortilladora, and are used only for Corn. You can also hand roll them, but I have heard its not that easy! You can also purchase the Masa mix to make tortillas as well.
The options of what you can put in a tortilla is endless! Every town also has a shop that only makes tortillas called a tortilleria. There are also guys riding around on mopeds and bicycles selling freshly made tortillas. Find one of these guys and he will deliver directly to your house. Purchasing freshly made tortillas is wonderful!

A Wide Variety of  Riviera Nayarit  Tacos in Mexico

There is a lot of different tacos on the Riviera Nayarit.  It took me awhile to figure out what the vendors were selling when I first moved to the Riviera Nayarit in Lo de Marcos. For me, I really enjoy the Adobada style. The Asada, or steak tacos have finely chopped beef.  If you have ever ordered a regular beef steak here in Mexico, you know then why they cut their meet into very tiny pieces.

  • Tacos de Asador (“spit” or “grill” tacos) may be composed of any of the following: Carne Asada (beef)  tacos; tacos de tripita, (Tripe tacos), grilled until crisp; and, Chorizo Asado (traditional Spanish style sausage). Each type is served on two overlapped small tortillas.  and sometimes garnishes can include guacamole, variety of salsass, onions and cilantro.
  • Tacos de Cabeza or head tacos, in which there is a flat punctured metal plate from which steam emerges to cook the head of the cow. These include: Cabeza, a serving of the muscles of the head; Sesos, (“brains”);  Legua, (“tongue”) which I have seen a lot;  Cachete (“cheeks”); Trompa  (“lips”); and, Ojo  (“eye”).
  • Tacos de Cazo for which a metal bowl filled with lard is typically used as a deep-fryer. Meats for these types of tacos typically include: Tripa  (“tripe”, usually from a pig instead of a cow); Suadero  (tender beef cuts), Carnitas and Buche (Literally, “crop”, as in bird’s crop; or it is fried pig’s esophagus
  • Tacos sudados (“sweaty tacos“) are made by filling soft tortillas with a spicy meat mixture, then placing them in a basket covered with cloth. The covering keeps the tacos warm and traps steam (“sweat”) which softens them.

Tacos de suadero (grey) and chorizo (red)

  • Tacos Al Pastor de Adobada are made of thin pork steaks seasoned with adobo  seasoning, then skewered and overlapped on one another on a vertical rotisserie cooked and flame-broiled as it spins.
  • Tacos dorados (fried tacos, literally, “golden tacos”) called flautas (“flute”, because of the shape), or taquitos, for which the tortillas are filled with pre-cooked shredded chicken, beef , rolled into an elongated cylinder and deep-fried until crisp.
  • Tacos de pescado (“fish tacos“) originated in Baja, where they consist of grilled or fried fish, lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo, and a sour cream or a spicy mayonnaise sauce, all placed on top of a corn or flour tortilla.
  • Tacos de camarones (“shrimp tacos“) Grilled or fried shrimp are used, usually with the same accompaniments as fish tacos: lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado and a sour cream or that spicy citrus/mayonnaise sauce, all placed on top of a corn or flour tortilla.

Most Riviera Nayarit taco places have a variety of toppings available with whole or sliced red radishes, limes,  salt, pickled or grilled chili’s and  jalapenos, cucumber slices, and sometimes they also serve delicious small whole grilled onions on your plate.

For me, I love going out for Riviera Nayarit Cheap Tacos every week. They are tasty, and the people are always friendly.  Dining out for 50 pesos is right in my budget! Minus the Coronas with lime !!

 

Enjoy a Riviera Nayarit Mexico Taco in one of the authentic pueblos along the Pacific coast of Mexico,
also known as the Mexican Riviera!

 Posted by Cat at 5:18 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Bucerias Mexico Rentals on Riviera Nayarit

 Bucerias, Rentals  No Responses »
Jul 272013
 

Bucerias Mexico Rentals on the Riviera Nayarit

 

Looking for a terrific Bucerias Mexico rental? There is a wide variety for the Bucerias Mexico rentals for the individual looking to vacation or relocate to the wonderful community of Bucerias Mexico.  Located on the amazing Riviera Nayarit, this great pueblo  is located only 45 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, makes the town of Bucerias Mexico easy to access, yet still have the authentic Mexican pueblo flavor and the wonderful beaches we all enjoy on a Mexico vacation.

There are many Bucerias Mexico rentals, including beachfront rentals, ocean view rentals, one and two bedroom rental opportunities, and even green ECO rentals. Bucerias Mexico long-term rentals are for the individual interested in relocation, or in a retirement situation and getting away for at least 6 months. Click on the links for more information, and also click on the photos for more photo galleries.
Here is a sampling of some of the great temporary and long-term opportunities that Bucerias Mexico has to offer:

Bucerias Green ECO Rentals
These are Bucerias Mexico rentals for the environmentally conscious tourist. Those looking to reduce their carbon foot-print can especially consider the Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat, with amazing RV Bus Rentals, one bedroom and two bedroom bungalows, as well as one bedroom and two bedroom villas.  Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat is located only 5 minutes from Bucerias Centro and the playa. This Green Eco Retreat has everything you could dream of; the Bamboo Restaurant, Huge solar heated pool, day spa, workout center, tienda (store) and a large laundry facility. Los Arroyos Verdes has over 30 Bucerias Mexico Rentals, which creates the beautiful and amazing space for the perfect wedding venue, or any life celebration for you, your family and friends.
Click on the links to view the villas, casitas and the RV rentals. You may also click on the photos, as they link to the photo galleries.
Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat. Luxury and Eco Green…”We wait for you” ….

Bucerias Bungalow Rentals..Mexican Style!
Located at the main town square in Bucerias Mexico is Miguel Angel Bungalows. A gated Bucerias Mexico rental  that has a nice grass yard that is completely fenced in is perfect for you small pet! Yes, Miguel Angel Bungalows are very a Bucerias pet friendly rental!  Enjoy a one or two bedroom bungalow only 2 minutes to the playa. Away from the loud bars, close to shops, and you will surely enjoy the Mexican Fiestas that take place in the town square. Dancing and traditional folklore come to the stage, yet end early enough so you can sleep at night! Enjoy a 10% discount at Miguel Angels Restaurant and Bar located right next door to these Bucerias Bungalows.

Bucerias Beachfront Rentals / Oceanfront Rentals
These types of  Bucerias Mexico rentals offer the tourist unparalleled views of Banderas Bay, often from a balcony. The wide assortment of properties usually can sleep multiple amounts of people. Most are able to host five individuals and is usually rented for between $150 to $295 a night. These Bucerias beachfront rentals usually include air conditioning, fans and screens, and most have either dipping pools, or in a large casa or condo setting larger pools.
Many of these beachfront rentals require a minimum stay.

Bucerias One Bedroom Rentals
There is also many Bucerias Mexico one bedroom rentals for the vacationer to consider, ranging from units with scenic beach and ocean views to units that are near many city attractions, the Bucerias restaurants and markets, and only minutes from the Bucerias playa. These Bucerias Mexcio rentals range from $120 to $175 a night, depending on how long your stay is.

Bucerias Two Bedroom Rentals
For those who require a little more space, Bucerias Mexico rentals also have many two bedroom rentals available, from $185 to $250 a night. Enjoy a Bucerias Beachfront Two Bedroom Rental, or one a couple of blocks away from the playa. Our Bucerias rentals are close to all amenities, making your stay easy and fun!

Bucerias Long-Term Rentals
For those wishing to relocate to this tropical paradise permanently there are Bucerias Mexico  long-term rentals available. Usually starting at between $500-$1800 and up, these long-term rentals usually require a six month to a year commitment, and come in Bucerias Beachfront Rentals and Bucerias Mexico rentals of all sizes.

Remember that in Bucerias Mexico, summer rates differ greatly from the peak season, which is from October/ November to April/ May. This lush paradise, where the mountains meet the sea have  Bucerias Mexico rentals options to consider and is well worth the money. These Bucerias Mexico rentals provide you with a place to stay and the experience of a lifetime!

Discover Bucerias Mexico Rentals for a Riviera Nayarit fun vacation on the Mexican Riviera.

 Posted by Cat at 9:31 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit Week of Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

 Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
May 142013
 

Sup’ing, Massaging, n’Partying on the Riviera Nayarit

Hey gang, just had a pretty cool week out and about down here on the Riviera Nayarit  in Mexico with my brother-in-law, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! Our week of fun started on Thursday…and what a  fun week it was!
Living life on the Riviera Nayarit is simply beautiful, as it is no surprise why more and more folks come here for a vacation or to relocate, like I did.

We started out our days  hanging out in the villa, chillin’ out while taking in the view of Banderas Bay, cupp-a-joe in our hands, and giving thanks and that we can be and live in such an amazing place called the Riviera Nayarit.
Sunrises are truly amazing looking out over the Banderas Bay.
What a terrific way to start the day!


An Equinox Blessing at Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat
It all started on Thursday with a lovely blessing for the lunar equinox at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat.
At Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat, every item is ecologically relevant – every reused, recycled, reinvented, recreated marvelous piece of art that even an old fire hydrant can become. Everything is also for sale at this Eco green retreat.  Fall in love and take it home with you!
But Los Arroyos Verdes is special on so many levels, not just the pragmatic idea of recycling, but the spiritual, the physical body, and the intellect – all your senses are engaged when you walk the grounds at Los Arroyos Verdes, slumber in a chair in a quiet corner, or enjoy the pool and veranda area.  There is a corner, a spiritual haven for nearly everyone at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat, my friends and I found ours just off the pool area, in a quiet spot not far from the peacock walk, where beautiful peacocks fan out their amazing tails!

We were there to join together in a celebration of a lunar equinox – asking a blessing and thanking mother earth and all the powers and elements for their healing presence in our lives, and releasing all of the old ideas and energies that can prevent one from moving  forward in life.  Marielana Capdevila, who was born in Mexico City, led us in a spiritual walk, an acceptance with gratitude for all that we are given, and the weaknesses we all have – a walk that culminated in shedding our chrysalis of old, un-useful thoughts and habits – a spiritual and intellectual spring cleaning.
We ate at the restaurant enjoying delicious limonada con agua mineral – a delight – while Julio, our waiter at Los Arroyos Verdes, prepared chicken nachos and shrimp salads.  Oh, my goodness!  Another bite never to be forgotten in this life time!  Julio is amazing, Los Arroyos Verdes is amazing – go, dine, live in peace at Los Arroyos Verdes, Bucerias, on the Riviera Nayarit this summer for a romantic weekend get-away, a relaxing day by the gorgeous pool, or an event, as many plays, live music and other events happen there all year long!

Sayulita SUPing
Friday, I took my visiting brother over to the SUP Club on the north end of the beach in Sayulita for his first SUPing adventure.
Here is a note from my brother-in-law about his experiences of our journey!
“A great bunch of guys led by Antonio, who is a SUP instructor extraordinaire!  In just a few minutes of really excellent instruction, Antonio had explained the SUPing fundamentals, and we were wading out for my first ever, really, no kidding, I am NOT putting you on, SUP effort.  How I’ve missed out on the SUP phenomena is beyond me – I’ve spent the last 35 years sailing on and living along the coasts of the world.  But here I am living large on the Riviera Nayarit, and Antonio of the SUP Club Sayulita has – no kidding, in about 2 minutes of on water instruction – got me up and SUPing….and I MEAN SUPing!  None of this paddling around on a mill pond crap, I am up really SUPing, I am bending my knees and digging in.  Very cool sensation by the way, and a very neat way to get about on mother ocean.  If you love her like I do, you will love SUPing ans SUPing in Sayulita, Nayarit, with the SUP Club Sayulita is absolutely the way to go.  Very impressive!   You want to Sayulita SUP, see Antonio at SUP Club Sayulita.  Now, don’t put to the test, I was no means keeping up with the aces that zip around in the surf zone in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit sporting their thongs and fancy moves – but I paddled out to the anchored sailboat in a reasonable amount of time — and I only fell off about 20 times — but you know what I had a blast – and for a guy like me that icing on the cake!”
SUPing is really for everyone, and Sayulita is the perfect place to learn!

Sayulita Mercado
That Friday was also the  last day for the Sayulita Mercado,  we went over there to get in some last of the season purchases.  It’s refreshing to see organic products, crafts, produce, local wares and prepared food, much of it hand made by locals, of all races and nationalities coming together in such a wonderful community event.  Live music was fun while we shopped and ate. Adios until next season mi compadres!
For everyone who is staying for the spring and summer, about ten of the vendors from the Sayulita  Mercado are moving their gig to “Tacos on the Street” (owned by Sandrita) every Saturday morning – at least until they get a feel for affordability. They are located on Revolution on the right corner just before the bridge as you come into town.

Sayulita Massage on the Playa
I wanted to treat my brother-in-law to experience a massage with David Chavas, the Clay Magic Man, who does the Benzonite clay massage on the playa. I can say from my own experience that David and his clay work magic…especially on my wrinkles and detoxing my skin. …almost better than a facial!
Here is what he said about his massage experience.
“Well, at 56 you just can’t jump up and “git’er’dun” like you used to, at least I can’t!  How does the old song go…”I’m as good as I once was, once…” so off I went to get a massage.  SONRISA GRANDE!!  I was very fortunate that my sister turned me on to David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage with Benzonite Clay (or “Con arcilla o barro” if you prefer).  MARVELOUS!!  Absolutely marvelous.  Oh, the aches and pains that I no longer have are legion.  He worked on me, smearing us both liberally with the arcilla o barro for 90 minutes – he found aches I didn’t even know I had, YET!  Cripes…he has the strongest fingers I’ve encountered on 7 continents!  An ex-boxer, David Chaves understands muscles, recovery, stimulus, nerve endings….and after years and years of study, both formal and informal he possesses encyclopedic knowledge of anatomy and various forms of massage – Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue, the list is long, and exhaustive.  Extraordinary strength, knowledge, talent and a passion for healing is a rare, beautiful thing – visit a David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit – do something for yourself today! …and you have an masseuse of rare skill and ability…a rare mixture indeed.
A brisk swim in the beautifully warm water off Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit and a shower back at David’s washed off the clay, and I was a new man. (The photo is my sister getting a massage.)  Now I was off to another real experience:

When your Hungry Try Km 5 Surf Bar!
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant, located along the back way out of Sayulita, en-route to Punta de Mita Road.  A late lunch, and a head start.  A head start to get a meal and a good seat, because on Friday nights Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant has live music and there is no place else to get a groove on like the intimate dance floor at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant.  The band I was delighted to see perform played a pleasing mix of some original riffs, cooler than cool oldies, and some current themes – carrying them pretty ably – with some really cool vibes coming off the bass.  Buon hecho compadres!
Food is really center stage! The food is all freshly made on site by Chef Rodo using all fresh produce, fish and meat and organic lettuce and produce.  I was honored to meet Chef Rodo during my visit to Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant – we chatted while he made, from scratch, his special pizza dough.  Chef Rodo, and his trained staff, create every plate and pizza from scratch that comes out of the kitchen at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant and he gets it!  He proudly puts his name behind everything that comes out of the Km5 Surf Bar kitchen.
Try the Portobello and asparagus burger with cheese – I nearly died – what a delicious sandwich!  The asparagus was simply perfect….grills marks, a tang – not a singe, if you know what I mean…the Portobello was another technical triumph, just on the dry side of wet, the juices were still there but not dominant…Ha!Listen to me, can you tell I enjoyed that sandwich.
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant is a special place, totally original painting – the galley is made to be the inside of an old VW combi van – the ground floor is six inches deep in sand – the action is upstairs where the breeze blows, and the sun glows.   It is the only authentic Surf Bar on the Riviera Nayarit that I know of with the “surf shack” building and the sand floors downstairs.
Check them out, you’ll be glad you did.

The Perfect Ending for a Lovely Weekend!
We ended the our Sunday the way all days were meant to be spent – with family and friends.   We made a little camp down on Destiladeras Beach, and had fun swimming and chillin before heading up to dinner at the house.   It was a day filled with blessings of the amazing Riviera Nayarit! Spending time with my brother-in-law has been so much fun!
Our bones loosened up in the warm sun as we walked and swam, then we ate and drank. The Riviera Nayarit beaches are why most folks are here.. ..where the jungle meets the Pacific ocean.
We left there and came home to our villa overlooking Banderas Bay -  Having taken in the view with appropriate vigor, given a nod for another perfect sunset – all accompanied by an adequate, but so far, not overwhelming, amount of eating and drinking, we repaired to the living room/swimming pool area and began to eat and drink in earnest.
Apparently, eating and drinking is a very, very important pastime here on the Riviera Nayarit – because we spent an awful lot of time eating and drinking!
And so this wonderful weekend ended as it began, looking out over Banderas Bay and enjoying the sunset this time, surrounded by my friends and family of drifters, misfits, and retired bums – all of us adrift on the never ending adventure that is life here on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!

Discover the pleasures of the Riviera Nayarit in amazing Mexico!

 

 Posted by Eric at 5:19 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
May 042013
 

Sup’ing, Massaging, n’Partying on the Riviera Nayarit

Hey gang, just had a pretty cool week out and about down here on the Riviera Nayarit  in Mexico with my kool brother-in-law, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! With Eric just getting into town, our week of fun started on Thursday…and what a long and fun Riviera Nayarit community weekend it was!

Living life on the Riviera Nayarit is simply beautiful with many Riviera Nayarit attractions; as it is no surprise why more and more folks come here for a vacation or to relocate, like I did over two years ago.

We started out our days hanging out in the villa, chillin’ out, and enjoying the sunrise over the Banderas Bay, cupp-a-joe in our hands, and giving thanks and that we can be and live in such an amazing place called the Riviera Nayarit.


An Equinox Blessing at Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat
It all started on Thursday with a lovely blessing for the lunar equinox at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat in Bucerias.
At Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat, every item is ecologically relevant – every reused, recycled, reinvented, recreated marvelous piece of art that even an old fire hydrant can become. Everything is also for sale at this Eco green retreat.  Fall in love and take it home with you!
Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat  is special on so many levels, not just the pragmatic idea of recycling, but the spiritual, the physical body, and the intellect – all your senses are engaged when you walk the grounds at Arroyos Verde, slumber in a chair in a quiet corner, or enjoy the pool and veranda area.  There is a corner, a spiritual haven for nearly everyone at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat, my friends and I found ours just off the pool area, in a quiet spot not far from the peacock walk.

We were there to join together in a celebration of a lunar equinox – asking a blessing and thanking mother earth and all the powers and elements for their healing presence in our lives, and releasing all of the old ideas and energies that can prevent one from moving  forward in life.  Marielana Capdevila, who was born in Mexico City, led us in a spiritual walk, an acceptance with gratitude for all that we are given, and the weaknesses we all have – a walk that culminated in shedding our chrysalis of old, un-useful thoughts and habits – a spiritual and intellectual spring cleaning. Marielena also is an amazing artist, and specializes in portraits and personal mandalas.

We ate at the restaurant enjoying delicious limonada con agua mineral – a delight – while Julio, our waiter at Los Arroyos Verdes, prepared chicken nachos and shrimp salads.  Oh, my goodness!  Another bite never to be forgotten in this life time!  Julio is amazing, Los Arroyos Verdes is amazing.  Dine, live in peace, or a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, visit Arroyos Verdes in  Bucerias this summer for a romantic weekend get-away in one of their comfortable Bucerias rentals, or for a relaxing day by the gorgeous pool.  Plan your wedding or special occasion with them. There is something always going on at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat in Bucerias!

Sayulita SUPing
Friday, I took my visiting brother over to the SUP Club on the north end of the beach in Sayulita for his first SUPing adventure. Here is a note from my brother-in-law about his experience!
“A great bunch of guys led by Antonio, who is a SUP instructor extraordinaire!  In just a few minutes of really excellent instruction, Antonio had explained the SUPing fundamentals, and we were wading out for my first ever, really, no kidding, I am NOT putting you on, SUP effort.  How I’ve missed out on the SUP phenomena is beyond me – I’ve spent the last 35 years sailing on and living along the coasts of the world.  But here I am living large on the Riviera Nayarit, and Antonio of the SUP Club Sayulita has – no kidding, in about 2 minutes of on water instruction – got me up and SUPing….and I MEAN SUPing!  None of this paddling around on a mill pond crap, I am up really SUPing, I am bending my knees and digging in.  Very cool sensation by the way, and a very neat way to get about on mother ocean.  If you love her like I do, you will love SUPing ans SUPing in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, with the SUP Club Sayulita is absolutely the way to go.  Very impressive!   You want to SUP, to see Antonio at SUP Club Sayulita.  Now, don’t put to the test, I was no means keeping up with the aces that zip around in the surf zone in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit sporting their thongs and fancy moves – but I paddled out to the anchored sailboat in a reasonable amount of time — and I only fell off about 20 times — but you know what I had a blast – and for a guy like me that icing on the cake!”
SUP camps are abundant in Sayulita. SUPing is really for everyone, and Sayulita is the perfect place to learn! . Especially now that the currents have shifted…and Sayulita is often known as “Lake Sayulita” in the summer months!

Sayulita Mercado
Friday was also the  last day for the Sayulita Mercado, or the Sayulita Farmer’s Market.  We went over to get in some last of the season purchases.  It’s refreshing to see organic products, crafts, produce, local wares and organically prepared food, much of it hand made by locals, of all races and nationalities coming together in such a wonderful community event.  Live music was fun while we shopped and ate. Adios until next season mi compadres!  For everyone who is staying for the spring and summer, about ten or so of the vendors from the Sayulita  Mercado are moving their gig to “Tacos on the Street” (owned by Sandrita) every Saturday morning – at least until they get a feel for affordability. They are located on Revolution on the right corner just before the bridge as you come into town.

Sayulita Massage on the Playa
I wanted to treat my brother-in-law for an experience with a massage with David Chavas, who does the Benzonite clay massage on the playa in Sayulita, located just north of Costenos Surf shop. I can say from my own experience that David and his clay work magic…especially on my face wrinkles…almost better than a facial!
David is a nice looking guy, but he wears his clay all over his face and body to protect him from the sun all day. Some folks are a bit put off by that at first. But, once you get on the table all of that fades away.  Here is what my borther-in-law said about his massage experience.

“Well, at 56 you just can’t jump up and “git’er’dun” like you used to, at least I can’t!  How does the old song go…”I’m as good as I once was, once…” so off I went to get a massage.  SONRISA GRANDE!!  I was very fortunate that my sister turned me on to David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage with Benzonite Clay (or “Con arcilla o barro” if you prefer).  MARVELOUS!! Oh, the aches and pains that I no longer have are legion.  He worked on me, smearing us both liberally with the arcilla o barro for 90 minutes – he found aches I didn’t even know I had, YET!  Cripes…he has the strongest fingers I’ve encountered on 7 continents!  An ex-boxer, David Chaves understands muscles, recovery, stimulus, nerve endings….and after years and years of study, both formal and informal he possesses encyclopedic knowledge of anatomy and various forms of massage – Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue, the list is long, and exhaustive.  Extraordinary strength, knowledge, talent and a passion for healing is a rare, beautiful thing – visit a David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit – do something for yourself today! …and you have an masseuse of rare skill and ability…a rare mixture indeed.
A brisk swim in the beautifully warm water off Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit and a shower back at David’s washed off the clay, and I was a new man.

When your Hungry Try Km 5 Surf Bar!
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant, located along the back way out of Sayulita, en-route to Punta de Mita Road.  A late lunch, and a head start.  A head start to get a meal and a good seat, because on Friday nights Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant has live music and there is no place else to get a groove on like the intimate dance floor at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant.  The band I was delighted to see perform played a pleasing mix of some original riffs, cooler than cool oldies, and some current themes – carrying them pretty ably – with some really cool vibes coming off the bass.  Buon hecho compadres!  Food is really center stage! The food is all freshly made on site by Chef Rodo using all fresh produce, fish and meat and organic lettuce and produce.  I was honored to meet Chef Rodo during my visit to Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant – we chatted while he made, from scratch, his special pizza dough.  Chef Rodo, and his trained staff, create every plate and pizza from scratch that comes out of the kitchen at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant and he gets it!  He proudly puts his name behind everything that comes out of the Km5 Surf Bar kitchen.
Try the Portobello and asparagus burger with cheese – I nearly died – what a delicious sandwich!  The asparagus was simply perfect….grills marks, a tang – not a singe, if you know what I mean…the Portobello was another technical triumph, just on the dry side of wet, the juices were still there but not dominant…Ha!Listen to me, can you tell I enjoyed that sandwich.
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant is a special place, totally original painting – the galley is made to be the inside of an old VW combi van – the ground floor is six inches deep in sand – the action is upstairs where the breeze blows, and the sun glows.   It is the only authentic Surf Bar on the Riviera Nayarit that I know of with the “surf shack” building and the sand floors downstairs, and amazing views of the ocean and jungle. Surfboard rentals are available as well.  Check them out, you’ll be glad you did.

The Perfect Ending for a Lovely Weekend!
We ended the our Sunday the way all days were meant to be spent – with family and friends.  We made a little camp down on Destilidaras Beach, and had fun swimming and chillin’ before heading up to dinner at the house.   It was a day filled with blessings of the amazing Riviera Nayarit!
Our bones loosened up in the warm sun as we walked and swam, then we ate and drank. The Riviera Nayarit beaches are why most folks are here.. ..where the jungle meets the Pacific ocean.

We left there and came home to our villa overlooking Banderas Bay -  Having taken in the view with appropriate vigor, given a nod for another perfect sunset – all accompanied by an adequate, but so far, not overwhelming, amount of eating and drinking, we repaired to the living room/swimming pool area and began to eat and drink in earnest.
Eating and drinking is a very, very important pastime here on the Riviera Nayarit – and we spent an awful lot of time eating and drinking!
And so this wonderful weekend ended as it began, looking out over Banderas Bay, surrounded by my friends and family of drifters, misfits, and retired bums – all of us adrift on the never ending adventure that is life here on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!

 

 Posted by Cat at 1:10 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,

The Beauty of a Riviera Nayarit Vacation in Mexico

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Feb 032013
 

The Beauty of the Riviera Nayarit

If you are looking for a new travel destination, a vacation that will truly be remembered, a tropical paradise filled with nature’s beauty and attractions that are truly breathtaking, then take time to discover the beauty of Riviera Nayarit. Riviera Nayarit is located north Puerto Vallarta in the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is also nestled along Sierra Madre Mountains. It boasts a 200 mile stretch of deep blue sandy beaches with first class resorts, beachfront rentals and one of a kind attractions. It is the beautiful place in Mexico where the jungle meets the Pacific ocean. The typical temperature is about 80 degrees, which is like summer everyday, and lows in the mid 60″s! The Riviera Nayarit is also listed as a very safe place to travel in Mexico.

Also, the perfect time to go is between December and April, which is known as the “high season” due to the perfect weather. One fact that most folks are not aware of is that the Riviera Nayarit is also the perfect Mexico vacation destination in the spring and early summer months. The snowbirds have left back to Canada or the U.S leaving the beaches almost to yourself, and the pricing is quite reduced for airfare, rentals and tours. They heat along with the rains have not yet arrived, making it a perfect Riviera Nayarit Spring vacation, with so many of the flowers in bloom. Riviera Nayarit is perfect for all ages, whether you are with your friends or family for sure everyone will enjoy their vacation.

Riviera Nayarit also offers lots of activities and attractions that will definitely make your stay worthwhile. If you are planning to just relax and unwind then you can check out some spas and wellness programs that are widely available in the pueblos lining the Riviera Nayarit. If you are the adventurous type, you will be glad to know that you can try canopy zip lining, ATV rides, deep sea fishing, sailing, diving or hiking in the jungles.  There is also  the very new popular sport SUP (Stand up and Paddle) and, of course world renown surfing.

You can also practice your swings because many top of the line golf courses are also available in Riviera Nayarit. What makes this beautiful paradise unique from other travel destinations is that it offers close nature encounters like swimming with dolphins, sea lion encounters and the most popular one, whale watching.

I am also quite sure that you will enjoy the night life and food along the coast and at the same time there are many stores and markets (also known as tianguis)  for shopping so you won’t have any problem looking for souvenirs, unique art and collectables.

So what are you waiting for? For your next vacation, definitely consider Rivera Nayarit, not only its beauty is truly a treasure, it also has lots of activities and attractions that are complete for your pleasure.

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for an amazing Mexico vacation, or relocate to Mexico for life!

 Posted by Cat at 1:39 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Our Lady of Guadalupe on the Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Dec 122012
 

Mexico Celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe

Everywhere throughout the Riviera Nayarit and all of  Mexico celebrates this Mexico holiday on December 12th with festivals of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Town squares will be decorated, with festivals, church’s will have celebrations, and new paintings on sides of buildings of Guadalupe, along with the bombs going off at all hours of the night and early morning. This is how Mexico celebrates, and Mexico loves Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Story of Guadalupe
The story of Guadalupe takes place in 1531 when a local peasant named Juan Diego saw on the slopes of the hill of Tepeyac a vision of a teenage girl surrounded by light. This girl spoke to him in the Nahuatl language and asked that a church be built at this location. Juan Diego thought she was the Virgin Mary. He needed to prove this to the Archbishop at the time by getting a sign from this teenage girl. He was instructed to pick some flowers, Castilian Roses, which was a difficult task as they were hard to find since it was late in the blooming season. The so called “Virgin Mary” arranged the flowers in a cloak in such a way that when it fell to the ground in front of the Archbishop there was an imprint left on the cloak of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The icon is now displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A church was constructed and  replaced the Old Basilica that was finished in 1709, as it became a danger due to the sinking of the foundations. Today, a modern structure called and the New Basilica was built next to it where the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe rests today in the New Basilica.
Built between 1974 and 1976, the new Basilica has a circular floor plan. The image of the Virgin Guadalupe can be seen from any point within the building. The circular structure is 100 meters (330 feet) in diameter, and can accommodate up to 50,000 people!

The Riviera Nayarit next door neighbor, Puerto Vallarta,  has their Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations start on the 1st of December and finali on the 12th. The streets of Puerto Vallarta during the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe ignites with festivities, processions and religious passion. On December 12, 1851,  Puerto Vallarta was discovered, so this day holds a lot of excitement and celebration for the local people of Puerto Vallarta. With the new PV malacon built, all festivities are fun! Take a taxi as there will not be a place to park anywhere close to the malacon. The streets during the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe ignites with festivities, processions and religious passion. Many groups and organizations arrange to meet and participate in the pilgrimage to Puerto Vallarta’s Cathedral “the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe”. Today between 18-20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica.
The original  Basilica is located in Mexico City, in the northern neighborhood of Villa De Guadalupe Hidalgo (or simply “la Villa).  in Mexico City.

Miracles, cures and interventions were attributed to the Lady of Guadalupe. Pope John Paul II has visited her sanctuary four times in 1979, 1990, 1999 and 2002. In 1999 he declared Dec. 12 a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole continent. This year many types of meditations are happening as this December date is 12/12/12,  and everyone celebrates.

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe day on the Riviera Nayarit, relocate to Mexico for life!

 

 Posted by Cat at 12:04 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead

 Attractions, Pueblos, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Oct 312012
 
 Posted by Cat at 5:37 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Purchasing Riviera Nayarit Properties / Real Estate in Mexico

 Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Oct 092012
 

Riviera Nayarit Properties for Sale in Mexico

There are many who would very much like to purchase  Riviera Nayarit  properties and Real Estate in Mexico today. Riviera Nayarit properties are not particularly difficult to find, but there are issues such as having the land you buy being titled. However, the economy in Mexico at this present time is rising, and that means that Mexico real estate investment has not seen a better opportunity to start hunting for homes on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.

The most ideal place to begin your search for Riviera Nayarit properties and real estate investment is to look at local companies listed on the internet. It has been estimated that as much as 90 percent of all homes purchased in Mexico were bought by those who began a search on the internet to look at where the Riviera Nayarit properties  are, and what it the property looks like. Usually these searches were followed up by personal visits to the property. When you physically go and look at any Riviera Nayarit properties, it is important to go in the summer season when the rains are heavy to make sure the Mexico property you are looking at is not under water, as it rains heavily almost daily during the summer months, and is dry as a bone from the end of October until May! This is also for properties with their own well systems. Wells can dry up towards the end of the Winter season, April and May, until the rains start. So, depending on what type of property your looking at it may be important to look at these issues.

Many buy Riviera Nayarit property, or homes in Mexico as a second home in paradise. There are also those that will want to purchase Riviera Nayarit properties  in Mexico so that they have  real estate for investment. If you buy Riviera Nayarit properties now on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, the land value may well increase in years to come and you could see your profits rise sharply to the point where you money could even double in years to come. The Riviera Nayarit government is putting a ton of money into developing the Riviera Nayarit as a vacation paradise, which it already is, and this economy, continues to grow.

It is worth knowing, however, that real estate and the way property selling Riviera Nayarit properties works in Mexico are very different to that of the USA and Canada. It is very important to find educated Riviera Nayarit Realtors that know the”ropes” of purchasing Riviera Nayarit properties and real estate.

In 2007 the housing bubble in the USA burst. This had a knock on effect across much of the western world. Mexico has not had escalating price rises in the last decade so there is always a good chance house prices could raise steadily over the forthcoming years, as the Riviera Nayarit and other parts of Mexico are becoming quite a popular place to relocate.

Some of the ways in which Mexico real estate investment and purchasing Riviera Nayarit properties works has similarities to the way it works within the US. A real estate agent or property agent will assist the buyer in purchasing a home in Mexico. Some of the paperwork is also very similar such as the title deeds. It is important to make sure your property is titled in Mexico. Anyone can be a realtor in Mexico, and because this is not yet regulated, it is best to find someone who has been selling real estate, and knows their way around Mexican Laws, and property rights. Again, finding an educated Riviera Nayarit Realtor is very important. There are a lot of scammers out there, so do your homework!  Across Canada and the States those who are looking for homes in Mexico are increasingly turning to the professional services of Riviera Nayarit Realtors to help with the smooth and trouble free transition of funds and property purchases on the Riviera Nayarit and surrounding areas in Mexico. These educated professionals will actually make your Riviera Nayarit properties purchase fun, and that says a lot!
Check out these educated and fun Real Estate Brokers selling Riviera Nayarit Properties today!

Discover a local Real Estate agent on the Riviera Nayarit and relocate to Mexico for life!

 Posted by Cat at 2:37 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bucerias Restaurant Honors Chef Seth Cloutman Riviera Nayarit Style

 Bucerias, Eat, Restaurants  No Responses »
Oct 012012
 

The Joys of Jan at a Bucerias Restaurant

Seth Cloutman, who lived with his partner in Puerto Vallarta, was an amazing connoisseur and creator of delicious foods in many Bucerias restaurants and all over the Riviera Nayarit, and in Mexico. Sadly, Chef Seth Cloutman passed away this year, and this article is in honor of him.
Chef Seth wrote this letter about Chef Jan Benton,who is the Chef at Bucerias restaurant Mark’s Bar and Grill,  about one of their experiences together.

 

The Joys of Jan

by Chef Seth Cloutman

It is a rare day when I meet another person who shares my enthusiasm for food. Okay, obsession. So imagine my surprise when on a site visit to another chef’s kitchen, I immediately found a kindred spirit and someone whose life revolves around the search for a great combination of flavors or a fresh ingredient not found before. Two weeks ago that is exactly what happened when I met Jan Benton, the Chef de Cuisine of Mark’s Bar and Grill, a Bucerias restaurant in Mexico.

Jan is a native of New Zealand but found herself in many parts of the world before she finally landed permanently in Mexico. One of her earliest training grounds was the family garden in the land of Kiwis. It was there that she developed an intense fascination with fresh, home raised vegetables. That initial education was only further enhanced when she worked in the perfume industry. In her position, it was necessary to take scents and identify them thereby honing her olfactory senses. This only assisted when she finally took to the kitchen.

Living in San Francisco she took up cooking as a home chef. One of her first dishes, one that friends requested again and again, was a Pesto Negro. It was simply a basil pesto with black olives but this was to be the beginning of what would become her
greatest passion. Soon she was hording cookbooks by Charlie Trotter, Nobu Matsuhisa of Manhattan’s famed Nobu Restaurant, Japanese-Australian Tetsuya Wakud of Sydney’s Tetsuya and Judy Rodgers of San Francisco’s Zuni Café to name a few and honing her skills.

Fast forward to Bucerias 1991.
Mark purchased the building which still houses the Mark’s Bar and Grill Bucerias restaurant, and essentially created a hot dog and beer hall where he could hang out with his buddies. Little did he realize that a year later Jan would arrive in town and that they would fall in love. One Valentine’s Day Jan suggested that they do a meal special and see what happened. They purchased 25 pounds of fresh San Blas shrimp, put a sign out on the street and before the Bucerias restaurant closed that evening, they had sold out. At the time such an investment in that much shrimp was a real risk but clearly worth it.

Since this flight of fancy, Jan has been creating menus that dazzle the palate. Her intensity when she discusses food is such a joy. The first day I met her she and I ended up huddled at the end of the bar talking about ingredients and dishes and meals like two little children discussing an upcoming vacation to Disneyland. But what impressed me most was her “food geek” level. I am often accused of being the consummate food geek (I accept this gladly) and to sit down with someone else that has the same leaning was more exciting than I can possible describe. The ability to get so feverish about a certain cooking method or flavor or flavor combination is just not up everyone’s alley.

But for all the talk about food, I had still not tried Jan’s cuisine. I admit I was a little nervous because I did not want to be disappointed. I had found a new friend and I wanted to be as proud of her actual culinary skills as I was about her knowledge and enthusiasm. One of the first things she did when I arrived after we had been introduced was to ask me to come into the kitchen and look at the tuna her fishmonger had just dropped off. As we approached she said nothing but “can you look at this and tell me what you think?” In retrospect, I think she was testing me a bit just as I was about to test her as I bit into one of her creations. Upon seeing the tuna, we both instantly agreed that it was not up to quality so without a moment’s hesitation she rang the fisherman and said, no way. That meant no tuna for that evening menu but she simply would not serve that fish.

The dish she wished me to taste was a toasted coriander seed crusted tuna filet with a wasabi sauce. She asked if I minded trying it with Huachinango (red snapper). Of course I quickly agreed.
When she brought it out the scents were amazing and when I bit into the firm fish, I was relieved not only to be enjoying the delicious flavors but also to have confirmed that not only was my new food geek friend great fun to talk endlessly with about food, but she could cook as well.

Mark’s Bar and Grill is located at Lázaro Cárdenas 56A, Bucerías, Bahia de Banderas,
Nayarit 63732 Reservations are recommended (329) 298 0303

Chef Seth Cloutman

What  a wonderful writer and food enthusiast! He will be dearly missed!
Chef Seth was an inspiring cooking instructor specializing in French cuisine. He used the fresh and local flavors creating delightful food creations from Northern Italy, Spain and of course Mexico.   Seth was the owner of Food by Seth, which provided services as a private chef, wrote a book called Everything Found with Seth, as well as hosted Vallarta’s Culinary Corner cooking show, and was a weekly food columnist for the PV Mirror.  And even more,,  Chef Seth was also the founder of Nuestra Huerta, which means, “Our Kitchen Garden”, which was to create an educational garden for students in Puerto Vallarta about the complete process along with environment and water conservation, and of course how to prepare the food!

Chef Seth was considered by others a “consummate food geek” and loved this role in life. He also donated his time to help children and families in need here in Mexico.  He was dearly loved, honored and appreciated by his family and friends, and everyone that knew him in the restaurant and food industry. Here’s to you Seth Cloutman!

Discover great cuisine at a Bucerias Restaurant, Move to Mexico for Life!

 Posted by Cat at 10:47 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit Celebrates Mexico Independence

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Sep 142012
 

Mexico Celebrates Independence Day Riviera Nayarit Style

On the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, you will find  Mexico Independence Day flags and celebrations everywhere!  Mexicans love to celebrate, and this is an official Mexico Holiday. The actual holiday is on the 16th, and everyone gets that day off. Many only have to work a half a day on the 15th as well. This year it falls on the weekend, so not so much worry about making it to the bank or post office. But, if your coming to the Riviera Nayarit to celebrate, its a good idea to get your bungalow rental  in advance. The Riviera Nayarit is filled with fun and hip towns  with lots of stores for shopping, fun bars and restaurants and  great beaches for swimming, surfing and SUPing.(stand up and paddle). There are also evening party cruises happening, with dancing, drinking and screaming!

Mexico Celebrates their Freedom
In Mexico we celebrate our independence with the traditional cry of freedom that marked the beginning of the battle for independence in Dolores Hidalgo in 1810.
The Grito de Dolores (“Scream of Dolores”) also known as El Grito de la Endependencia   (“Cry of Independence”), was File:Iglesia de la Colonia Niños Heroes de Chapultepec.jpguttered from the small town of Dolores , near Guanajuato on September 16, 1810. It is the event that marks the beginning of the  Mexican War of Independence. The “grito” was the announcing of the Mexican War of Independence  by Miguel, a Roman Catholic priest.  Since October 1825, the anniversary of the event is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. 

Since then every year in the Zocalo people gather to hear the voice of the president of the republic the pain cry: “Viva Mexico.” Similarly, the governors of each state and the president of each municipality, giving the cry in the government compound in their city or pueblo.

On the night of September 15 in all entities, people gather around the palace to hear the speech and shout VIVA MEXICO! The hubbub squares fill with Mexican food stalls, bands, plays and dances. Tequila and mariachi bands are a must.

At approximately 23:00 hrs the cry is given immediately after the castle and burned gunpowder, fireworks, firecrackers, fireworks and the famous “bull”, ring the church bells and “breaks” the dancing begins.
On September 16, in the morning, people often attend or watch on television the Military Parade organized by the Federal Government (in the CD. Of Mexico) and state governments.

It is a tradition to place flags on cars or on the roof of the houses from the beginning of the month, announcing the celebration.  You can also find many street stalls selling straw hats, horns, whistles, fake mustaches and flags of all sizes. Pick up a flag or two and help celebrate Mexico;s freedom.

DIA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA EN MEXICO

En México festejamos nuestra independencia con el tradicional grito de libertad que marco el inicio de la batalla de independencia en Dolores Hidalgo en 1810.

Desde entonces todos los años en el Zócalo Capitalino se reúne la gente a escuchar de voz del presidente de la republica el grito de dolores: “Viva México”. De igual forma, los gobernadores de cada estado y el presidente de
cada municipio, dan el grito en el recinto gubernamental de su respectivo lugar.

La noche del 15 de septiembre en todas las entidades, la gente se reúne alrededor del palacio a escuchar el discurso y a gritar VIVA MEXICO! Las plazas se llenan de algarabía con puestos de antojitos mexicanos, bandas de música, representaciones teatrales y bailes folklóricos. El Tequila y el mariachi
no pueden faltar.
Aproximadamente a las 23:00 hrs se da el grito e inmediatamente después y se quema el castillo de pólvora, fuegos artificiales, cuetes, petardos y el famoso “torito”, repican las campanas de las iglesias y se “rompe” el baile.

El 16 de septiembre, por la mañana, la gente suele asistir o ver por televisión el Desfile Militar organizado por el Gobierno Federal (en la CD. de México) y por los gobiernos estatales.

Es una tradición colocar banderas en los automóviles o en la azotea de las casas desde principios del mes.

También se puede encontrar en la calle numerosos puestos vendiendo sombreros de palma, cornetas, silbatos, bigotes falsos y banderas de todos los tamaños.

El 15 de septiembre se trabaja medio día y el 16 es feriado oficial.

Visit the Riviera Nayarit for a fabulous vacation. There is always so much to discover; play, eat and have some fun! The Riviera Nayarit is a safe place to relocate to as well. What a wonderful climate to retire, and to relax in.
Mexico loves to party, and Mexicans love to be loud. Come and celebrate the Mexico Independence Day on the Riviera Nayarit.

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for an amazing vacation, Move to Mexico for life!

 Posted by Cat at 2:48 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,
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