Elote: Widely cultivated around the world today, this grain was originally domesticated more than 9,000 years ago in central Mexico and to this day remains one of our country’s staple foods.
Tortilla Soup: The tortilla has been a staple in Mexico since, as the Mayan legend goes, a peasant made the first dozen as a gift for his king in 10,000 BC. And ever since the 16th century, when the Spaniards came to Mexico bringing their tradition of soup, as well as the chickens and spices from which to make flavorful stock, there has been wonderful tortilla soup.
Hot Spot: Pulpito Street: A funky South Side block with a bohemian feel stretching, for the sake of argument, from landmark beachfront restaurants El Dorado and La Palapa to happening Olas Altas and Picnic restaurant 21 stairs above it, this place to see and be seen offers a bit of everything.
International Restaurants: In Search of Exotics: Today, Puerto Vallarta’s international restaurant scene can satisfy even the most sophisticated bon vivant. Of course, chances are that if you are visiting Mexico for the first time, you will want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine with its broad variety of flavors first and foremost.
Real Estate Conference 2007: This month I want to dedicate some space to the recent Real Estate Conference, one of the fastest-growing events related to the industry in the Bay Area. Numerous speakers and experts in their fields touched on not only interesting points but revealed facts important to any broker or realtor. Books were unveiled, statistics studied and business cards exchanged.
Craving: A Prickly Pear: Both a fruit and a vegetable, the indigenous prickly pear cactus has been a diet staple and the source of legends, magic and healing in this part of the world since Aztec times.
J24 Worlds – World-class Sailing on World-class Banderas Bay: What makes a great sailboat race? Cruising World says Banderas Bay’s “ideal weather and breathtaking landscape” make it the perfect place for a regatta. Add in a highly skilled, competitive group of international sailors and a fleet of the world’s most popular one-design keelboats, and you have a winning formula.
Vallarta on Canvas: For centuries, artists around the world have been inspired by their surroundings, producing memorable cityscapes, the urban equivalent of a landscape.
Vallarta’s Evolving Art Scene: Globally, the art world has exploded, with each season bringing new record prices for paintings, such as Gustav Klimt’s “Adele BlochBauer I,” which sold for $135 million USD this past June. A multi-billion dollar industry, art has precipitated a frenzy of interest that goes beyond investment potential.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: It may be a hard name to pronounce, but it’s a joy to visit! La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (“La Cruz”), a mere half hour north of the bustle of Puerto Vallarta, offers a restful alternative to the glitz of Vallarta and a glimpse of a typical fishing village, along with good restaurants, fun shopping and a vibrant music scene.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: It dominates Puerto Vallarta's skyline in countless postcards, serving as the city’s most recognizable and endearing landmark all over the world. Year after year, it welcomes thousands of Catholics, particularly during an involved 12-day festival known as the Feast of Guadalupe every December.
Flyers by the Sea: When the day gives way to twilight a drum begins to beat, a flute sings along with the waves, and then a dance begins, four men flying in circles celebrating Mother Earth and the power of the sun.
Papel Picado:The People's Art:
Viva la fiesta! This most traditional and egalitarian of folk arts is everywhere in Vallarta, papel picado transforming any occasion into a special event with a distinctly Mexican feel.
Vacation Home Options Redefine Leisure Travel: With today’s evolving vacation home market, consumers are faced with an increasingly diverse marketplace and options in leisure travel, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
Ravioles San Angel: Ravioli stuffed with traditional Mexican cheese. Served with shrimp and finished with a tomato-garlic sauce.
Dolphin Swim: Symbols of freedom, grace and serenity, dolphins have a universal appeal. Admired for centuries, these sea mammals were once seen as saviors of the seas, reputed to rescue drowning sailors. Today we celebrate their intelligence and extraordinary qualities, and those fortunate enough to swim or play with these intriguing creatures find it a fascinating experience.
Bullfighting: Condemned in many areas of the world, including Spain where it was born as we know it today, bullfighting is an activity that has withstood the test of time. Ensconced in centuries of tradition, Spanish-style bullfighting, or corrida, continues to awe long-time followers here in Mexico and pique the curiosity of newcomers.
Discover the Nuevo Cine Mexicano: Five Films You Must Rent: Attend your local cineplex and, if you pay attention to film credits, you'll find an increasing number of incredibly talented Mexican artists contributing in many different capacities to high-grossing films.
Rio Cuale Island: Our Verdant Downtown Oasis: In the very heart of town, connecting the mountains to the sea, lies Puerto Vallarta's own emerald necklace, the Rio Cuale Island. Barely six blocks long by one wide, the island is not the result of careful city planning and development, as is the case with its much revered counterparts.
Flyers by the Trees: These are two of more than 300 different bird species that can be spotted locally. Search for them on your own or visit
www.birdinginmexico.como to learn about professionally guided birding tours.
