Pineapple Salsa

 Juan Marcos Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of freshly cut-up pineapple

½ cup white/yellow onion

½ cup red onion

½ cup red bell pepper, or yellow, or green, or orange. (or all four kinds)

½ cup chopped tomato. (I used 1 roma tomato)

1 cup of frozen corn. (unless you can get fresh corn)

1 clove of garlic, minced finely

¼ cup of jalapeno, poblano, or Serrano peppers. (this a total of ¼ cup of all three peppers)

¼ cup of chopped cilantro

¼ cup of fresh orange juice

¼ teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest

½ teaspoon of ground cumin

½ teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon of pepper (or to taste)

 
Directions

1.      I like to chop all the veggies, unless otherwise noted, the size of a corn kernel.  That helps to ensure that you get a nice variety and mixture with every dip of those broken up tostados

2.      In a large bowl, toss together pineapple, onions, bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, orange juice and zest, garlic and cilantro. (ok, I could have said, ‘throw everything in a bowl”, but I didn’t)

3.      Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

4.      Now mix yourself a perfect Mexican margarita, and wait for the salsa to meld.

Bienvenidos a Bucerias, México

 

Sayulita Day

 

 

Sayulita Day!
Thursday, Jan 24, 2013 was the day to relax in Sayulita.  It began with a walk to DeCameron Resort where I met with The Green Bay girls. (7 including 5 women and 2 teenagers) 
The above photos are from the lobby of this resort, which is located on the very south edge of Bucerias.

We decided that riding the bus was our best and most adventurous option.  We weren't disappointed.  It was standing room only for the first few stops.  But we all got seats before heading north and leaving Bucerias.  Here we have Sig and Emily sharing some space. 

A little about Sayullita:   Once a sleepy fishing village, Sayulita, Mexico, was established as a community in 1941 when families from the neighboring state emigrated to the area. After completing Highway 200 in the late 1960s, it was discovered as a popular surf destination for its consistent wave breaks and has become quite diverse with its native Cora and Huichol population and the growing attraction of international tourists and local craftsmen.

Since then, Sayulita has continued to gain popularity not only for its great surfing but also for its art galleries, delicious restaurants, trendy shops, nature activities, and a relaxed lifestyle. Currently home to about 4,000 residents (many English-speaking expatriates) who cherish their community and aim to protect the environment, development has been limited so it’s not likely that it will become an impersonal mega resort.

Sig, Amy, Wendy, and Dawn prepare for an afternoon of Beach

After walking from the bus stop through town, which by the way has completed their street projects, we decided on Captain Pablo's Beach Side Dining. Emily and her two teenagers seemed to fit right in and were soon soaking up the rays.

Buckets of Sol, Dos Equis, and Indio were delivered in regular increments. For 100 pesos, or $8 USD, you got to enjoy 6 muy frio cervezas, con limon.  Excellent.  Thank-you ladies for treating. That was very nice of you. 

 

 

 

A fun day was had by all in Sayulita. Here we have the departing gestures eminating from the bus windows. Both: dé la bienvenida and bueno adiós.

Spring Rolls

Chinese Spring Rolls:

Today was really cool as several of us met at Sharon y Lorenzo’s casa for a ‘culinary’ lesson on Spring Rolls.  S y L also live in Terralta II, about 3.4 blocks from mi casa. 

At 11:30am Sheri, Sonja, Juan Marcos, Sharon y Lorenzo gathered for the lesson, and a nice variety of veggies were chopped, diced, and shredded to be mixed with the ground pork. A few spices, an egg white, and some Chinese noodles that looked like wire were added to complete the filling.

Separating the thin layers of dough was a full time job for Lorenzo.  Meanwhile, the girls and myself rolled out almost 80 wonderful Spring Rolls that had me drooling.

At Noon:03 the first round of cervezas started, and Sharon began, much to my delight, the frying of our combined culinary efforts.  Served with a Thai spicy sauce and some Franks Red Hot sauce, these rolls were absolutely delicious.

Thank-you Sharon and Lorenzo and Sheri and Sonja for a wonderful lesson in Spring Rolls.  I was amazed how fun and easy it was to make these delights.  It will certainly be added to my recipe book.    

This is a quote from the web,  “How authentic Chinese Spring Rolls* should be: smooth, light, crisp-crackly skin and small enough to enjoy in 2-4 bites. The filling is also light, full of tender-crisp vegetables and you should be able to taste and distinguish every single ingredient in the filling.  Unfortunately, the only time you can find really awesome Chinese spring rolls are when you make them at home, Chinatown restaurants or at my Mom’s house.”

Vista Vallarta

Vista Vallarta All Suites on the Beach

Av los Picos 827 Playas de Huanacaxtle, Bucerias, Mexico

This small 3-star beachfront hotel offers romantic rooms and quality services and facilities. Bucerias town centre is within a 10-minute drive of the hotel.

The Vista Vallarta offers a convenient 24-hour reception as well as an outdoor pool, a kids pool and conference room(s). It also offers free Wi-Fi, a security guard and a currency exchange. Guests can enjoy a range of leisure activities, such as windsurfing, fishing and water-skiing.

The air conditioned rooms at the Vista Vallarta are equipped with a kitchenette, a TV and cable / satellite channels. They come with a balcony, a full kitchen and a safe. The en suite bathrooms include a shower and towels.

The Vista Vallarta has a restaurant and a pool bar..

The Vista Vallarta conveniently provides free parking for guests travelling by car. Lic Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is less than a 30-minute drive away.

 

Terralta II does not have their own community pool, so this is where I escape when sand & water are calling. It is only a 20-30 minute walk from my door to toes in the sand at Vista Vallarta.

The resort welcomes outside guests and makes you feel comfortable. Their 2x1 happy hour extends from noon to 7pm. That's what I call a happy hour. Cervazas are still only 30 pesos for two. ($2.50/2)

It's a great place to relax, sit back in one of their chairs, either poolside or on the beach, and sip on your favorite beverage(s).

LaCruz Huanacaxtle

Buenos Dias mi Amgios! Last Sunday I found myself riding with friends to the market in: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle ("The Cross of Huanacaxtle") is a Mexican fishing village situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas in the state of Nayarit. It is situated approximately 25 km from Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The town name comes from a cross that is made of Huanacaxtle wood which is located at the town's entrance.[1] The town was founded in the 1930s by the Chavez family.[2] The Chavez family still maintains a mango orchard on the outskirts of town. The Blanca family was also one of the original settlers of La Cruz as it is locally known. They, too, remain residents. In 2008, a major renovation of the harbor was completed and now hosts a marina, called Marina Riviera capable of handling vessels of all sizes up to 400 feet in length.

Here we have Sheri (Mike), Sonja, Lorenzo, and Sharon taking the photo.

LaCruz is well known for it's fresh seafood market which is open every day, not just Sunday.  I bought some really nice tuna on this particular day.

There are numerous vendors selling their wares including quite a few food booths.  They all looked delicious, but the paella caught my eye.

It was easy to spend several hours walking through the market, admiring the wares, sampling the foods, listening to music, and sipping a favorite beverage.

Green Bay Girls

Buenos Dias mi Amgios!

The “Amigas Cuatro de Green Bay” showed up last night at The Shamrock.  What a great surprise! From left to right….Sig, Amy, Wendy, & Dawn.  After a few muy frio cervezas, a competitive Jenga game ensued.  Results: W&D managed to remove 40 pesos from their challengers.
 Bienvenidos a México.

Sunset 2013

So I haven’t updated my blog in a while, I know. Busy, busy, busy are three words that none of my readers will believe, so I won’t use them. Sunsets. One the primary reasons that Mexico is so beautiful. And tonight was no exception. I had stopped at The Shamrock and visited some friends, new ones and slightly used ones, and for dinner I heard the street tacos calling. Not exactly sure what that call sounds like, but they were calling. Shrimp! Fish! Come and get us. So I did. Having procured three wonderful local culinary treats, I began my sojourn back to the condo…hobbling my way through the darkened streets when all of a sudden police sirens and loud noises erupted almost next to me. Because they literally were, right next to me. I found myself in a parade. I believe it was related to the celebration of lent, but not absolutely sure. Religious nonetheless. I quickly removed myself to the sidewalk, where I should have been. It wasn’t a long parade, and when it had passed, I happened to sneak a look at the ocean and nearly gasped….awesome sunset, dude. I quickly changed my course, and headed towards the sand. I could attempt to write about the views, but I shall let the photos convey the beauty in the skies. Enjoy.

Domingo Mercado

The Sunday Market  (Domingo Mercado en Bucerias)

It's not just the fruit, flowers, and vegies; it's the colors that make this place jump.

210 Laurel & Dinner

My Cocina

The condo is nicely equipped with pots, pans, silverware, and dinnerware

Some of you are asking for some photos of my condo here in Buerias.  Since I was busy making one my favorite dishes, Diablo Marinara con Camerones, I decided to combine them...

For those that are considering a visit to my part of the world, Bucerias, Nayarit,  I plan to put together a menu from which my guests can choose. 

I only eat out once or twice a week because I enjoy making and creating new dishes in my own kitchen. (cocina)  This particular recipe, Diablo Marinara con Camarones,  (Spicey Marinara with shrimp) is a regular staple of mine.  The sauce takes a couple days to 'make', but can be used as-is for the vegetarians, or with camarones as shown, but works well with chicken (pollo) and meatballs (albondegas).  It freezes well, so I make a double or triple batch about twice a month.
Add a glass of your favorite wine, a side salad, and some fresh Italian bread, and......

Bon Appetit!

The Shamrock Pub in Bucerias.  An Irish landmark and gathering spot from people all over the world.  Including Michigan. Which is where Mike and Sheri come from….proud recipients of two English Pub Towels.  Including a rare Scrumpy Jack towel. 

Sharon, the pub owner, also proudly displays her new acquisitions.  Cheers to my friends. 

Breakfast Deal

A Juan Marcos budget breakfast.($1.45)   Queso Manchego Juervos con Chorizo y Pan y Jugo de Naranja 18 pesos.  You can find a nice breakfast in town for about $100 pesos.  In (PV) Puerto Vallarta, maybe $150 pesos.  So a very nice savings can be had when you can eat at home.

There are probably some of you that are reading this and laughing.  Juan Marcos the Frugal One in Mexico. (you might even paraphrase the word ‘frugal’)  But I caution you, if you’re not retired and still working and perhaps freezing off parts of your anatomy in the states, and I’m not, who can laugh.  Being an extreme shopper has its benefits.  Bucerias in January, February, and March are three of them.  
Another example of ESP (Extreme Shopping Person) is that my cost to fly to PV (one way):  $27.30, and transportation from the airport was 13 pesos ($1.05) and the street tacos the other night, 30 pesos ($2.40).  And the ice cold Corona or Pacifico, 15 pesos  ($1.20)  Try that at home. I say this only to let you know that you can do the same, with minimal education and practice.
Breakfast for 18 pesos?  Si!  Muy bueno!

Morning Coffee

Good Morning Bucerias!

A gorgeous place to stay:  The Monkey House

This is the view on your walk to/from the ocean.  It was about 6 minutes from my front door.  7 minutes from my back door.  I don't know about you, but this went very well with my morning coffee.  Which was 14p for 16 oz. ($1.12) and you get to keep the cup so that you can make your own coffee the next few days.  Frugal.
 

Street Tacos

So if you're on a budget or simply are an extreme shopper, then your best food bargain in Bucerias is the street food.  From early morning to early evening, numerous vendors open their 'restaurants' to tourists and locals alike.

 

My all-time favorite is the fish or shrimp tacos from the ladies in front of the church.  That's really how you find them.  Of course the proper Spanish for these culinary delights are pescado y camaron tacos.  They still sell for only 15 pesos each.  (about $1.20)  That's a bargain.  Two is my normal order and does a proper job of filling the belly.  I must say that these tacos are even better than the ones I ate in San Diego.  Sorry son.  But San Diego rates 2nd in this category.

 

Since they don't serve cerveza (beer), one can bring their own. And the tienda (shop) that sells such a beverage, is across the street, in any direction. The frugal person might have purchased the cerveza at MEGA for about 75 cents/bottle of Pacifico.  I'm just saying. 

Welcome 2013

Welcome to Bucerias, 2013.  As of 3pm on Sunday, Jan 6, 2013, I have safely arrived at my winter home, 210 Laurel, Terralta II, Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico, and unlike past years, I have decided to get busy immediately. 
For those that don't know me, this photo was staged.  For those that do know me, this photo was staged.
I have promised several people to keep my blog posts short and sweet. For you, please stop reading now.

For others, continue to enjoy my somewhat mindless disconnected thoughts.
The trip was nearly painless, except for my daughter, Jamie, who graciously awoke at 5am to drive me to the airport whilst she continues to recover from a bad cold, cough, and perhaps bronchitis.
I had a layover in Dallas, and arrived on time & schedule at PVR.  Immigration was a breeze with a  5-6 minute wait.  Luggage was pretty much waiting, and then the exit line...yikes.  It seemed like a 30 minute long delay, until I realized that I was in Mexico, and the attitude changed to....who cares, you're in Mexico vs. Wisconsin.  (I still love WI)
I still don't understand why they x-ray your baggage after it has arrived. Even more puzzling than that is the highly technical random search they conduct.  After you show a person your customs form, he asks you to press a button.  If the light turns green, you're free to proceed, if it's red, they want you to open all your baggage.  Baffling.  Welcome to Mexico. 
(continued after a cup of coffee)