Vallarta Lifestyles

Best Refreshing Mexican Treat: Raspados Carmen Tucán: Nothing beats the heat like a refreshing “raspado,” or snow cone, and the finest selection in town comes from Raspados Carmen Tucán. In operation for the past seven years, they offer 25 fruit-based syrups, all prepared with the highest hygienic standards, not to mention flavors that will bring a smile to the most discerning palate.

Best Unexpected Malecon Treat: Crepe Stands: The night air on the Malecon is filled with a smorgasbord of delicious smells emanating from numerous food vending stands. An unexpected and newly popular option is made-to-order French-style crepes. Nightly between about 6:00 pm and midnight, talented crepe makers pour thin batter onto their steaming griddles, and in no time.

Best Way to Promote Culinary Arts: Trofeo Thierry Blouet: Now on its third year, the Trofeo Thierry Blouet culinary competition has clearly established itself as a successful vehicle to showcase up-and-coming chefs, both locally and statewide. The competition was established by Thierry Blouet, owner of the prestigious Café des Artistes and well-known pioneer of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene, the finest in Mexico next to that of Mexico City.

Best Tacos al Pastor: Missing out on this popular Mexican dish, a distant relative to the Lebanese shawarma or perhaps the Greek gyros, would be like having the brûlée removed from your crème! Here are some choice locations around the bay to tantalize your taste buds.

Best Free Nighttime Entertainment: The Malecón: Here in Vallarta, some of the best things in life truly are free! Visit the Malecon at night and immerse yourself in a beehive of activity and entertainment without needing to spend a peso. Experience a romantic sunset with a magnificent unobstructed view of the western sky. Nightly entertainment at Los Arcos Amphitheater includes hilarious clown shows and, from time to time.

Hot Spot: El Anclote: El Anclote means “the small anchor,” and this special neighborhood at the entrance to Bahía de Banderas on the exclusive Punta de Mita peninsula does indeed fulfill its name, serving as the “town” and focal point for activities and dining outside the nearby fashionable hotels and estates.

Sixth National Charro Championships a Success: Thirty-eight teams competed in the successful Sixth National Charro Championships this past February. Puebla’s Hacienda Tamariz team returned home with the top award, which included over $200,000 pesos in prizes. Guadalajara’s Tres Potrillos team, owned by famous Mexican ranchero and mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez, also received notable awards.

"Lifestyles" Cover Art Now Limited-Edition Print: Talented artist Laurie Chase was inspired to paint “Beach Club Punta de Mita” because it epitomized to her the “essence and beauty of the Vallarta playa.” This enchanting painting was featured on the cover of the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of this publication. Subsequently, Chase produced a limited edition of 95 signed and numbered Giclée prints.

For the Love of his Hometown: While a prophet in his own land may expect no honor, that didn’t deter Jorge Dueñas Peña from returning to his native San Sebastián del Oeste. In some ways, the small mining town in the Sierra Madre hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years, but it is entering a new era of accessibility since the highway from Puerto Vallarta was completed.

Every Amazing Accomplishment Begines with a Simple Idea: In 2004, Bob Price moved to Puerto Vallarta, yearning to return to and explore the unique terrain and biodiversity of the mountainous area near El Tuito. This magnificent landscape had been imprinted on his mind from his first exposure to the area some 20 years before. Bob assumed that Puerto Vallarta had an established botanical garden and was astounded that one didn’t already exist.

Karen Lahm: Proof Positive of the Power of Commitment, Creativity and Collaboration: Its natural beauty and near perfect weather aside, Vallarta holds a unique appeal for those seeking more than just a pleasant respite from cold winters — namely, the opportunity to assimilate a wonderfully diff erent way of living in concert with a stimulating expatriate community whose respective life experiences, sense of adventure and creative pursuits.