Friday, October 29

After many days jaunting around PV environs, I met TJ and Angela of the orchid/bromeliad tour fame and off we sped north to Marina Vallarta. This is a wonderful spot to view the boats and maritime activity, especially from a sidewalk cafe. We stopped at Victor's Place [Cafe Tacuba], Condominio Las Palmas Local 9 Marina Vallarta. 221-2808, 8am-11pm. Victor Fregoso, brother of Rueben of Pipi's, operates an expanded cafe with a great marina boat view. Tortilla soup 45p, chicken enchiladas verde 75p, breaded chicken 70p, 3 spaghettis 85p, fish filet 75p, fish burger 65p. Outdoor patio seating and A/C inside during summer. Beer 10p all day. No CC. It is very casual and laid back. Dotted long the large curving stretch looking mainly west are a myriad of shops, some related to sailing. Ended up bussing back to South Side and over to the cafe to check if the boards were in need of attention and to see if folks were seeking my location and availability. I have neglected to add that before we headed south yesterday, I lugged my belongings over to La Palapa and would settle in for two weeks later in the day. Up to their gorgeous pool, sun, conversation [surprise!] and back down one flight. Another lousy sunset...actually this one was filled with purple streaks and orange reflecting glows. After 2 seconds of coercing took my roomie over to Takos Panchos and although quite hot inside and the two outdoor tables were occupied, we enjoyed immensely the pork tacos, chorizo quesadilla and a pork al pastor torta on a superb bun, as good as it gets! This small spot is a must on everyone's list, especially when the peso account is running low. With tip it came to 50p each and we were stuffed. This area of town is noticeably picking up, with small groups of tourists mingling with the locals, strolling along the popular streets and byways, looking at menus, shops and night clubs. Music blared everywhere and children shrieked as the older sibs chased the little ones. Pleasure personified coupled with an easy way of life [take note]. Many couples and friends are content to merely sit and sip a drink or coffee and take it all in, sporting that well-known contented glaze and slight smile. Many of us are fully aware of that feeling, right? Settled on the balcony as usual and read or took notes. Big plans lay ahead, so sleep is a necessity. I just hate to sleep long here as this life is speeding by and I wish to partake of it before being called away.

Saturday, October 30

Wandered around OldTown/SouthSide snapping pix representive of the unique feel of this area. I will burn a CD and post some of them online later. A short stop at the cafe and checking the necessities followed by an early afternoon meeting at Cine Bahia, hooking up with four folks to head north to Bucerias along the Bahia past Nuevo Vallarta to a preview of a new colorful cafe called Ixta.

[Lázaro Cárdenas 500, Bucerias, Nayarit. 298-2365

5pm-10pm Closed Monday.

New hideaway romantic Mexican patio setting serves creative dishes as Pescado Bandera [three sauces representing the flag] 85p,Tapado Tlaxcala, a stuffed beef filet with goat cheese, Gruyere and poblano 120p, Fernando chicken breast with mozzarella and ricotta on cream basil 120p, mole poblano 80p and fajitas 90p. Mexican folk music duet 'Los Frijoleros' vocals and guitar Friday high season 7:30-9:30pm.

Fernando proudly served a fine buffet for taste testing. It was a lovely day and once again I breathed in the artsy feel of this small but booming village. Quite a music scene is developing there. After plentiful horchata, chiles rellenos, pollo mole, ribs and Halloween tres leches cake, we drove around town, mainly along the area where small cafes and hotels line the beach.

Stopped at Cafe Magana, worth a return visit [Lázaro Cárdenas 40, Bucerias, Nayarit. 298-1091 www.cafemagana.com

5pm-11pm Closed Thursday.

Brit owner Jeff Rafferty serves up meaty well-spiced ribs 94p/154p and chicken 88p both with cole slaw, combos 134p, plus offers 8 sauces for sale, 48p for 50ml jar. Cheese burger and fries 64p, onion-garlic rings 24p, dorado and chips Friday and Saturday 80p. Brightly painted cafe offers take-out. Occasional live band, call first. No CC.]

and

Sandrina's [Lázaro Cárdenas 33, Bucerias, Nayarit. 298-0273 sandrinasmx@hotmail.com www.sandrinas.com
11:30am-10:30pm Closed Tuesday.
Owner, Sandra [Sandrina, in Spanish] has created a unique lovely garden getaway where you can enjoy her specialties. Food preparation has a Mediterranean/Greek accent, with wonderful creations as hearts of palm with Feta, garbanzo and chile mayo 80p, Sagonaki fried Greek cheese 65p, snapper filet and garlic shrimp with 2 pestos 175p, pizzas 75-90p, blue cheese mushroom burger on garlic toast 75p. You are treated to Sandrina's artistic endeavors, including original artwork on canvas and uniquely tiled walls and benches in a garden courtyard. Martini Monday, Sangria Saturday; Valiene says "Big and fat." Live music some evenings, call first. Call about morning Internet breakfast special plus jewelry by Stefan Wed. and Sun. nights in season.]

to chat with Sandy finding out how her beautiful place was evolving. Back into town and too late for the party up the hills...I missed one! Could not find the eatery where they went, so munched on snacks at the condo, taking off a night for simple relaxation, reading and watching beach activity, one of my fave pastimes.

garyrbeck

San Francisco, CA.

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