Puerto Vallarta is screaming with souvenirs....the 'one, tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor' t-shirt is always a top seller; until buyers remorse sets in, once sobered up. Each time a friend ventures south of the border to visit, I enjoy helping them select goodies to take home. I always suggest: good tequila and local spices. This summer a friend who was visiting was perplexed by what to buy for her large family and group of friends. My suggestion: Don't buy them anything....purchase some essentials for yourself and share your travel experience with them by hosting a dinner party.
Here is an economical guide to brining home souvenirs to share with your loved ones.
Here is an economical guide to brining home souvenirs to share with your loved ones.
Essential #1: Tequila.
La Cofradia has quickly become my favorite distillery. I do not consider myself to be a regular visitor to the magical pueblo of Tequila where the distillery resides; but I did feel a bit awkward in front of my friends, the last time we visited. Upon entering I was greeted with a kiss and warm welcome back [nothing screams boozer like a personal greeting when entering a locale which slangs large quantities of alcohol].
Lucky for all, there are two locations on the malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Even luckier, they always sell their tequila on promotion: 3 for the price of 2! Step out of the warm tropical sunshine and into their store to sip as much tasty tequila as your heart desires. Yep, go get some pre or post dinner drinks for free while walking down the boardwalk. Learn about the distilling process as you sample; it is a fascinating science and the vendors are well educated about their products. Anything you purchase is bubble wrapped securely for your trip home.
[A Few Tequila No-No's]
1. Good tequila is not for slamming and should not be accompanied by limes and salt. It is sipped slowly.
2. Read labels and make sure it is 100% agave [otherwise it is a blend, best for mixed drinks & hangovers].
3. My personal rule: Friends don't let friends drink Jose Cuervo. Go small family owned; unfamiliar label.
Lucky for all, there are two locations on the malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Even luckier, they always sell their tequila on promotion: 3 for the price of 2! Step out of the warm tropical sunshine and into their store to sip as much tasty tequila as your heart desires. Yep, go get some pre or post dinner drinks for free while walking down the boardwalk. Learn about the distilling process as you sample; it is a fascinating science and the vendors are well educated about their products. Anything you purchase is bubble wrapped securely for your trip home.
[A Few Tequila No-No's]
1. Good tequila is not for slamming and should not be accompanied by limes and salt. It is sipped slowly.
2. Read labels and make sure it is 100% agave [otherwise it is a blend, best for mixed drinks & hangovers].
3. My personal rule: Friends don't let friends drink Jose Cuervo. Go small family owned; unfamiliar label.
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Essential #2: Eating Your Face Off!
Eat lots of food; especially street food. I am intrigued by how each street taco stand has it's own unique salsa, style of tortillas and condiments. Once off the malecón a few blocks, you will find some options for street food. My personal favorite: La Tia's Mariscos located by the Pemex gas station near the north side of the malecón. Best. Marlin Tacos. Ever! In Bucerias, check out La Reina's Taco stand just across the street from the church in the main plaza. This is a regular apres surf stop for us on the weekends.
Essential #3: Always Have Your Camera Ready.
The natural surroundings of the Bay of Banderas can create some incredible photo opportunities. However, it is the people going about their daily lives which I often try to capture. With your camera in your hand, you are more likely to engage with people. Most people are happy to pose for a photo when approached. Even if you don't speak Spanish, give it a go. Throw out the few basic words you know [hola, buenas tardes, gracias]. Chances are they know a bit of English, too. Besides, it is good medicine for your soul to struggle and figure out how to communicate effectively in a different language....even if it means making buzzing sounds like a bee to try and ask for honey.
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Sharing Your Experience.
Once back home, organize a dinner party. Prepare fish tacos or another meal you really enjoyed while visiting Mexico, drop your tequila knowledge while sipping on a bottle you purchased, watch a slideshow of your pictures and relive your adventures south of the border! I promise your friends and family will enjoy this so much more than a lame t-shirt; which they pretend to like, then place directly into their thrift store donation bag.
Más.
~Excellent traditional & modern recipes can be found in the Muy Bueno cookbook.
~ Keep your old tequila bottles and use them for flower vases.
~Try making your own tortillas; including your dinner guests in the process.
~If sipping tequila is not your thing, try this traditional Mexican cocktail: The Cantarito.
~ Keep your old tequila bottles and use them for flower vases.
~Try making your own tortillas; including your dinner guests in the process.
~If sipping tequila is not your thing, try this traditional Mexican cocktail: The Cantarito.
