Delicious La Cruz Ice Cream at Huana

So have you tried the new La Cruz ice cream at Huana that opened in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in mid December 2014, located on Delfin Street across from Philos Restaurant?

This La Cruz ice cream business is co-owned by two brothers Hugo and Rodrigo Medina. Hugo thought about starting an ice cream business in Guadalajara where he was born, but decided on La Cruz in Nayarit because he wanted a change of pace in his life and because of his love of surfing in the area, not to mention his love of good quality ice cream. Huana sells organic ice cream in several delicious flavors and sizes as well as a larger selection of regular ice cream. The brothers plan on developing new flavors on an ongoing basis such as lavender, peanut butter and green tea. You’ll notice the deep, rich flavors of Huana’s ice cream immediately as well as the texture which is smooth, icy and refreshing.

You can also buy home-made granola, (one of my personal favorites as it has large nuggets of cereal and isn’t too sweet), locally baked goods including brownies, grape juice, coffee, honey and beeswax candles.  The new cappuccino machine is now in so come on in for a fresh cup of organic espresso, cappuccino or latte. (Photo of Hugo right)

It is the eventual goal of both Hugo and Rodrigo to offer all natural, organic products ranging from ice cream, to coffee to produce. All the shop’s inside decor including counters, light fixtures and display tables will be made from natural and/or recyclable materials supporting the philosophy to reuse and recycle – thereby reducing environmental impact. So come on out and support Hugo and Rodrigo’s new La Cruz ice cream business Huana in downtown La Cruz Mexico!
Post by Jessie Watt

Check out the La Cruz Ice Cream store Huanaa for the
best La Cruz de Huanacaxtle ice cream! 

 

A Unique Beachfront La Cruz Boutique Inn

We w0uld like to cordially invite you to our La Cruz Boutique Inn beachfront paradise on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, Villa Amor del Mar.
When Cat asked me to write an article about our hotelito (little hotel), our La Cruz Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar and states that it must be original content a little piece of me kinda freaks out. How can I be original when I write two blogs, consistently write new ads, etc?
This week reminded me; however, of the value of being unique. At our La Cruz Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar, we take great pride in serving others and creating custom packages for each visitor as per their requests. Continental breakfast is served daily in private guestrooms with Mexican, freshly roasted coffee, fruit (often from our own trees) and special requests as per each guest.

When guests book for 7 days or more they also receive one brunch by the pool and one dinner on the rooftop. An almost La Cruz all inclusive vacation package!

Preparing and sharing meals, music and laughter with others has always been a passion of mine, to combine that ‘hobby’ with running a Boutique Inn has brought me more joy than I knew possible. Over the past few weeks we’ve helped our guests enjoy; Gourmet dinners combined with Flamenco music at both Masala and The Black Forest restaurants had our guests singing the praises of both.
Fun at Philo’s is always a highlight and everyone loves the ribs! Tacos on the street and open mic at Britannia appeals to everyone. The best whale watching/sunset cruise in the Bay of Banderas, in my opinion, Red Dolphin Sailing charters delights everyone who takes this excursion.We hosted a wine and food pairing on our rooftop overlooking Banderas Bay enjoying the sunset, fireworks and the twinkly lights of Vallarta.

For more information on our ‘Introduction to La Cruz’ program, here is the info: http://innandaroundlacruz.com/introduction-to-la-cruz-promotion/ In May we’re bringing in a local Mexican chef and creating a foodie week. Consider this when you are here for your visit. http://waldentoursculinaryandwine.wordpress.com/la-cruz-culinary-experience/

We’re currently putting together a women’s week of inspiration at our La Cruz Boutique Inn called ‘Refresh’ and a La Cruz Couples Retreat where people can recommit and reconnect! Please email me at info@VillaAmorDelMar.com if this interests you and indicate what month you’d prefer. Guests have been blown away by the privacy and comfort of our La Cruz beachfront rental and La Cruz Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar, along with the ease of getting around and many options for fun in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. All of our toys are also included with your stay with us. Its all up to you! The Bay of Banderas and the whales performing as guests sip their coffee in the morning is always a highlight! Enchanted by the magic our little Mexican pueblo keeps guests returning and is the reason Chris and I (Cindy) do what we do. Let us share all that is La Cruz Mexico with you.

Discover this beachfront  La Cruz Boutique Inn on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!

 

La Cruz Marina Fish Market

The Riviera Nayarit is lined with small fishing villages, one being La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, where the La Cruz Marina Fish Market is located. Every beach town has a fish market, and some have several fresh fish shops, bringing to you the fresh catches of the day.
We are lucky to live on the Banderas Bay.  The Banderas Bay is the largest natural Bay in Mexico, among the 10th largest worldwide, and one of the deepest bays in the world reaching depths of over 3,000 feet.  Extending across 68 kilometers (42 miles) of the Pacific Coast, the bay begins in the south at Puerto Vallarta, flows northwest into the Riviera Nayarit at BuceriasLa Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, continues north beyond Sayulita and through Lo de Marcos where it joins Bahia Jaltemba Bay. The trade of fishing has supported the local fishermen and their families since the beginning of the pueblos.
When buying fish, what is better than being able to go a fish market, like the La Cruz Marina Fish Market, and purchase a freshly caught fish, shrimp, lobsters, oysters or other ocean favorites?  It really doesn’t get fresher than that, unless you are out fishing yourself!

Although the summer time means less tourists and part time residents, the La Cruz Marina Fish Market is a place that always has customers. The fishermen are there every day of the week selling their fresh catch. Not all of the bays are full right now. There were 4 of the bays open last Sunday. Many local restaurants come to purchase their fresh catch of the day. Every time I go, I learn a little bit more about purchasing fish from one of the locals.

It can be overwhelming with the many different types of fish at the market, and they don’t always have the same kind of fish. It depends on what is “running” that day, and their luck I suppose!
I went to the La Cruz Marina Fish Market to purchase some Tuna, but no one had any. They all told me “tomorrow”, which really means, “When we catch some!”
The fishermen don’t speak English very well. It’s good to know a few words of Spanish that will get you by. Take a Spanish dictionary with you if you need to. If you want to fry, bake, grill, or poach, or make ceviche, these fish mongers know what fish cooks the best way. Sometimes you can get lucky and meet a fellow shopper that is bilingual.  Most folks here are quite nice, and do not mind helping with translation when needed.
Asking what kind of fish it is helps as well Que es esto?  (what is it?)
Also, do you want a whole fish, or a filet? Purchasing a whole fish is not as expensive as having them filet one for you. I prefer them to filet the fish for me. They expertly cut the fish, and clean the small bones and cut out the blood line, which is the deep red strip inside. This can make your fish taste “fishy”.  I have also read that leaving your fish directly on ice will suck the flavor out of your fish into the ice as the ice melts, so proper wrapping is important.  These guys will also devein and peel your shrimp! You can also ask for the trimmings to make your own fish stock for delicious soups.

I was having friends over for supper and wanted to have a little variety.  I chose a Pargo, and also some Mahi Mahi. The Pargo was a big guy, whole, and is much like a Red Snapper. Since I love Red Snapper, I thought I would give it a try.  (The large fish (Pargo)  on the end in photo to the left)
The Mahi-Mahi was already filleted.  A local man standing next to me with his young daughter suggested me to choose the more “red” looking piece as it would have more flavor, than a totally white filet.  Both were delicious, and we all enjoyed flavorful and spicy pan fried fish that Sunday evening.

Visit your local fish market. You won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re in PV, Bucerias, or the wonderful La Cruz Marina Fish Market , you can’t go wrong with the Fresh Catch of the Day!

The La Cruz Marina Fish Market is located in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.

 

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico Vacation

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico , the meaning La Cruz de Huanacaxtle means the “Cross of Huanacaxtle”.  I have heard from a long time US resident that the name was founded when lightening struck a Huanacaxtle tree, and created a cross on the tree. I have not seen this in writing anywhere as of yet, however, this is one story told around the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico.  There was also a cross make from a Huanacaxtle tree entering the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Tradition, as there’s no better word to describe what is now La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico.  A cross made from Huanacaxtle wood is located by the beautiful main town square in the middle of the roundabout, (the glorieta) on your way towards the main docking area at the La Cruz Marina on the Riviera Nayarit in amazing Mexico.  Click on the links and photos to lead to more fun information.

The Glorieta and the Underground Story
Now, another story emerges, and was told to Lisa Van Thillo and  Lori Wilson from La Cruz, who had the pleasure of interviewing La Cruz’ Delegado Angel Alberto Garcia de Haro recently.  This is a another very cool story, and to say that it is more confirmed than the last!  It’s about the history of the La Cruz Cross, located at the Round’ a ’bout in the center of La Cruz’s main avenida, and right next to the La Cruz Town Square. The roundabout is also known as the glorieta.  Here is her words…thanks to my amiga Lori Wilson!

“When Lisa and I (Lori Wilson)  asked Angel (La Cruz’ Delegado Angel Alberto Garcia de Haro ) if he had any interesting and/or humorous stories about life in La Cruz he told us a story about the glorieta.  About 300 years ago pirates built a dungeon in the area under the cross with a connecting tunnel that had an entrance at the old Enrique’s Restaurant. The dungeon had chains attached to the walls and to this day the remains of their prisoners can be found. Apparently only the old timers knew about this and many years ago when the streets were being built a group of young boys found the tunnel and entered. One boy, who went in farther than the others discovered the remains. Can you imagine his surprise? The boys ran home and told their parents who immediately blocked the entrance. The parents have since died, but the boys are still living in La Cruz.”

What a great story! And, I am sure that those boys told stories for a long time, probably even to this day to their children and possibly grand children. WOW!

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico and The La Cruz Marina History
This small nestled  pueblo of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico was founded in the early 1930′s by visionary individuals with the last name of Chavez, and the town of La Cruz has grown by leaps and bounds since then. Located off of the 200 road as you head towards Punta Mita, and situated off the Banderas Bay, (the largest man made bay in Mexico), this small town can be easily passed by, yet boasts of unique places such as the newly rebuilt La Cruz Marina, which has served the public for more than 5 years. The year 2008 saw a magnificent harbor renovation which now hosts colorful spots for boat lovers, and sailors that come in to doc for the winter months, making La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico one of the perfect places to spend a magnificent Riviera Nayarit vacation in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico. 
For those people with a penchant for long-term sailing the town is particularly attractive. Much of this charm can be traced to the mixture of modern facilities and the traditional way of life. It can be compared to time travel, imagined by boat lovers, due the renovated La Cruz Marina.  It is no wonder that the smells of fresh fruit, the blue sea and all its gifts have a special place in the hearts and minds of all those seeking a refreshing vacation and of course, all those who want to live the life of sailing. La Cruz Marina is a favorite among all those who have visited the place and it has a prominent size in to-do lists of all those who know about it but haven’t visited, yet. The marina can house up to a 400 foot vessel.

La Cruz Restaurants

Beautiful La Cruz Marina restaurants with amazing views of the La Cruz Marina, such as the large marina restaurant overlooking the entire marina, serve the freshest catches of the day, Due to the fact that the  La Cruz Marina offers the expansive fish market that is open 7 days a week, the freshest fish is available.
Local restaurant chefs from all over the Riviera Nayarit come and purchase fresh fish for their menus.

 

 

During the high season, the La Cruz Marina also offers the La Cruz Market every Sunday, starting  on the first Sunday in November and usually ending in mid May. Vendors from Puerto Vallarta to Lo de Marcos and some from as far as La Penita and Guayabitos come to sell their wares and fresh foods. jewelry and everything in-between! The market runs from 9-2pm.

The fascinating place of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico combines the rustic charm of old Mexico with authentic Mexican restaurants, as well as restaurants that serve up Northwestern cuisines, Asian and German delights such as The Black Forest Restaurant.

Huichol Indian Art Gallery
The Octopus’s Garden hosts  a  unique and rather grand La Cruz art gallery with an amazingly large collection of traditional and modern Huichol art. Large and smaller Yarn Paintings, beaded objects jewelry, weaving and embroidery can be found.  Its fun to discover facts about the Huichol people of Nayarit and Jalisco; one of the most expressive shamanistic tribes in the world.
Check out more  La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico restaurants  here.

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico,  is home to this authentic Mexican pueblo, and others along theRiviera Nayarit. The Riviera Nayarit occupying more than 200 miles (322 kilometers) of premium coastline provides the perfect locations for the best Mexico vacation.  La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico is located between Punta de Mita, to the north, and Bucerias to the south, and about 50 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport,  Check out the newest website on the Riviera Nayarit  Fun Regional Network allLaCruz.com for rentals, restaurants, petroglyph tours, fishing tours, Marietta Island tours and all of the local fun in La Cruz! You may also email Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com for any questions you may have.

Discover the small authentic pueblo of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Mexico
for your Riviera Nayarit vacation fun!

 

Summer Fun in La Cruz Mexico

Taste of La Cruz
La Cruz is located on the Riviera Nayarit fifteen minutes North of Bucerias Mexico. On Saturday, July 21, 2012, the second “Taste of La Cruz” event will be held with wine tasting, food and crafts. This event will take place in the newly renovated Plaza Benito Juarez (the main town square plaza). The first event was held January 2011, and was a great success!
The event starts at 7:00 pm, ending at 10:00 pm. There is no cost for admission. The Taste of La Cruz will also feature the artists and craftsmen of the Cooperativo Huanacaxtle from the locals of the Riviera Nayarit, along with wine tasting and food paring offered by local restaurants.  There will also be live music with  La Cruz  Jazz band Tatewari and other bands as  well filling up the warm summer evening with some great tunes.  Its a great way for the community to get together to meet and socialize, and have an all around good time, all for a good cause.

Two television crews will also be there filming, so come and get your 15 minutes of fame! The net proceeds of this event will go to the operating fund of the WORK FOR FOOD program in La Cruz. Come and help support this good cause that feeds hungry people.
If you are interested in participating in this event, or would like to find out more on how to contribute to the WORK FOR FOOD program, please call Landon at 322-116-4731.

Come on over to La Cruz for some summer fun, wine tasting, delicious food and live music to get your groove on! See you at the party!

 

La Cruz Restaurant Eva’s Brickhouse Has Sushi
There is something fun and new happening at Eva’s Brickhouse, a wonderful La Cruz restaurant on the Riviera Nayarit, owned and operated by Eva and Ken right on the La Cruz Marina, which makes for a lovey dining atmosphere looking out over the beautiful marina.

Eva and Ken have decided to add Sushi to the menu.  And what better place for fresh fish than the La Cruz Marina, where the fish market is open every morning for the fresh catch of the day! So, why not serve the freshest Sushi and Sashimi in the Bay!

They are starting out with a simple menu:
California Rolls                                                                                    65 pesos
Yellow Fin Tuna, Red Snapper and Shrimp
Pargo, Smoked Oysters Crab and Fresh Catch of the day   90 pesos

There is 10 pieces per roll. All of the fish is fresh daily. I really like that!
You can find Eva’s Brickhouse right on the La Cruz Marina next to the fish market, or call Eva and Ken at 329-298-2238.

Summer is a great time to visit the Riviera Nayarit. Although it is much warmer in the summer months, there is always a lovely cool breeze off of the ocean, less crowds to contend with, and you can’t beat the summer rental and restaurant specials.

Discover La Cruz for your amazing Riviera Nayarit Vacation, move to Mexico for Life!

 

 

 

 

 

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