1/8/07 - Happy New Year!
Association News
January Association Meeting: This e-newsletter serves as notification of a "special meeting" called on Tuesday, January 16 at 10am at the home of Jerry & Shirley Vinyard (Flamingos #51). Please note that this is one week later than our regularly scheduled meeting; the meeting on the 9th has been cancelled.
We will be discussing and voting on the budget, as well as taking nominations for a new treasurer and president (see below). All paid membership households have one vote. Please plan to attend this very important meeting. We currently have only 28 members, but you may pay your dues before the meeting begins on the 16th and your vote will be accepted.
The Vinyards have graciously offered to host this meeting, as well as upcoming monthly meetings. They have an adequate supply of chairs and will provide coffee and water. Members are encouraged to bring goodies to share.
President Fred Chace Resigns: I am resigning my position of president of the association, effective on the date of the next association meeting. Please consider who might be nominated as president, so the president and treasurer can be elected on that day. I will hand over all documentation and computer files to the next president when elected, or to the secretary of the association, and will remain willing to help in any way I can, short of being an association officer. I have been considering for several weeks whether I should continue as president, and feel that the association will be better served by someone who is willing to dedicate himself to attending all the required meetings, and who can coordinate the interests of the association within the framework of local society and corrupt politics. Best wishes, Fred Chace
2007 Association Dues: Dues are now "due" for 2007. To date, only 28 members have paid their dues in full. Allyson Williams and Nina Steffens will be coming door to door collecting dues this week.
Deadline: 2007 Association Phone Directory: If you are a new member, or if you are a current member with changes to your personal information, please pick up a Member Information Form from Allyson Williams (Golondrinas #18). All members are encouraged to include a US or Canadian phone number so you can be contacted in case of emergency. If you are not planning to be in Guayabitos before the deadline, please contact Allyson via email at MexicanaAlly@att.net. Information must be submitted ASAP to be included. The new directory will be emailed to members in mid-January.
*Note: Members, if you have phone numbers and/or addresses of hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacy or any other medical-related services, please email me with the information as soon as possible so I can include it. I need your help to make this directory complete!
Good Luck & Farewell! Jim & Janice Thayer have sold their house on Golondrinas, packed up all their belongings and are on their way to McCormick, South Carolina. They decided that after living in Guayabitos for the past several years, they were ready for a change. We wish them a safe jouney and a fond farewell. Photo taken at Restaurante de Especialidades Costa Alegre
Association Needs: Harry Burnett is asking for donations to purchase a weedwacker to keep the grass and weeds trimmed along the sidewalks.
Association Board & Committee Contacts: If you have questions, want additional information or would like to join the Association, please contact:
President: Fred Chace (327) 274-0401
Vice President: Lourdes Robles Gonzales (311) 212-1010
Treasurer: Sue Moss (327) 274-2540
Secretary: Brenda Bitkoff (327) 274-2265
If you have an issue with, or comments and suggestions about, the cleanliness of the streets, signage, parking and buses, crime and vandalism, illegal cutting of trees or killing of iguanas or armadillos, please contact:
Street Maintenance: Harry Burnett (327) 274-0335
Vigilance: Salome Quintanilla (327) 274-0784
Local Events & Holidays
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, holidays and fiestas. If you have information about upcoming or ongoing events, please let me know so I can include them.
+ This Week
Sat. Jan. 6: Día de los Santos Reyes (Three Kings' Day)
+ Upcoming
Fri-Sat. Jan. 12-13: Spay & Neuter Clinic Volunteer Meetings: An organizational meeting is scheduled for Fri. Jan. 12 at 10am to set up kennels, medicine, and the clinic in general. Anyone interested in volunteering should plan to attend. On Sat. Jan. 13 at 10am, there will be a general meeting for all volunteers to go through the various stations and tasks. Everyone is welcome. The clinic also needs newspapers to line the kennels, tables and lights. If anyone is willing to copy and post or hand out fliers between La Colonia and Lo de Marcos, and for those who want to volunteer and/or make donations, please contact Lin Chimes at linchimes@hotmail.com.
Jan. 15-17 and 19-22: Free Spay & Neuter Clinic in Los Ayala & Lo de Marcos: In order to reach as many areas as possible, the next clinic will be held on Jan. 15-17 in Los Ayala, with a follow-up clinic in Lo de Marcos from Jan. 19-22. The clinic is in need of accommodations for two vets, three technical assistants (all female) and one husband; volunteers to help with lunches and refreshments during the clinic; volunteers to help with the clinic, as well as donations. Please contact Lin Chimes at linchimes@hotmail.com if you are interested in volunteering, want to make a donation or if you'd like additional information.
Saturdays through Feb. 10: Entertainment in Guayabitos Plaza to Benefit EMS: Head to the Plaza in Guayabitos any Saturday through Feb. 10 to enjoy live entertainment. The performances will vary weekly and will include everything from mariachi to ballet. The entertainers come from as far as Compostela and Tepic. This event is organized by the State Tourism Board and the Hotel Association. All proceeds from beer sales during this event will go towards much need equipment for the EMS in Guayabitos. The goal is to raise $50,000 pesos to purchase a defibulator and two emergency radios, which our area so desperately needs due to the age of our residents and visitors. A dinner was held at Brisamar Bungalows on Jan. 6 which raised $2,700 pesos to purchase a vital-signs machine. There will be approximately 300 chairs set up in the plaza each Saturday, but if you have portable chairs please bring them.
Since the Emergency Medical Service began on Jan. 23 2006, they have averaged 60 calls per month. Although the primary area served is Guayabitos, La Peñita and Los Ayala, the towns between Lo de Marcos and Las Varas benefit as well. If you would like more information, or would like to make a donation to the EMS in our community, please contact Diane Wardell at (327) 274-1193 or Beto Peña at (327) 274-0225.
Wed. Jan. 17: Día de San Antonio de Abad (Feast of San Antonio Abad)
Fri. Feb. 2: Groundhog Day / Día de la Candelaria (Candelmas Day)
Mon. Feb. 5: Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
Wed. Feb. 7: 4th Annual Margarita Challenge: Mark you calendar and start practicing your margarita-making skills and routine, because the Margarita Challenge is coming! This year, the number of contestants is limited to six... so if you think you've got a winning recipe, you must pre-register online to Allyson Williams at MexicanaAlly@att.net. Only the first six contestants to enter get to participate. Tickets will be on sale later this week. Watch for details in the next couple of days.
Sat. Feb. 10: 9th Annual "El Famoso" Horseshoe Tournament (aka Roberto Howell): Beginners and experienced players are invited to come throw some shoes, and everyone else should come and watch. There will be food and beverages, volleyball and washer games, plus a cash raffle, raffle prizes and trophies with proceeds going to charity. The entry fee is $100 pesos. Pre-registration will be held Fri. Feb. 9 at 4pm at Mateja's. The After Tourney Party will be held at Hinde y Jaime's. Contact Jimmy Howell at barbqueguy1@yahoo.com or Bill and Jan Poteat at (327) 274-1303 or jwpoteat@hotmail.com for more information. Player Check-in: 8:30am; Start Time: 10am. Where: Behind Harry & Geanie Burnett's Casa (follow signs in Zona Residencial).
Wed. Feb. 14: Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine's Day)
Feb. 15-20: Carnaval (Carnival)
+ Ongoing
Tuesdays through April 17: Malecon Sculpture Guided Walking Tour in Puerto Vallarta: Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson leads this informative tour in which you can learn more about the beautiful sculptures that grace Puerto Vallarta's Malecon. The tour starts at the "Millennium" sculpture by Hotel Rosita at 9:30am; and ends at Galeria Pacifico with refreshments. For more information, please call (322) 222-1982.
Thursdays: Tianguis in La Peñita: This is the place to be and be seen on Thursdays... and to shop for silver jewelry, pottery, linens, talavera plates and sinks, glassware, Huichol Indian artwork, dried chiles, fresh fruits and veggies, and just about anything else you might need. When: 8am-1pm or so. Where: Held around the plaza in La Peñita and on Bahia de Manzanillo.
Sundays: Golf in El Monteon: Head to the Campo de Ensueño (Field of Dreams) golf course to play a round or two. Sundays are for men, women, couples or singles, and they draw for partners. Newcomers are welcome. No reservations are needed, just be there before 10am. This 9-hole, par 3 course is located on Hwy. 200 at km 102, just 5 minutes south of Guayabitos. When: Every Sunday at 10am. Cost: $180 pesos for 18-holes.
Ally's Inside Scoop
on where to eat, drink, shop & play
Okay kids, here's the deal. Coming from the restaurant biz back in Minnesota, and being that one of my favorite past-times is shopping, I decided to add this section. Each month I will do my best to feature the newest restaurants and stores in town, as well as to remind you about a few you may have forgotten about. Plus, I'll give you my top picks for what to do in and around town. Now go on, give 'em a try.
+ Not New, but Certainly Noteworthy
El Marlin: This family-run restruant has been around for years. They continue to offer a large menu, informal service and reasonable prices. Their specialty items include the platillo "loco" (crazy Mexican plate), brocheta mixta (shrimp, chicken, beef and vegetable skewer), camaron rey (steamed shrimp in tinfoil with bell peppers, onions and olives in a special butter sauce, which is very good), as well as their wonderful chiles rellenos which they only offer for dinner on Tuesdays by reservation. Hours: 7am-10pm daily. Address: Ave Sol Nuevo just past Calle Ciebas, Guayabitos.
+ Other Good Stuff
Recipe: Jamaica Flower Iced Tea (Agua de Jamaica): 
You can find this non-alcoholic drink made from dried hibiscus flower petals everywhere in Mexico. Jamaica (pronounced ha-my-kah) is renowned for its deep scarlet hue, which in turn gives the drink its disctinctive red color. It is rich in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, and a diuretic which helps your body process vitamins and minerals properly, adding to your overall good physical health.
To make it, you'll need:
4 cups water
1/2 cup dried jamaica flowers (which you can buy at the Tianguis)
1/2 cup sugar (if you prefer, you can sweeten with honey or other natural sweetener)
3 cups of cold water
more sugar to taste
1 lime, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Serves 8
In a medium non-corrosive saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. (Hibiscus has the potential to stain just about anything it comes in contact with, so keep this in mind.) Remove the water from the heat and add the dried flowers and sugar. Cover the pan and steep for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to break down the sugar granules. Strain the mixture through a sieve and into a pitcher or jug (while pressing the flower solids to extract as much liquid as possible). Add about 3 more cups of cold water to the pitcher. Taste for desired strength and sweetness. If it is too potent, add more water. If it is too tart, add more sugar. Cover and refrigerate. Serve over ice with a slice of lime. Salud!
+ Closings
Ruth's Studio & Bazar: I am sad to announce that Ruth is closing her store in La Peñita due to a rent increase. She will have a table set up at the Tianguis every Thursday and will continue to sew, do alterations and make curtains. You can contact her by email at rthco@hotmail.com.
For Your Information
Dog Adoption: We are in desperate need of homes for one dog, who due to illness of her owner cannot keep her any longer. She is about one year old, a dalmation mix and lovely (no pic). Her fate is the street, euthanasia or a good home. Please contact Jane Kelley at kelleyinmex@yahoo.com. Jim & Lin Chimes are feeding two lovely puppies (left photo) who are living on an abandoned lot. They need help. We also have 6 puppies 5-6 weeks old (right photo) who were left in the street and have to find a place this weekend, either foster care until we find homes or permanent homes. Please contact Rosalie Hope at ripplerose@yahoo.com. Information: Lin Chimes, Los Ayala
Adoptable Friends: These three dogs are spayed or neutered and are in need of a good home. Left: female, 4-years-old, loves walks on the beach, long siestas and companionship; contact: tylerhenshaw@hotmail.com. Middle: male looking for low-energy gringo, doesn't shed, does his "business" on cue and loves long siestas; contact: valleydog@msn.com. Right: Flaca the dalmation is less than a year old, loving and is learning hand signals. She needs a home before Dec. 20; contact: walkersj_03@hotmail.com. Information & photos: Lin Chimes, Los Ayala
Local Dining + Music Guide
We should consider ourselves lucky. Not only do we live in paradise, but we have some really good restaurants around town. If you have a favorite place that is not listed here, don't keep it a secret... we're gonna' find out about it sooner or later anyway.
+ Guayabitos
Las Codornices
On the Beach, Mexican: Variety of Mexican dishes, seafood, tempura, teriyaki, BBQ ribs and grilled steak, plus omelets and french toast for breakfast.
Open: 8am-10pm daily
Cedros #4 (at Hotel Jacqueline), Guayabitos; (327) 274-0092
David's Place at La Palapa
On the Beach, Mexican: Specials include shrimp, shrimp skewer and carne a la tampiqueña.
Open: 8am-10pm daily
On the Beach near Tito's Vacacional, Guayabitos
El Marlin
Mexican: This family-run restruant has been around for years. They offer a large menu including a Mexican plate, mixed skewer, steamed shrimp in tinfoil; as well as their wonderful chiles rellenos which they only offer for dinner on Tuesdays by reservation.
Open: 7am-10pm daily
Av. Sol Nuevo past Calle Ciebas, Guayabitos
Mateja's Bar & Grill
On the Beach, American, Happy Hour: This small beachfront restaurant and bar has a small menu filled with daily soup and sandwich specials, salads, spicy chicken wings, great nachos, bruschetta, potato skins, burritos, burgers, plus several fish and shrimp dishes. Mateja also offers daily specials (see below) and the best Happy Hour in town.
Happy Hour: 2-4pm daily. Daily Specials: Tues: Beef or Chicken Quesadilla for $35 pesos all day. Wed: Rib Night 4-7pm for $60 pesos; Music by Eric Nice. Thurs: Grande Margaritas for $25 pesos all day. Fri: Peel and Eat Shrimp $2 1/2 pesos each. Sat: Black Angus NY Steak for $120 pesos; Music by Eric Nice. Sun: Chicken Teriyaki or Chicken Parmesan for $65 pesos all day. Group Reservations: If you are heading to Mateja's for dinner after 7pm, please call ahead to make sure the kitchen is still open to avoid disappointment. Mateja encourages all parties of 8 or more to make a reservation. If you do so, she will offer her famous rib dinner to the entire party at Wednesday's price (so why not eat ribs on Tuesday?). Don't forget, ribs need to be pre-ordered.
Open: 11am-9pmish; Closed: Monday
On the Beach, Guayabitos; (322) 131-0043 new number
La Mesa Loca
Italian & Greek: They also serve dishes from Portugal, Morocco and Spain, as well as their "wussy menu" for the non-adventurous.
Happy Hour: 1-3:30pm daily. Music: 6:30-9:30pm Fri-Sun Full NFL, NBA and NHL package
Open: noon-10pm; Closed: Wednesday
Av. Sol Nuevo at Hotel Peñamar, Guayabitos; (327) 274-0225
Piña Colada
Mexican: They claim their fajitas are the best in town and offer them in chicken, beef or shrimp; and their piña coladas are definately worth the trip. They are the "Home of the Margarita Challenge."
Open: 2-10pm; Closed Mon
Av. Guayabitos #15 (off the highway at the first entrance to town), Guayabitos
Piña Loca
Mexican: Large menu with traditional Mexican items like pozole, tostadas, enchiladas, sopes, burritos and tacos, in addition to several fish, shrimp, beef and pork dishes. Fabulous fajitas, veracruz-style fish fillet, octopus in garlic, coconut shrimp with mango salsa and tortilla soup. Most specials come with one national drink and dessert.
Music: Miguel Angel: Mon, Fri & Sun 6-9pm; Orlando" Tues 7-9pm; Roberto Curiel: Wed-Thurs 7-9pm
Open: 8am-10pm daily
Ret. Tabachines, Guayabitos
Pizza Mona Lisa
Pizza: Their specialty is this crust wood-fired pizza.
Open: 5-9pm daily, only during high season
Av. Sol Nuevo at Calle Mangles, Guayabitos
Restaurante de Especialidades Costa Alegre
On the Beach,Gourmet Mexican: Creative gourmet dishes like fish fillet with mango salsa, shrimp in white wine sauce with mushroom risotto, filet mignon with mashed potatoes, and a portobella mushroom salad with mangos and cherry tomatoes just to name a few.
Open: 8am-10pm daily
Costa Alegre Hotel, Guayabitos
Ricardo's
Italian, Pizza: In addition to his New York style pizza, he also serves baked calzones, spaghetti & meatballs, lasagna, fettucini alfredo, chicken parmesan, and he always does it with a smile.
Pizza Delivery: Call to have his fabulous New York style pizzas delivered to your door
Open: noon-9pm; Closed: Tuesday
Hwy. 200 (near entrance to Los Ayala), Guayabitos; (327) 274-1101
El Rincon de Guayabitos
Mexican: This hotel restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, it is inexpensive and is air-conditioned.
Open: 8am-9:30pm daily
Ave. Sol Nuevo (at Hotel Guayabitos), Guayabitos
Tequila Willy's
On the Beach, Bar & Restaurant: Stop by and have an ice cold beer for only 10 pesos! Willy also serves BBQ port ribs, steak from Canada and all you can eat shrimp.
Open: 8am-4pm or when he feels like it
On the beach next to the boat launch, Guayabitos
El Tiburon
On the Beach, Mexican: This bar and restaurant offers fish, shrimp, lobster, ribs and more.
Open: 11am-11pm (til 1pm Fri-Sun)
On the Beach , Guayabitos
Toñita I
On the Beach, Mexican: This family-run restaurant offers a large menu including burritos, quesadillas, chiles rellenos, fresh fish and shrimp served every way imaginable and other incredible Mexican dishes.
Open: 8am-9pm daily
On the Beach, Guayabitos
Toñita II
Mexican: Same wonderful menu as Toñita I.
Open: 8am-8pm daily
Av. Sol Nuevo (next to Hotel Peñamar), Guayabitos
Villanueva
On the Beach, Mexican: This family-run restaurant has been serving food since 1942. They offer fresh fish, shrimp and seafood including octupus and lobster, fajitas, coconut shrimp, BBQ ribs, frog legs, smoked pork chops, NY strip and more.
Happy Hour: 4-6pm daily
Open: 11am-8pm; Closed: Tues
On the Beach at the Villanueva Trailer Park, Guayabitos
Vista Guayabitos
Mexican, Romantic & View: This restaurant sits a top one of the highest points in Guayabitos and offers a spectacular view of the bay. They offer a small menu with shrimp chile rellenos, fish tacos and other Mexican fare.
Music: JáQui & The Pérez Brothers every Thurs
Open: 11am-10pm daily
On the road to Los Ayala, Guayabitos
+ La Peñita
La Avenida
Mexican: Enchiladas, tostadas, burritos, sopes and fajitas, as well as fish, shrimp, beef and seafood dishes.
Open: 7am-11pm daily
Av. Emiliano Zapata at the west end, La Peñita
La Cocina
Mexican: If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, look no further. This cute little restaurant serves huevos rancheros, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, chilaquiles, tostadas, mole and great homemade salsas.
Open: 7am-3pm; Closed: Thursday
Av. Emiliano Zapata #34 (next to Luminarias Sports Bar), La Peñita
Hinde y Jaime's
Mexican, Fish Tacos: In addition to their famous fish and shrimp tacos, they also serve enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.
Open: 8am-9pm or 10pm; Closed: Sunday
Av. Emiliano Zapata, La Peñita
Soley
Italian, Romantic: Rotating menu including cannelloni, manicotti, spaghetti & meatballs and chicken parmesan. Entrees come with a dinner salad and garlic bread. Also open Thursdays for coffee and breakfast during the Tianguis.
Open: 6-10pm; Closed Mon; Thurs: 9am-1pm
Located on the north side of the plaza, La Peñita
La Torta Movil
Sandwich Stand: Simply the best tortas (sandwiches), burritos and quesadillas in town, made with marinated chicken or pork, panela or cheddar cheese and fresh lettuce, tomato and onion. And at only $6-17 pesos a piece, you can afford to have more than one.
Open: Fri-Tues 7:30pmish-4amish; Closed: Wed & Thurs
Located on the corner of Bahia de Banderas and main street (half a block west of the Luminarias Sports Bar), La Peñita
