CULINARY MARKET IN MAZATLÁN: Hector's Bistro, La Krema Cafe, Markets for Seafood, Organic Produce, & Bread

Specialty Foods & Bistros in the Historic District of Mazatlán

The Culinary Market (Mercado Culinario)

     A trip to the Culinary Market in Mazatlán  was a real treat. Our intended destination was the newly opened Hector's Bistro for lunch in the Historic District. We were having trouble finding Hector's and didn't even realize we had walked by it twice. There are no bold signs shouting that we had arrived at a real jewel in this neighborhood. 

    Luckily, as we circled the block, we saw the subtle but attractive sign on the window of the bakery inside: Mercado Culinario (Culinary Market). We discovered that there is much more hidden inside this restored colonial building than Hector's Bistro. We found that we had to duck into one of the doorways and poke around the interior to discover the colorful, organized merchant stands offering specialty foods. 

Fresh Organic Produce Stand

     The fruit and vegetables in the little Fresh Organic Produce stand were so pretty that I couldn't resist buying a few things. I found the fresh mushrooms I needed for my Crock-Pot Pot Roast (see article about Henderson's Meat Market) and a few other items that are difficult to find in Mexico, displayed in an inviting manner (dates lightly covered to keep the dust off, fresh berries with no flies buzzing around them, shiny red onions with the dirty outer skin removed). 

Flash-Frozen Vacuum-Packed Fish & Other Seafood

     We were excited to find salmon at this tienda (small store), flash frozen and beautifully packaged. The price was excellent so we purchased two fillets. The young man who helped us with our questions about the seafood was running the kitchen at La Krema, as well, a busy sidewalk cafe in the Culinary Market, but he managed to remain friendly and helpful. He let us know that as soon as he finished cooking breakfast and making a specialty coffee drink for his customer at La Krema cafe, he would be right over to help us and the others gathering around the freezer full of scallops, tuna, squid, swordfish, and other seafood, all labeled with their MercaMar brand name. He cheerfully rang up our purchase, helped us pack our salmon into the cooler we had brought with us, and gave us two recipes for preparing our salmon, as he thanked us for shopping with him. That's service that will keep the gringos coming back often!

Hector's Bistro in the Culinary Market

     We finished our shopping with a purchase of fresh whole grain bread at the bakery and then settled into Hector's Bistro for a delicious lunch. Jon had a Reuben Sandwich that was large enough that we could have shared it, but we didn't. I had a refreshing salad with grilled chicken, goat cheese, roasted green beans, and various other fresh vegetables and nuts. We enjoyed the atmosphere in Hector's and appreciated the decor that included the original old ceiling beams, new wall textures and colors to compliment the beams, rustic metal light fixtures, and interesting artwork throughout. The service was very good, the waiter friendly and English-speaking. We plan to return to the Culinary Market and next time we will try Hector's for dinner.

    Hector's Bistro and the Culinary Market are located at the corner of Mariano Escobeda and Heriberto Frias, one block from the Plaza Machado in the Historic District. They are also conveniently located one block from Angel Flores where we caught the Sabalo Centro bus back home to the Mar Rosa RV Park in the Golden Zone. 

     This fun day of shopping and lunch in the Historic

District of Mazatlán definitely qualified as "Healthy Living in Mexico". 

     To read more about living and traveling in Mexico, take a look at my eBook now available on Amazon.com worldwide for Kindles and Kindle Apps:

"HEALTHY LIVING AND TRAVELING IN MEXICO" eBook on Amazon.com

TWO TRIPS TO PHARMACIES IN MAZATLÁN: TREATING A MILD INFECTION WHILE IN MEXICO

EASY ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION IN MEXICO SIMPLIFIES HEALTH CARE

 

Jon Purchasing "Prescription" Medication

    Fear of illness or injury while living or traveling in Mexico is a real concern for many people. It may ease the minds of travelers to know that pharmacies, Urgent Care Clinics, and hospitals are readily available in tourist areas of Mexico. Here is one story of treating a health issue while in Mazatlan that I hope will help others realize that medical care is easily accessible in most areas of Mexico:
    My husband, Jon, awoke one morning with a stye on his lower eyelid, a small, red, painful bump with a whitehead. He asked me what I thought he should do since I am a retired pharmacist. I gave him the same answer I have given my patients for over 30 years. A stye is a mild infection in the oil gland of the hair follicle of the eyelash. The best treatment initially is to apply warm, moist compresses for 10 minutes, three to six times daily, using a clean washcloth each time. A stye will usually clear up in three to five days using this treatment. If not, then a prescription medication will be needed.

     Jon followed my advice diligently, but the stye persisted. I recommended that he use an antibiotic eye ointment (without steroids) which he could purchase over the counter in most pharmacies in Mexico. Between my knowledge and his research on the internet, we decided to go to a pharmacy and ask for an ophthalmic (eye) ointment containing the antibiotic polymixin b. Jon used www.SpanishDict.com to translate "polymixin b ophthalmic ointment without anti-inflammatory steroids" to "polimixina b ungüento oftálmico oftálmico sin esteroides antiinflamatorios ”. He printed this and we took our request to Guadalajara Pharmacy (Farmacia Guadalajara), a very professional discount pharmacy one block from where we

Farmacia Guadalajara in Mazatlan

were staying at Mar Rosa RV Park. The friendly pharmacy clerk confirmed that he wanted ointment for his eye, and then showed him an ophthalmic ointment containing the three antibiotics in Neosporin®  ophthalmic ointment: neomicin, polymixin b, and bacitracin. We verified that the dating was not expired, as always. This medication would require a physician's prescription in the United States, but we were able to purchase the eye ointment over the counter without a prescription for only 90 pesos (about $6.50 U.S.), saving the cost of a visit to the doctor's office and, additionally, saving on the price of the medication. 

     However, after three days of treatment with the antibiotic eye ointment, the persistent stye, though improved, had not healed completely. I recommended that an oral antibiotic was needed. I suggested a five day course of azithromycin, 500 mg on day one, followed by 250 mg daily for four days. Jon confirmed my advice with more internet research, printed out the Spanish translation "azitromicina", and we headed to another pharmacy. We needed to stock up on groceries and wine that day also, so we decided to go to Mega Comercial, our favorite "one-stop shopping" store in Mazatlan. At this pharmacy when Jon handed his printed request for his medication to the pharmacy clerk, she told him it required a prescription. I asked how we could get a prescription, knowing that some Mexican pharmacies have a doctor who can write a prescription when needed. She brought a professional woman in a white coat, possibly the pharmacist, to the counter to help us.  The white-coated professional said it would cost 30 pesos (about $2.15 U.S.) for the prescription. When we agreed, she wrote the medication name and quantity along with Jon’s name and date of birth on a piece of paper. Then she sold us three tablets of azitromicina 500mg for 78 pesos (about $5.50 U.S.), enough to complete the five days of therapy. So, that’s how it works to buy “prescription” medication in many pharmacies in Mexico now! This "prescription writing" is a fairly recent development in the routine of selling prescription medication in Mexico and often doesn't occur in small town pharmacies. I never did figure out if the woman who wrote the prescription was a physician or a pharmacist. But we saved another doctor visit expense and purchased the prescription medication for a very low price. Jon's stye has finally healed after spending a total of $14.15 U.S. 

     The same treatment in the United States would have involved the same three consultations with a pharmacist (free), two visits to the doctor (around $100  each), and two prescriptions (around $75 U.S.) for a total of $250 to $300 U.S. Our health insurance may have reduced the prices some, but our out-of-pocket expense, after it was applied to our deductible, would have probably been at least $200 more for the same treatment in the United States as in Mexico!

     Treatment of some illnesses, injuries, and infections while in Mexico may require a visit to a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. We like to locate a nearby clinic or hospital in each town we visit so we are prepared in case of emergency. In Mazatlan the Nuevo Mazatlan Medical Center is an Urgent Care clinic a short distance south of Mar Rosa RV Park where we stay in the Golden Zone, a quick taxi ride or bus trip down the street from us. It is located at: Av. Bugambilias #3172 Esq. Sábalo Cerritos, Marina Gardens, Local 2 (Av. Camarón Sábalo) Their phone number is: 52-669-191--3195.
     I recommend locating a doctor or hospital in your area when you are in Mexico so you know where to go if you become injured or ill. Below are emergency phone numbers to keep handy while in Mazatlan, though hopefully you will never need to use them (reminder, always verify this information as things change in Mexico):
     Emergency from a landline in Mazatlan: 066
     Red Cross Emergency: 52-669-981-3690
     Mazatlan City Police: 52-669-986-8126
     Mazatlan Fire Dept.: 52-669-981-2769 and 669-983-9920

     For more information on Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico, read my book now available on Amazon.com worldwide. Take a look inside the book at:
"Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico" Book on Amazon.com

   

HENDERSON'S MEAT MARKET IN MAZATLAN & THE PRODUCE TRUCK: Crock-Pot Pot Roast for Dinner

Henderson's Meat Market in Mazatlán

Chuck Roast From Henderson's Carnicería was the Starting Point for this Delicious Pot Roast

     We discovered Henderson’s Carnicería (meat market) in Mazatlán this week. Their beef is aged which improves the flavor and increases the tenderness. We decided to purchase a chuck roast rather than a rump roast for this pot roast hoping for a more juicy, tender finished dish. We couldn't find a chuck roast in the freezer section so we asked if they had it. The butcher pulled a large roast out of the front cooler and cut off the 1.5 kg. piece that we needed. Fresh, not frozen...even better.

     Henderson’s address is Camarón Sábalo #1502 Col. Sábalo Country Club in Mazatlán. This is across the street from Pueblo Bonito hotel just north of the Golden Zone. They often close at 3:15 to 3:30, so get there early!

 

Jon Shops for Vegetables & Fruit at Mar Rosa RV Park

   Next stop to gather the ingredients for our Crock-Pot Pot Roast was the Produce Truck. It comes to the Mar Rosa RV Park every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so we have gotten spoiled with front door delivery of fresh vegetable and fruit. We purchased the fresh potatoes, carrots, onions, and mushrooms that we needed to prepare dinner the next day. We had our Crock-Pot Pot Roast bubbling away on our patio table all afternoon and I think the neighbors were enjoying the savory aroma as much as we were. I believe I have finally perfected my recipe for Crock-Pot Pot Roast and so I am sharing it below.

INGREDIENTS:

·         8 ounces Crimini Mushrooms (or other fresh mushrooms)

·         1 boneless Chuck or Rump Roast (3 to 3 1/2 lb. or 1.5 kg.), fat trimmed

·         4 tsp. Minced Garlic

·         2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

·         2 cups Beef Broth

·         1 cup Dry Red Wine

·         1 can (6 oz.) Tomato Paste

·         1 envelope McCormick Homestyle Gravy Mix

·         1 tsp. dried Basil

·         2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

·         2 tsp. Tapatio or other bottled Salsa Picante

·         ½ tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper

·         1 large Yellow Onion, chopped

·         4 to 6 small Red Potatoes or 3 medium thin-skinned Potatoes

·         2 Carrots

·         2 stalks Celery, if desired

·         ½ cup Frozen Corn, if desired

¼ cup Flour plus ½ cup purified water

     Trim fat from roast. Mix olive oil and 2 tsp. minced garlic. Baste both sides of roast with garlic-oil mixture. Heat gas barbecue on high temperature. Brown roast for 5 minutes on each side. Browning the roast on the barbecue is part of the secret of the delicious flavor of the finished dish.

    Soak vegetables in a Microdyn®-water solution (or other vegetable disinfectant) according to directions on the bottle, scrubbing to remove soil. Cut vegetables and layer in bottom of crockpot: potatoes in ½ inch cubes, carrots peeled and sliced in bite-size pieces, mushrooms sliced, onions chopped, celery chopped in ½ inch pieces.

    Place roast atop vegetables, cutting to fit crock-pot as needed.

    Combine beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, dry gravy mix, basil, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. minced garlic, salsa, and ground pepper, stirring to mix. Pour over meat and vegetables. Cover; cook on high heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or low heat for 10 to 12 hours.

    One hour before serving, season to taste with salt, pepper, and additional Tapatio as desired. Add corn and stir. Replace lid and cook one hour on high.

    Skim fat from top of crock-pot juices. Remove roast to serving plate while making gravy.

    To make gravy, combine ¼ cup flour with ½ cup cold water in a saucepan. Stir in 1 ½ cup juices from crock-pot. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbling for one minute. Serve in bowl to ladle over vegetables and meat.

   Serve vegetables in crock-pot or in a separate bowl. Grated cheddar or Chihuahua cheese may be served on the side to sprinkle on meat and vegetables if desired.

   This delicious version of Pot Roast has become one of our staples when we are hungry for American comfort food. The recipe makes enough for dinner for the two of us that day plus enough to freeze for one dinner and one smaller portion for a lunch. Jon claims he could never tire of having this meal!

To read more about "Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico" take a look at the book now available for Kindle and Kindle apps on Amazon.com:

Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico eBook for Kindle on Amazon.com

A WALK TO MUNCHKINS SPORTS BAR IN MAZATLÁN: Football Playoffs & Dinner

Munchkins Restaurant & Sports Bar

A FRIENDLY PLACE WITH GREAT TELEVISIONS FOR WATCHING FOOTBALL AND SOCCER

     This time of year, when the NFL football playoffs are happening, where we "live" in our motorhome in Mexico is dependent on where there are good sports bars. For my husband, Jon, Mazatlán qualifies as a good place to "live" during January and through Super Bowl Sunday. There are many sports bars in the Golden Zone (the hotel zone), but Jon's current favorite is at Munchkins Restaurant. The staff is friendly and English-speaking. The food is good, prepared with fresh ingredients, and the menu has enough variety that we look forward to trying something new each week. The Coconut Prawns with Mango Sauce were delicious. The hamburgers and ribs are some of the best we've had in Mazatlán. This week we munched on appetizers, starting with the Fried Zucchini Sticks with a tasty dipping sauce and then we finished with the Super Nachos served with fresh pico de gallo, salsa picante (spicy hot salsa), and an order of guacamole. That meal seemed to fit the football mood and was very satisfying. The wine is good and the prices are moderate. 

Watching Football Puts a Smile on Jon's Face

     Munchkins' decor is a cute imitation of an old west saloon with red and white checked tablecloths, a western-style menu board, and murals of cowboys and saloon girls on the walls. The effect is warm and cozy. I have to admit that we avoided this place for years thinking it looked too "touristy". But once we gave it a try, we have become attached to this homey restaurant and sports bar.

     The crowd at this sports bar is friendly and not too rowdy, which I appreciate. Munchkins draws Mexican families, expats from the United States and Canada, and tourists from around the world. The crowd for Friday's playoff games was a little livelier than usual as the fans of the football teams were pretty vocal. I have a feeling Super Bowl Sunday is going to be quite a party at Munchkins!

     Munchkins is located at Avenida Camarón Sábalo 550, Las Gaviotas, Mazatlán, across the street from Dairy Queen. It's less than a mile from where we are "living" at Mar Rosa RV Park, so we get our exercise for the day with a nice walk down the beach at 4:00 in the afternoon, watching the tourists ride the banana boat and para-sailing. We walk home afterward along the lighted sidewalks on Avenida Camarón Sábalo through the hotel zone. The most common question we get asked about living in Mazatlán is "Do you feel safe?" Yes, we feel safe walking at night in the Hotel Zone. There are many other expats and tourists walking at night, too. It's a lively, friendly area and we enjoy "living" in Mazatlán. Who knows, this may be the city we decide to retire in...

Read more about Mazatlán in my eBook for Kindles and Kindle Apps, now available on Amazon.com. "Look Inside" the book by clicking this link:

Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico eBook on Amazon.com

BRENSTER'S BEACH BASH & ZUMBA WITH PENNY AT DIEGO'S IN MAZATLÁN

Brent McAthey, the "Brenster"

Great Party, Healthy Fun on the Beach!

     Brenster's Beach Bash is one of the best parties in Mazatlán! It happens at Deigo's from 2:00 to 6:00 every Tuesday, November to April. Brent McAthey, the "Brenster", a Canadian Country Music singer-songwriter, is a star in Mazatlán. We were especially glad that we were at the Beach Bash this week to see the Brenster perform with Tanya Carrum, a talented Mexican singer who also performs at La Catrina's every Wednesday during high season. Another treat this week...the Brenster sang with his special guests, Patricia Conroy, Michelle Wright, and Beverley Mahood who were slated to perform at the Brenster and Carrum Show at the Hotel Playa Mazatlán on January 16th. The crowd were on their feet dancing, singing along, and just having fun in the sun! This is why the Brenster's Beach Bash was voted one of Mazatlán's "Favorite Things to Do".

Dancing on the Beach is Part of the Fun

A Party Under the Palm Trees in Mazatlan

Penny Fuller Leads Us in a Zumba Dance

Zumba Demonstration During Intermission

     Once a month Penny Fuller, Zumba Instructor, takes the stage during Brenster's break to keep the crowd dancing with a Zumba demonstration, and this week we got to join the fun. Zumba in the sand with bare feet is a fun workout--a great way to dance and get exercise at the same time! View the YouTube video by clicking this link:

Penny's Zumba Demonstration at Brenster's Beach Bash

     Penny teaches Zumba Gold Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30 AM at the park on the corner of Mojarra and Atun streets in Mazatlán 's Golden Zone. Her Zumba Toning class is at the same location at 7:50 AM Mon., Wed., and Fri. Great fun, great exercise! 

Read more about "Healthy Living" in Mazatlán in my book, now available on Amazon.com! Take a look by clicking on the link below:

Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico

MY FITBIT REPORT FOR 2014: BENEFITS OF WALKING & ZUMBA IN MEXICO

My Fitbit Pedometer Report for 2014

2,174,584 STEPS IN 2014! 
I WALKED 973 MILES IN 2014!
     That is about one-third of the way across the United States!
     That's an average of about 6000 steps per day. Not bad... 
     I plan to reach my goal of 10,000 steps per day in 2015. That would be 4.5 miles per day or 1640 miles in one year, about half-way across the United States. I can do it! 
     AND THAT DOESN'T COUNT THE MILES THAT I RODE MY BICYCLE! 
     Since we sold our cars in 2014 when we were preparing to "move" to Mexico, we now walk and ride our bikes most places and ride the bus or take a taxi when we need to. Walking and riding a bike instead of driving is "Healthy Living" with many benefits. I reflect on the changes I made in 2014 and...
    I think of the gallons of gas I didn't burn.
    I think about how much healthier I am because I walked and rode my bike.
    I think of all the sights I enjoyed because I walked by them rather than speeding by in my car.
    I think of all the Zumba classes I attended, both in Mexico and the U.S. and how much they made me smile, dancing to the music.
    I think of how walking and riding my bike helped me slow down the pace of my life, helped me simplify my life, and helped decrease the stress in my life.
THAT'S HEALTHY LIVING, SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO AND 6 MONTHS IN THE U.S.! 
2015 IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!

My book is now available on Amazon.com! Take a look by clicking on the link below:
Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Book on Amazon.com

    

HANK, OUR NEIGHBOR IN MAZATLÁN: JUST CALL ME HANK - BRENSTER'S MUSIC VIDEO

         BRENSTER'S MUSIC VIDEO ABOUT HANK

Santa Hank on the Mazatlan Beach

     Brent McAthy, the "Brenster", a Country music star in Mazatlán, has written this song and recorded this fun video about Hank from Ohio. Hank is a real person, a real nice person who spends every winter in Mazatlán. He is a fixture at Diego's every Tuesday during the Brenster's Beach Bash. 

 

Santa Hank at the 2009 Christmas Party

   Hank is our neighbor in Mazatlán, and has been since we first met him at Christmas 2009. That year he was Santa, handing out gifts to the children at the party and fundraiser for the Salvation Army orphanage. I notice his beard is much fuller these days...

     Read more about life in Mazatlán in my book now available on Amazon.com. "Look Inside" the book by clicking the link below:
Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Book on Amazon.com