Creating Cuisine in Sayulita on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit

[Bob and Janice Kollar]

What is it about Sayulita on the Mexico's Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta that keeps drawing us back?  It's a world removed from the “typical” tourist destination.

Is it because it’s a sleepy little fishing village with a laid back surfer vibe that caters to our inner child of just being free to explore the ocean, the beach, and the Mexican culture of years gone by?

Is it that it’s a village that defies the temptation of becoming overly commercialized which in turn would destroy the warmth and charm of a hidden gem?

Is it the sandy beachfront with a long, gentle surf break with warm, clear water?

We believe it is all of the above and the “Sayulita good vibes” is really a state of mind that all visitors experience… and we are continually drawn back.

Establish a Base Camp

This article focuses on eating… plain and simple… since most everything you eat here is fresh, locally sourced, and reasonably priced.

Sayulita is an epicurean delight with exceptional dining options from “street food” to full gourmet restaurants. 

We usually select the road-less-traveled and find vacation rentals that boast a well-equipped chef’s kitchen. 

Once again, Sayulita Life becomes the go-to site.  They represent over 400 vacation rental options, and so through them we usually find the “perfect” place.

We love to cook, and on this trip we lured two other couples with like minds to join us. Looking for a place for three couples to share brings the price point for the more expensive properties into a much more reasonable price range, too.

One of several seafood stalls at the La Cruz Marina fish market

A Cornucopia of Fresh Ingredients

Sayulita and other surrounding villages have organized and scheduled many fresh air farmers markets that stress organic options, offering local fruits and vegetables.

Huge spiny lobster resting on assorted filleted fish

One of our favorite markets was a short drive south of Sayulita in the La Cruz Marina Fish Market on Banderas Bay  where you can purchase freshly caught fish, shrimp, lobsters, oysters and other assorted seafood all for great prices.

The dorado still have their color… that’s FRESH

Fish markets have been a staple in Banderas Bay for generations, in fact many of the restaurants, personal chefs and caterers in the area shop here daily for their seafood.

Live crabs, octopus and squid

In addition, the Sunday market features handmade items by locals as well as from the indigenous tribes in the area… each vendor can only sell what they personally made… now that is local pride.

We took this video when we were at the market which demonstrates how a professional fillets a dorado.

 

Eating In: The Personal Chef Option

For a special treat, we hired three professional chefs on three different evenings to share their talent and treat us to their regional cooking from their respective heritages.

Justifying the decision to hire a personal chef for three couples that love to cook themselves was not difficult considering the alternatives. Imagine if you will dining in the comfort of your vacation rental, and the only thing you have to do is to enjoy the cooking demonstration (if you want to), savor a refreshing beverage and anticipate the fabulous cuisine being made expressly for you and your taste preferences. 

There is no shopping for the ingredients, no prepping, no plating, and best of all… no cleaning up.   Everything takes place like magic... and for less than the cost of a similar meal at an outside restaurant.

You owe it to yourself to try it at least once for a special date or event and besides you are all on vacation… so create a memory!

The following are three unique chefs with their own style and specialties…. all waiting for your call.

 

Chef Laura

We were introduced to Laura as our housekeeper at Villa Sol Blau and were told she is an excellent cook having prepared meals for numerous guests, such as  green chile enchiladas and traditional slow cooked black beans (above).

Chile Relleno with a poblano sauce and rice based on a family recipe

 Homemade Flan

What we discovered is that Laura uses family recipes matched with local fresh ingredients and treats her dining patrons like “family” as she lavishes the warmth and grace of her heritage… we enjoyed a traditional meal and Laura’s charming personality… “Mom” was in the kitchen!

Chef Sofia Silva Sánchez

We “found” Chef Sofia on the Sayulita Life site and she also has her own webpage (http://sayulitachef.com/).  After reading the glowing reviews as well as her extensive menu options we made a date for dinner.

Sofia's tender pieces of baked chicken in a poblano sauce with rice.

Her key lime pie topped with strawberries and mint

Fresh organic green salad with chipotle dressing

Sofia is a vibrant, effervescent, and a very personable individual and as a chef her wide range of cooking skills extend from traditional Mexican cuisine to menus offering Italian, Indian, Moroccan, Vegetarian and Vegan options, such as cucumber cups stuffed with shrimp ceviche (above). Her excellent dessert reputation is definitely understated!

Chef Daniel Murillo

Chef Daniel is the consummate professional and performs his cooking with a flair… literally he lights up the room!  Can you say…. Flambe!

Daniel owns the restaurant Mexotix in the neighboring town of San Pancho which is a short drive north of Sayulita.  He offers his catering and cooking services in Sayulita and we have enjoyed his exceptional “Mexican-Fusion with an Asian Twist” style on numerous occasions. (https://www.sayulitalife.com/mexotik)

Chef Daniel and his Sous Chef Juan

Seared Tuna with sesame crust served over tostini 

Empanadas stuffed with shrimp sautéed in citrus salsa & melted panela cheese

Octopus in orange reduction with hibiscus & chipotle served with coconut rice

 Eating IN… Prepare a Dining Experience Yourself

The three couples set up a friendly competition and over the course of three nights it was game-on! 

But our first stop was a trip to La Cruz Fish Market followed by visiting a variety of in-town markets and one more stop at the excellent fish market just over the bridge into town.

 

Three Team Challenge:

Jumbo Blue Shrimp cooked three ways

Seared Mahi Mahi with avocados

Spiny lobster ready for the melted butter

Huge Salads of Organic Greens

Sushi Grade Yellow Tail Tuna: five pounds for about $15

Summary

Creating cuisine in a village with a cadre of personal chefs, fresh seafood, organic farmers markets and local vendors offering all of the ingredients that you need to make unforgettable gastronomical experiences… all set in a semi-tropical locale… is simply very special.

The “Sayulita Good Vibes” is really a state of mind that all visitors experience… and we are continually drawn back! 

Viva Mexico…. Viva Sayulita! 

After all, what is the hurry… be inspired…

  

© 2017 Inspired Travel Itineraries with Bob and Janice Kollar

© 2017 Picture Credits: Bob and Janice Kollar