April, 2009 Page 2 Jaltemba Features
The Fort at San Blas, Nayarit Mexico Photography by Bill and Dot Bell
In the city of San Blas there are many cultural, historical and religious remains that are well worth visiting, like the Fort of San Basilio also known as Fuerte de la Contaduria, an old building that served mainly as a bastion for defending the goods brought from the exotic lands on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. This fort was also the starting point for many expeditions towards the north of the American continent, as Spain continued to try and increase its territories.
For more pictures on The Fort at San Blas Click Here to view
Petra
Huerta: Riviera Nayarit Jewel
By Tara Spears
While most visitors seek out this part of the Mexican coast for its physical beauty and relaxing lifestyle, they still want top quality dining. The Bavarian Garden restaurant, serving authentic German cuisine, is an excellent change of pace from spicy Mexican fare. For the outgoing and vivacious owner, Petra Huerta, it is an opportunity to showcase her 20 plus years of professional cooking experience, honor the family culinary traditions, and to have a good time. “I enjoy talking with the customers,” she says, “So many have become good friends.” Petra explained that her grandmother and mother, Eva, passed on their love of cooking to her. “I chose family style meals and add a romantic, formal presentation to make dining a relaxed pleasure. “ Bavarian Garden’s exotic hillside location, lace tablecloths, and open air ambiance is reminiscent of European beer gardens.
Even more impressive than the restaurant is its dynamic proprietress. Petra is a true diamond among the many jewels in the community. Independent, intelligent, and with a heart of gold, Petra gives her all to her business, family, friends and those in need. She prefers to avoid the lime light yet is often first to take up a charitable cause- she works tirelessly to make the community a good place to live.
This
astute, self-taught businesswoman is fluent in German, Spanish, English
“and I’m trying to learn French!” Her genuine smile and twinkling eyes
mirror the beautiful attitude within. A talented singer and song
writer, “I sing to my soups every day” she quips. Her tiny stature and
high energy level is impressive for a grandmother: “My daughter, Sabrina
(24) is happily married and living in Greece with baby, Philipe,” Petra
says proudly. It is Petra’s love of music that prompted the scheduling
of live entertainment three nights a week at Bavarian. “I choose the
local talent that offers romantic, danceable music.” One popular local
musician, Enrique Preciado, who plays exclusively at Bavarian on
Wednesdays, is noted for his danceable repertoire of Spanish ballads and
English oldies. “Many customers like to celebrate weddings and
anniversaries with dinner and slow dancing to Enrique,” said Petra.
Enrique plays six different musical instruments besides having a soulful
singing voice.
Musician Enrique Preciado
From its initial opening in 2005, Bavarian Garden was a
success and soon hailed as the area’s top restaurant. In addition to
appetizers and a variety of salads, Petra works magic with her hearty
soups.
“I’m
proud of the Rouladen, which is my mother’s recipe,” said Petra. This
excellent entrée is tender beef stuffed with pickle, bacon, onions and
cheese that is complimented by spatzel (German seasoned noodles) and
cooked red cabbage. Delicious! When asked how she achieved such tender
beef in a country known for its lean, tough cows, Petra laughingly
explains, “I import it (and the sausages, pictured above) from out of
the country!”
Other very traditional Munich, Germany dishes that are available at Bavarian Garden feature pork loin and pork roast delicacies-the Jagerschnitzel and the Bavarian entrees, which are accompanied with dumplings or potato pancakes, applesauce, and sauerkraut. A savory salmon in dill sauce is a favorite with fish lovers. All items are made fresh daily by Petra and her staff at the restaurant. As a compliment to the fine dinners, Petra offers a selection of imported German and domestic beers, wine, and cocktails.
Three
years ago Petra expanded her dining facilities by adding a lower patio
to accommodate large groups. Bavarian Garden also offers a fabulous
breakfast menu only on Sundays, 8 am to 2 pm, that features a
traditional German Alpine breakfast of sausages, potato pancakes,
omelets, juice and fruit.
Petra loves being the boss despite the long hours and
unexpected snafus that occur in running a busy restaurant. “I demand
quality from suppliers and staff,” said Petra. “I want my customers to
rely on getting top service and the best food when they come to Bavarian
Garden.” Noting that each day is
exciting
and challenging, some are more dramatic than others: “One evening, a
bull had gotten out of its pen and came charging down the mountain into
the restaurant full of diners. The police came with lassos to capture
it- but not before the frantic creature destroyed some of the table and
chairs! It’s just part of the charm of living in a true Mexican
village,” laughed Petra.
As
one recent international customer at Bavarian Gardens, Joanne Clark,
sums up, “It’s a little bit of German culture juxtaposed with Mexican
flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a warm Mexican evening with tasty
German food and lovely dancing music.” Many other customers appreciate
the ambiance of the open air setting and natural beauty of the rocks and
native plants, especially when looking down on the lights of the nearby
town. Several repeat customers exclaimed, “Petra always makes us feel
welcome, and she adjusts items for our special dietary needs.”
For so many reasons, the Riviera Nayarit community is proud to know Petra Huerta- excellent cook, excellent businesswoman, excellent friend.
Bavarian Garden is open October –May: Saturday-Wednesdays: 3 -9 pm; Fridays: 6-10 pm; and Sundays 8 am-2 pm
To make reservations: 327-274-2136 or email: petrainmex@yahoo.com.de
Bavarian Staff:
Open air dining-Bavarian Garden views:
Petra hard at work but loving it
Email Tara: tara.sprs@hotmail.com
