Move Over Sno-Cones, Give Me a Raspado

One of the distinct advantages of living in a warm climate is the abundance of outdoor food vendors. I recall visiting my mother's home country of Singapore when I was a youngster. Singapore, a country sitting a mere 21 miles from the equator is, well, it's real hot. Houses and kitchens were often geared towards the outdoors. My grandmother had her kitchen setup outside, in the back of the house, covered by a canopy. I was in hog heaven, surrounded by the droves of "street hawkers" with big woks on their carts. These guys would push their carts up and down the residential streets, shouting out whatever it was they were selling, and these guys were not selling hot dogs! You could get an incredibly delicious, fresh cooked, hot platter of bee hoon noodles, or any variety of delicious Chinese or Malay dishes cooked to perfection, right before your eyes, for a song.

The street vendors here in Puerto Vallarta conjure up many fond culinary memories of dining al fresco in a hot, steamy environment. Spices and chilis help you work up a sweat to aid the cooling process. And of course, Mexican-style shaved ice, or, Raspado, is tops at beating the heat. No artificial food coloring or flavors here - just fresh fruit, agave syrup, and hand shaved ice. We were on our way to seafood dinner on the beach when we encountered this Raspado cart, so we'll have to come back tomorrow for a taste!