Creating with Olimpia

Lynnwood, WA...A couple weeks ago Nicole and Heather excitedly called us about an event being sponsored by the Waterwheel Lounge in Ballard, WA.  They had responded to a Facebook announcement by Carol, owner of the Waterwheel Lounge that they were featuring, for one day only, a visiting Chef from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Since they had visited PV on many different occasions they arrived at the Waterwheel with high expectations of meeting with someone familiar, however, the reward was more than expected when they found owner and Executive Chef Olimpia Ureña of Cuale Paraiso presiding over the kitchen.  Nicole placed a quick telephone call and Dolores and I were on our way to Ballard.

Backing up for a moment, approximately 12 years ago my sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Charlie Sacamano, then full time residents of Puerto Vallarta, had discovered a new restaurant in Paso Ancho on the Cuale River just before the traffic had to ford the river (no bridge at that time).  We had arrived by taxi and planned to return to town by bus which turned around at the river.  The restaurant’s name was Quale Paraiso and was owned by Nic and Olimpia.  We had a wonderful evening, so much enjoyment that we missed the last bus, there was no telephone, so Nic had to load all four of us (and himself) into his VW “Bug” and drive us back into town.  Over the ensuing years we´ve become well acquainted with both Nic and Olimpia.

We visited with Olimpia and Carol at the Waterwheel and enjoyed a very special luncheon featuring Pollo with green mole and Olympia’s special Pollo Paraiso.  Since hard times have hit much of the restaurant scene in Puerto Vallarta, including her restaurant, Dolores suggested to Olimpia that she would like to sponsor a special Essence of Cuisine cooking school class featuring the two dishes we just had with all the proceeds going to her and her family.  She agreed we had 8 very happy students at our condo in Lynnwood. 

The Agenda

Dolores and Olimpia

Olimpia has since returned to Puerto Vallarta and the Cuale Paraiso.  Those of you lucky enough to be already in PV can take immediate advantage of dining with her.  We´ll do it as soon as possible when we return in early November.  ¡Buen Provecho.