We had been told by some friends to get some vanilla, and we purchased a small bottle from Los Cinco Soles in Progreso. Is is the best tasting vanilla! And, if my memory serves me well, it is not an extract as other brands in USA are... it is pure vanila. We are planning on purchasing another bottle in May when we are in Cozumel.
I totally agree with Rodney. I bought a bottle in Costa Maya and absolutely love the taste. It's lighter than our vanilla extract, and a much deeper flavor. I plan on getting more than one bottle in December.
When we were leaving the Cancun airport a year+ ago, DW bought some "Villa Vanilla" (vanilla concentrate) from the duty free store that you have to go thru to get to the plane. She said the price was vary low (I'll take her word for that) and that Mex vanilla was supposed to be much better (different?) than what we get in the USA supermarket. What we got home she made the very best flan that I have ever had and we attributed that to the vanilla. She gave away much of what we bought as we still do not use that much of the stuff.
I don't know how many bottles I have bought as gifts and my wife uses. In fact, she came today and said it it time to book another cruise, because we are down to the last bottle...and I almost gave it away.
They have a special bottler for Los Cincols Soles and we love their stuff. You will find Xel-Hal at Viva Mexico. Don't forget to buy your "Mexican Survival Kit" at Viva Mex...which is a nice ready made kit of souvenirs.
I love Los Cincos Soles and have found that for nicer gifts, they often have the best price in town. I bout some of the little Manger Scenes two year ago, and after shopping at a dozen stores, found them for five dollars cheaper at LCS. Yeah they are one of the "Cruise Ship Recommended Stores" but I will also give my personal rec, great
Jabee, I bought the Xel-Ha Vanilla in Costa Maya, which I plan on buy some more. I think I'll try vanilla concentrate, too. You haven't told your wife about your cruise? What a great surprise!
I love this store for good Mexican merchandise and great prices.
On the front page is a link to order Vanilla...and theirs is considered
some of the best.
I know I've been in that store, just can't remember what I bought. Maybe some Tequilla? I wish Uncle Sam was sending us money, this year, we're sending him some
No, I haven't tried Roatan's vanilla. I'll have to try some the next time I'm there. Grenada is a great place to purchase spices, too. Barbados is the only place I've been able to find Bajan Pepper sauce, however, I did find a recipe on the internet that is really close. I've made it a few times.
Even if we are flying home my wife never misses buying a quart of Vanilla in Mexico. Apparently it is a very good price, like a fifth of what you pay in the states and somehow she claims it's better also. Personally I wouldn't know, since we've been cruising almost 10 years and she buys it every time I'm sure I have only tasted Mexican Vanilla for a decade.
So Buy Buy Buy and wrap it real good in your suitcase.
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