We are very excited to speak with Miriam Flores, chef of the French Bistro Cafe De Flores and her very popular Mexican cooking classes. Miriam, you were born in the US but basically grew up in Mexico. Tell us how Mexican culture influenced your cooking style or methods used today We have one of the most unique ecosystems that allows many type of vegetation to grow naturally. The Jalisco area contains all five of Mexico’s natural ecosystems. We have strong cultural roots and still use cooking techniques that derive from indigenous people such open fire cooking and cooking in ceramic pottery.
Even in my generation, I remember the men in my family saddling up the horses in the morning and leaving to hunt and gather in the hills looking for wild game like venison, turkey and wild bore or ‘Jabalí’. The women would stay home taking care of the children and preparing the main meal of the day. I naturally incorporate cooking methods to my cooking today that I have learned growing up.
Because I’ve spent the last 5 summers in France I can say that our tropical fruit and fresh caught fish are the two things that stand out for me. Because we live on the beach and you need dark soil to grow food, we have to go out of our way here to get good produce. I order from Palomera who does the Olas Altas farmers market here every Saturday.
Your cooking classes receive rave reviews from those who attend. What makes your classes different from others? I am so lucky that people love my class. The main reason I am different is because I am a certified culinary graduate with honors from Le Cordon Bleu so I teach you Mexican ingredients and techniques with a gourmet touch. I really want you to be able to replicate these recipes at home and be able to host a delicious dinner party. In 3 hours you will learn a lot.
Why did you choose to offer French cuisine at Cafe De Flores? What do you want someone considering dining there to know about it? I have been cooking just Mexican food for 15 years here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta and so I wanted to offer some of my favorite dishes from living in Paris with my French husband to the Vallarta food scene. It’s recipes I like to see when I go out for dinner and can’t find. Fresh caught fish, organic chicken, slow braised short rib, and hand made pasta. I use real butter and olive oil so that the food is of the highest quality.
You completed the Le Cordon Bleu chef’s program. How has that affected your cooking classes and your restaurant? I use all of that knowledge I have learned from the many professionals in the 3 year program and use it in every aspect of my business. It helped me to be able to set a standard and gave me the confidence that I know from the best and can pass that on.
Tell someone who wants to visit Puerto Vallarta to experience the culinary offerings available here. Give us a real honest assessment of the price, variety, and authentic aspects of the culinary scene found in PV compared to other international cities. There is a list of restaurants I love in Vallarta but I’m always afraid to say because I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But the prices here are half of many American cities in general. You could have tacos from 1 dollar to a dinner at nice restaurants and pay the same as you would in the USA. If you are a foodie, you have to visit Puerto Vallarta!
To book Miriam’s popular cooking classes or reserve at her French Bistro Cafe De Flores, check her website Miriam’s Culinary Experience.
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
