Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Like many people I am a creature of habit, and since June 5 when the Puerto Vallarta Old Town Farmers' Market closed for the summer "low" season, my Saturday mornings have been missing something.

Then I stumbled upon a mini farmers' market on my morning stroll down Olas Altas in Zona Romantica. This gem is a tad hidden beneath the terrace canopies of the Tratorria Michel Restaurant on the corner of Rodolfo Gómez at Olas Altas and it surprised me with some of the finest selections from the winter tourist Farmers' Market.

Michel Pascal Ferrari owns Tratorria Michel and he is also, coincidently, one of the founding members of the Puerto Vallarta Old Town Farmers' Market. As he says, "The Market may be closed but the people are still here. Pies are still being made, bread still baked, exotic tropical fruit is still ripening, and the residents of Vallarta still have a hunger for quality."

In the space outside of his restaurant where normally there would be found dining tables, there are now, on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 1 pm, displays of Leek and Thistle's British pies and pasties, Artisan Bakery's gourmet breads, Bickle's homemade pickles and relishes, Michel's handmade pasta and sauces, plus assorted other gourmet treats and delights.

Michel has opened his restaurant terrace on Saturday mornings for anyone with a quality food product to display and sell. No, you won't find crafts or art work at this mini-market. Vendors are limited to selling traditional mercado food-based items, from fresh vegetables and fruits to gourmet prepared foods. There is no fee or commission for selling at this mercado. Quality and availability are the intent.

It is true that most of the items at this mercado can be purchased from the individual vendors in their shops or in other larger stores, but nothing quite beats purchasing food directly from the producer, both from the standpoints of freshness and from personal service.

For information about reserving a spot at this mini-mercado, please call Michel at (322) 223-2060 or email michelpascalferrari(at)yahoo.com.