Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Getting to know your neighbors in a relaxed atmosphere is one of the best parts of living in Puerto Vallarta. In this episode of Vallarta Life, Laura talks with Amarant Torre Alcala, who owns El Sofá Café, a charming coffee house on PV's south side.

"El Sofá Café is an extension of my living room," says Amarant Torre Alcala, the owner, "it's a place where everyone I care about comes to sit down, take their time, have a coffee, enjoy conversation and meet other interesting people. It is just a nice place to get together. It is a community place which is bilingual and bicultural."

Amaranta started the café because her mother loves coffee. The brew served is organic, from Chiapas and it is Cuban roast. It is nice and strong but not bitter. She serves coffee in all its styles, many flavors of tea and Italian sodas. The beverage menu is quite extensive.

She is much more than a barista. Amaranta prepares all types of dishes that go well with her drinks.

"We do lunch items, like paninis, sandwiches and salads," says Amaranta, "there are also breakfast items like bagel sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and French toast." The menu keeps getting bigger and better.

El Sofá is the perfect small place where you can drink some coffee, leave your stress behind and forget about your problems for a little while.

Whether you live here or are just visiting, please remember to support small local businesses. It is one of the many things that makes Vallarta Life so flavorful.

Note: El Sofá Café is located at V. Carranza #306, between Constitucion and Insurgentes on the South side of Puerto Vallarta. For more information, visit their Facebook page.