Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Every Saturday, international travellers come to Puerto Vallarta's favorite weekend attraction to scoop up local "make it, bake it, grow it" goodies. From farm-to-table produce and artisan decor to hand-rolled cigars and unique fashion accessories, the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural (OTFM-TC) features the best of Vallarta.

We have over 90 stalls, live music and international fare, including the Leek and Thistle Pie Company's famous meat and fruit pies. Traditional pie and mash has long been popular throughout the British Isles with specialty shops scattered about since the 1800s. Today, the Leek and Thistle Pie Company owner, Mark Hughes, brings the tradition of these baked goods to your plate!

Meet Mark Hughes

A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, Hughes was born to a Welsh father and a Scottish mother. His father was a hotel manager, and Mark grew up working in the restaurant and hotel industries. He studied catering and later became a general manager for a catering company. Together with his team, they served stadium-sized events such as the Silverstone Grand Prix, Fulham football in London and horse races at Ascot, Sandown, Epsom and Goodwood.

Old-World Baking Traditions Come to Vallarta

In 2005, Hughes came to Puerto Vallarta for a holiday. He fell in love with the destination and put his baking experience to work selling brownies and banana bread. It was a good gig, until one fateful night with a fellow Scotsman, a South African and a Brit changed his baking destiny. Hughes was going to treat Vallarta to the old-world tradition of meat and fruit pies.

That was seven years ago. Today, the Leek and Thistle has become a staple of Vallarta life. Its name pays tribute to his father with the national emblem of Wales (the leek), and to his mother with the national emblem of Scotland (the thistle).

So how do the pies taste? Divine.

Locals and tourists rave about the pastry-filled deliciousness of Hughes' meat pies. In fact, each one hints at the ingredients baked inside. For example, the Scotch is made with beef and onions. Mr. Porky features pork in apple cider. Paddy bursts with beef in Guinness, and Royalty is a hit with steak and kidney. Of course, there are more meat pies to be enjoyed, depending on what Hughes is baking that day.

The Leek and Thistle Pie Company's fruit pies are the perfect choice for an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat. Each is made with a buttery pastry and features a variation of apple, peach and seasonal fruit crumbles.

Come on out to the market and try a Leek and Thistle pie for yourself. Then be sure to visit the Leek and Thistle shop at 156 Hamburgo, Colonia Versalles. It's open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. +52 (322) 224-6670.

Special Musical Guests

Luna Rumba's OTFM-TC performance will be on Saturday, Jan. 9th beginning at 11:30 am on the main stage at the west end of Lazaro Cárdenas Park - next to the international food court. Shaded seating will be provided. Be sure to check out the promotion table for your copy of the original CD and CD release party tickets.

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Collective. We meet in the kiosk every Saturday morning through April 30th. Participation is by donation.

Meet the Market

The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico's outdoor Tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometers of the city.

You're Invited!

The OTFM-TC will be open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7, 2015, to April 30, 2016. You'll find us in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, located in Vallarta's Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. For only 12 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

Get Involved

Interested in becoming a new OTFM-TC vendor or volunteer? Stop by the information booth to pick up an application.

For market updates in English - and now in Spanish - please visit OldTownFM.com, and "like" us on Facebook.

Click HERE to learn more about the Puerto Vallarta Old Town Farmers' Market.