SHOPPING FOR FOOD
ABASTO EL PORTU
Conveniently located just east of the pharmacy, this little shop offers a
wide range of foodstuffs, including fruits, vegetables, dry stuffs, bread,
canned goods, deli meats, and dairy products. The proprietor is a good natured
man originally from the Middle East, but his wife is Brazilian, hence "El
Portu". Like other markets, you are going to have to stand at the counter
and ask for what you want in Spanish. If you can see the item, you can point,
but not everything available is readily visible.
THE BAKERY (PANADERIA)
The bakery is located across from Tascas Hípicos on the main road into and
out of town. Here, you can buy fresh bread, rolls, cookies, cakes, sheet pizza
and donuts. Get there before 9:00 a.m. because bakery goods go fast. You can
also buy bottled drinks and juices, candy, milk, fruit, vegetables, and a
few other convenience items. You can get a quick snack of a roll with cheese
or ham and a drink. Bring your dictionary because no English is spoken, unless
the baker's son, Pepó (Carlos), happens to be around.
THE SUPERMARKET (SUPERMERCADO BELLA
ADÍCORA)
The town's largest food market is unfortunately located about a half mile
out of town on the road to Pueblo Nuevo (on the South side of the road). Though
it is known as the supermarket, a Super Stop and Shop it is not. Service is
at the counter and by request only; there's no wandering through the aisles,
so you'd better brush up on your Spanish for the basics like milk (leche),
eggs (huevos), chicken (pollo), cereal (los corn flakes), etc. This place
also doubles as a stationery and a hardware store, and also stocks an impressive
collection of bicycle parts.
THE ICE FACTORY AND LIQUOR STORE
(FABRICA DE HIELO CARIBE)
The ice factory and liquor store (licoreria) is located directly across from
the supermarket. Here, you can buy large bottles of filtered water, ice, and
liquors of all types. Most importantly, it is the only place in town to purchase
phone cards for use at the CANTV phone center across from the Church. There
is another liquor and ice store in town, located one block west of Kitzberger
on Calle Comercio, but it's usually only open on weekends and holiday periods.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE TRUCKS
During the morning hours, you can at times find a farm truck in the region
of the Areperia and bus stand. Also, especially during holiday periods, farm
trucks will drive around town announcing their goods over a bullhorn. You
can purchase fruits and vegetables of all kinds, including pineapple, mango,
bananas, cactus pear, lettuce, potatoes, and stuff you've never seen before.
Point at what you want and the proprietor will throw it on the scale. Learn
your numbers! (Uno, dos, trés, cuatro, etc.)
PESCADERIA LACLE, PESCA 'LEO'
Many of the fishermen in town sell their catches to the fish sellers, Pescaderia
Lacle, which is located behind the Fishermen's Pavilions on the South Shore,
and Pesca 'Leo', who can be found in the north east corner of town, a block
east of the lighthouse. Most commonly available is red snapper (pargo). Best
to go in the morning. (There are also fish sellers just outside of town on
the road to Pueblo Nuevo.)