Artisan Market Pops Up Next to the Very Tasty Patz’s Deli

Yesterday, two of my favorite things in the world aligned just south of San Pedro: a great sandwich and talented folks selling crafts. A handful of talented artists, May 25, 10 am to 2 pm at “The Commons”.

It was perfect timing since the much larger monthly market at The Truck Stop had taken a month off. (See the Jan Truck Stop Market here) It will return on Saturday, June 15th, and Saturday, July 6th, during Ambergris Caye’s Lobster Festival.

It was a pretty day – another hot one! I snapped this picture the prettiest property at about 6.5 north, Ambergris Caye on my way to town.

And continued south of town to check out the art (food, jewelry, paintings, bags) and to visit Patz’s for the first time. All the while, daydreaming about pastrami and Italian subs.

The Commons is a small group of businesses in and next to this building. Frenchy’s Restaurant is just next door.

A colorful shady area…with lots of fun art.

Buddha Tattoo and Piercing is set up permanently in the back corner – such a cute spot, too.

Let’s check out the vendors. Heather from Caye 2 The Heart bags has such great little pouches and custom bags. I LOVE the whale shark pouch I bought a few months ago. Heather’s lived on the island for 12 years.

Then I circled around to Sophie, born and raised in San Pedro, of IslandArt Belize. I love her bird painting and the octopus paintings…the colors are so beautiful.

A closer pic of 2 that were already sold!

And then Veronique, a resident of San Pedro for 29 years (originally from France) – who makes beautiful jewelry and often sells it at resorts on the island.

The lovely mom and daughter team from Ambergris Sausage Factory. If you want good meats, lunch meats, bacon, sausages….they are the ones to talk to. (We are at their shop – just across the way from the Alaia Resort – about once a week)

Mom came to the island 19 years ago from Belize City – when her daughter was only 5 months old.

And then Cindy who I met when I first visited San Pedro in August of 2006. She had JUST moved to the island a few months before (in January 2006 from the UK)

She runs a business called The Lunchbox that you will want to follow. She makes dips, hummus, cakes, soups and pre-made food like Chili and Shephard’s Pie and Lasagne and…everything you want to eat but are too lazy (or HOT) to cook.

It’s hot looking at all this pretty stuff. I headed into the shaded area of Patz’s Deli. People have been recommending Patz’s to me for a while and I’m glad I finally made it down. Like I mentioned above…I love a good sandwich.

Belize is a large hot lunch country – usually a huge plate of rice and beans with stewed chicken or a hearty soup with lots of coconut rice. And I’ve grown used to that. Unlike in the US, lunch is generally the biggest meal of the day. BUT…especially on a hot day, sometimes I just love a sandwich.

If you don’t know about delicious Belizean food, stop right now and read My Guide to the Cuisine of Belize. (Spoiler: It’s SOOO good)

The menu is extensive! I was really torn between an Italian, a Cuban and a Reuben.

I chatted with Mike, the owner. He is from Oklahoma and was laid off from 18-year his job at AT&T during the beginning of the Pandemic. AND…he took a risk and moved to Belize. (You can read more about it in this article from International Living: From Jobless to Tropical Island Dream)

He’s a lovely guy and recommended the Reuben (I was taking it to go…) and it was….delicious. Eaten before I took a single photo. And exactly what I wanted when I got home to my AC.

They are open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a lovely little spot. I’ll be back for the Italian sub. For sure.

That’s all from me. I hope you are all having a fantastic weekend.