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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pura Vida Buenos Aires


Back when I started my gourmet cookie business I thought there were several other things that could go over big here. One of those other ideas that I had was a smoothie bar.

I was not alone in thinking that and pretty soon Marty Hannah set up Argentina´s first genuine article smoothie bar... Pura Vida Juice Bar.

I love this place. I just wish he would hurry and open one up closer to where I work.

If you like the idea of an Avocado Citrus Calad (organic mixed greens, avocado, grapefruit and orange slices, cilantro, mint, sunflower seeds), or a Pollo Latino Wrap (chicken breast, organic greens, salsa latina-marinated bell peppers, tomato, mango, red onion, cilantro, chilies), or a Coconut Corn Soup, or even a Goji Berry Poppy Seed Muffin, then you best plan a visit to this one of a kind shop in Buenos Aires, and now in two locations.

I don´t know of anyone doing anything similar.

In the pictures below I noticed that I included shots of the prices. If they are different when you visit keep in mind that Argentina has very high inflation these days; besides, the muffins were very good.

2 comments:

Matt said...

I'm glad someone has got around to doing this...it was my big plan about 3 years ago to do the same but once I started investigating, setting up a company, meeting suppliers etc I realised what a total nightmare it is to do any kind of business in Argentina so I backed out. I'm glad I did back out but I wish it could have been different. I really, really admire any foreigner who has managed to set up a successful business in Argentina..so congrats both to you and the Pura Vida owner!

Making my first trip back to BA since January...not looking forward to the 'non-existent' inflation...but can't wait for some decent steak...Chile has some great food but I've missed my regular bife de lomo :)

Unknown said...

Hi Matt,

Thanks! I know what you mean. I will share the latest little story that is part of doing business in Argentina.

I wanted to add a printer to the store sales post, that already has a fiscal printer, that prints out official receipts.

The first hurdle was that our system could not handle the two printers co-existing. The second problem was that there was an existing legal issue to back that up.

Our accountant showed up that day and promptly told me to take that printer out of there because it was illegal to have a regular printer and a fiscal printer together.

So now I have an extra laser printer that I can not use for the initial idea that I had. I just wanted the sales clerk to be able to print out bills of lading during her down time.

She has to leave the store, come back to the admin office to print those and go back to the store anytime someone comes and rings the doorbell to the store.

Brilliant!