Vallarta Supermarkets offers meatless menu for Lent

Vallarta Supermarkets, the Sylmar, Calif.-based operator of 52 grocery stores with a Latin emphasis, will feature additional menu offerings in various departments in time for Lent (February 17 to April 3), adding a variety of options for those forgoing meat during the observance. Customers following a Lenten diet or those looking to reduce their meat consumption can enjoy a wide selection of seafood and meatless alternatives at mealtime.

“During Lent, many customers stop eating meat, but this doesn’t have to mean fewer options,” said Andrew Lewis, vice president of marketing, Vallarta Supermarkets. “Our Lent menu includes traditional favorites and new recipes across our departments that are full of flavor, adhere to Lent practices and can be delivered to our customers’ homes.”

Through its partnerships with Postmates and Instacart, customers can shop from the convenience of their home and have their groceries and fresh authentic foods delivered to their homes, just in time for Lent.

The following Lent menu items will be available across all 52 stores and various in-store departments, including La Cocina, Pescadería, Cevichería, Cremería and Grab & Go.

Starting Feb. 17, Beyond Meat will again be offered as a protein substitute option at La Cocina restaurant at all Vallarta Supermarkets. Menu items such as a carnitas torta or carne asada tacos can be substituted with Beyond Beef. Beyond Meat is available year-round at all Vallarta locations for those limiting their meat consumption. It is available in the grocery freezer aisle for those who prefer to cook at home.

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Familiar favorites for Lent from Vallarta's La Cocina restaurant include Chile Rellenos (pictured above), Fish and Shrimp Tacos, Tortas de Camarón, fried Mojarra and Fish and Shrimp Quesadillas.

New to La Cocina’s a la carte menu are Fish and Shrimp Fajitas, available battered or grilled and served as tacos, burritos, quesadillas or tortas. Familiar favorites include Fish and Shrimp Tacos (battered or grilled), Chile Rellenos, Tortas de Camarón (shrimp patties), fried Mojarra, and Fish and Shrimp Quesadillas. Another Lent favorite, Milk Capirotada (bread pudding), will also be available to order on weekends from La Cocina. The Lent menu will be available from Feb. 17 through April 3; after Lent, items will have limited availability from Friday to Sunday.

The Pescadería seafood department regularly offers fresh varieties of ceviche, from fish, shrimp, imitation crab, and seafood mixtures, available at all store locations. Items include Fajita-Style Shrimp; Shrimp al Chipotle; Creamy Garlic Shrimp; Shrimp al Ajillo; Shrimp Veracruzano; Shrimp a la Diabla; and Lemon Pepper Shrimp.

New items will also be found at the Cevichería, where the ceviche is made fresh daily in-store, with several times throughout the day. Lent menu items at the Cevichería include Shrimp, Avocado, and Mango Ceviche; Ceviche Negro; Shrimp and Scallops Ceviche; Spicy Shrimp Ceviche; Shrimp Aguachile; and Fish Ceviche.

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The Cremería (deli) at Vallarta offers a variety of cheeses, salsas and ready-to-go food items. For Lent, traditional favorites include Nopal Salad; Crab & Shrimp Louie Salad; Tuna Salad; Imitation Crab Salad; Macaroni Salad; Potato Salad; and Premium Crab Salad.

Prepared Grab & Go items include Stuffed Avocado Ceviche, with customer’s choice of shrimp, fish or crab, and ceviche conveniently ready-to-go and enjoy in a cup. Options include Shrimp a la Diabla, Shrimp Avocado & Mango, Shrimp & Scallop, Aguachile and more.