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Hot Picks: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Photo by Michael Reiss
Something spectacular is happening south of the border.
It's a gastronomic explosion of international dimensions that is attracting
worldwide attention to the charming town of Puerto Vallarta.
Long known for its beaches, this town is now the most culinarily respected
location in Mexico outside of Mexico City. So besides world class beaches
and typical Mexican fare, there are restaurants of note representing
every ethnic and culinary tradition---each raising the bar to outdo
the other in ambiance, cuisine and welcoming vibes.
Although the gastronomic scene is available year round, perhaps the
best time to visit might be in the month of November, when the Festival
Gourmet International celebrates food's primal power to bring people
together. Join xenophiles and gourmands from far and wide to enjoy an
unsurpassed experience of local gastronomy and flavor during the annual
celebration. Many of the world's master chefs come to share their expertise
with local talented chefs at the most acclaimed restaurants in the area.
Every night they jointly prepare creative delights with customized menus
and specialties which are savored at the evening"Chefs and Winemakers
Dinners," where creative courses and select wines are featured
and presented by the winemakers.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Festival highlights include the EXPO-FORUM, which features cooking classes,
specialized food seminars, a gourmet food fair introducing the newest
and most creative Epicurean products available, Tequila Madness and
much more. This is an event to calendar.
Puerto Vallarta has outstanding retaurants. Here are some "Hot Picks" -"Where to Eat" in Puerto Vallarta!
Hot Picks: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Diane Sukiennik, Associate Editor,
Food and Wine Access
Michael
Reiss, Editor, Food and Wine Access
Where to Eat
TRIO
Photo by Michael Reiss
Located in a colonial townhouse with an opened courtyard
and roof top terrace in the heart of old Vallarta, Trio is a
visual and culinary delight. From the masterful skills of two European
chefs, Bernhard from Germany and Ulf from Sweden comes
Mediteranean-inspired recipes executed with confidence and flair.
Each dish is expertly presented by well trained waitstaff who anticipate
your every need. The wine service is is directed by a knowledgeable
sommelier who will pair wines with each dish or suggest the right bottle
to complement the entire meal. Pastries, including apple strudel, are
done to a crisp perfection, no small feat in Puerto Vallarta's sultry
climate. In the words of Chef Ulf, this is cuisine prepared with
love, and you can taste it!
Trio's colonial townhouse with an opened courtyard makes dining a memorable experience.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Lebanese salad: baked beet slices & parsley with marinated goat
cheese
Warm artichokes and mushrooms with garlic confit, thyme oil and Parmesan
Favorite Entrees:
Pan roasted sea bass with glazed grapes, mashed potatoes,
peppered sauerkraut and white pepper sauce.
Paella a la Pepe y Pepo: vegetable rice, curry shrimp, grilled fish
and chicken with a three-chile sauce
Favorite Dessert:
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Ice Cream
Trio's food is both delicious and appealing to the eye.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Trio Restaurant Bar Cafe
Guerrero #264, Centro
Tel 52 (322) 222 21 96
CAFE des ARTISTES
Chef Thierry Blouet chats with diners at Cafe des Artistes.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The exterior of Cafe des Artistes is an intriguing
white castle nestled in the hills that houses galleries and chic boutiques
in Old Vallarta. The interior is sophisticated, modern and architecturally
stunning with art at every turn. The garden is lush, romantic, private
and thoroughly enchanting. This is the setting for one of Puerto Vallarta's
most acclaimed restaurants.
Offering a trilogy of restaurants under one roof, Cafe des Artistes
Bistro Gourmet with its a la carte menu, "Thierry Blouet Cocina
de Autor Dining Room" offering a creative, prix-fixe
menu and the glamorous Constantini Wine Bar with over 120 selections
by the glass.
Whichever venue you choose, interior or exterior, your dining experience
will be sumptuous, satisfying and will entice all of your senses.
Cafe des Artistes's multilevel enchanted outside garden patio makes dining a magical experience.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Tuna fish sashimi salad wrapped on sesame seed with lentil vinaigrette;
wasabi foam
Green asparagus, pumpkin seeds and fennel light cream over salmon carpaccio
Favorite Entrees:
Baked ossobuco and lamb chop duo with fine herbs, served
with mascarpone polenta and garlic trio
Roasted and glazed duck on ginger and lemon sauce, grilled cactus and
broad bean and stuffed Ana Potato
Favorite Desserts:
Chocolate cake “Napoleon” with praline, caramelized hazelnuts
and lemon cream; citrus reduction
.
At Cafe des Artistes every dish has creative flair.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Cafe des Artistes
Guadalupe Sanchez 740, Centro
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Reservations
(322) 22 232 28 / 29
COCO TROPICAL
Photo by Michael Reiss
This is Coco Tropical: beach umbrellas on a terrace facing one of Puerto Vallarta's favorite beaches,which creates the setting for the gourmet European cuisine. This cuisine is created by Swiss Owner Heinz E. Reize, one of the founders of "Vallarta's Festival Gourmet," held each November.
The casual ambiance is a counterpoint to the masterful, refined cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients by a world class hotelier/chef. Relax and enjoy a gourmet experience in the best European tradition under the magic of Puerto Vallarta's tropical skies! Now, that's a winning combination!
Coco Tropical, nestled among the swaying palm trees facing the ocean in its tropical Puerto Vallarta setting, is the place for a romantic gourmet dining experience.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Pacific Shrimp Cocktail "Coco Tropical" - Over melon and avocado
pearls and delicately covered with brandy cocktail sauce
Strudel Florentine - Sautéed fresh mushrooms, spinach and Mozzarella
cheese baked in puff pastry
Favorite Entrees:
Osso Buco Romano with Italian Risotto - Braised Veal Shank in red wine
sauce, Risotto and Parmesan cheese
Captain's Table Favorite - Filet of Charcoal-Broiled Fresh
Fish, served with aioli sauce
Favorite Desserts:
Grand Mom's Swiss Apple Tart Recipe - Freshly baked, served hot and
sugar glazed, with vanilla ice-cream
.
A varied and interesting menu is concluded by an outstanding desert, "Grand Mom's Swiss Apple Tart Recipe - Freshly baked, served hot and sugar glazed, with vanilla ice-cream."
Photo by Michael Reiss
COCO TROPICAL
Basilio Badillo 101
Los Muertos Beach
South Side, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-5485
EL DORADO
Photo by Michael Reiss
El Dorado is located on one of the most popular
beaches in Puerto Vallarta. This long standing spot offers oceanfront
dining, welcoming ambiance, live music and traditional Mexican cuisine
cooked with flair and an eye toward dramatic presentation.
Here is a place to enjoy all of your favorites and be delighted by Executive
Chef Guillermo Wulff's interpretation of the classics. Salud!
This is sampling of El Dorado's delicious appetizers including exotic tropical drinks such as Pina Colada.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Tapas:
Avocado stuffed with Shrimp
Fried Calamaries, bell pepper and tartar sauce
Favorite Large Plates:
Fish filet "El Dorado" style
Shrimps a la diabalo
Favorite Dessert:
Cheesecake
El Dorado's setting faces the beach and makes dining a pleasure.
Photo by Michael Reiss
El Dorado
Pulpito 102, South Side
(322) 222 4124
BIANCO
Photo by Michael Reiss
Perched on the banks of the Cuale River, this alluring restaurant /lounge, Bianco, entices you to experience their unique blend of progressive European-Mexican cuisine. Owners Carlos Obando and Louis Dorfman welcome guests to their architecturally intriguing space boldly decorated to awaken the senses.
The professional staff are at your service suggesting their favorite dishes and proposing compatible wine pairings. Alfresco terrace dining surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of the rushing river provides a sharp contrast to the cool, chic, intimate interior decor. Once sated, make your way down to the lounge where live music and signature martinis will seduce you to the dance floor for an evening to remember.
Bianco's cool, chic, intimate interior decor encourages guests to linger.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Sauteed Foie Gras Mille Feuille with caramelized apples
and hazelnuts on arugula salad
Stuffed Fresh Herb Crepes with escargots and green tomatillo with garlic
and cilantro broth
Favorite Entrees:
Sea Bass Filet with mushroom and tequilla sauce, arborio rice with
huitlacoche and corn
Favorite Dessert:
Special of the Day
.
Bianco's Lounge is one of Puerto Vallarta's hotest night spots.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Bianco
Insurgentes 109, El Centro
(322) 222 2177
LA PETITe
Chef/Owner Nacho Cadena of La Petite Restaurant discusses his lifelong passion for food and wine with admiring guests.
Photo by Michael Reiss
The personal expression of style, tradition, generosity
and love from Chef/Owner Nacho Cadena of LaPetite
Restaurant is evident in every aspect of his long standing tribute
to the French classics.
His renditions are true to form yet fresh and satisfying at every bite.
His eclectic wine selection offers superb pairings and Chef Nacho
is always willing to accommodate a special menu request or delight his
guests with "something new" to keep them coming back for more.
At La Petite Restaurant one can find delights such as "Cucharitas de Mariscos, spoonfuls of seafood in a sauce of white wine, cream and fine herbs."
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Cucharitas de Mariscos, spoonfuls of seafood in a sauce of white wine,
cream and fine herbs
Escargots a la Brillat-Savarin, served in mushroom caps with garlic
and parsley butter
Favorite Entrees:
Filete de Pescado Principe Murat, sauteed in butter with artichokes
and potatoes
Canard a L'Orange, the classic duck dish of France
Favorite Desserts:
Soufflé a L'Orange
.
Every plate is delectable at La Petite Restaurant, under the direction of Chef/Owner Nacho Cadena.
Photo by Michael Reiss
La Petite
Blvd. FCO,Medina Ascencio KM.2.5
Next to Fiesta Americana
(322) 293 0900
BOCA BENTO
Photo by Michael Reiss
As you stroll past the wrought iron gate that functions as the only wall between the restaurant and the street and glance into the tranquil interior complete with seated Buddha, you know you have arrived at a unique dining venue. The place is Boca Bento. The interior design, art and music of the pagoda-roofed space all reinforce the Latina-Asiatica cuisine that awaits within.
When you look through the menu and want every item, you only hope its as good as it sounds, and it is. The range of flavors, textures, spices and ethnic influences offered is ambitious and well executed. The flavors are full bodied and uniquely combined to juxtapose the Asian and Latin influences. The spices are used with confidence and competence to remind you of what your taste buds are all about. Boca Bento offers you an original dining concept that stimulates the senses and satisfies the palate.
Boca Bento's serene, yet lively atmosphere brings diners back again and again.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Yellowfin Sashimi and Tuna tartar with Arugula, Wasabi foam and Three-Chile
Vinaigrette
Smokey Peanut Mole with Sweey Soy Glazed Chicken Wings
Favorite Entrees:
Mu Shu Duck Carnitas served with Mandarin Pancakes, Tomato-Ginger Salsa
and Hoisin
Adobo Prawns with Chinese Five Spice Glazed Pineapple, Sticky Rice and
Chimichurri Sauce
Favorite Desserts:
Chocolate Temptation with Thyme Sauce, Sake Syrup and a Sesame Gelato
.
The"Mu Shu Duck Carnitas served with Mandarin Pancakes, Tomato-Ginger Salsa and Hoisin," is an example of Boca Bento's diverse and exotic menu.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Boca Bento
Basilio Badillo 180 South Side
(322) 222 9108
LA PALAPA
Photo by Michael Reiss
The seductive sounds of tropical jazz invite you to listen,
linger and enjoy the savory cuisine at one of Vallarta's most popular
restaurants and beach clubs, La Palapa.
Dine on the sand with the waves gently splashing or under the open air
thatched roof hut, all aglow with candles and amber light. Chef Everardo
Robles prepares continental favorites using local ingredients and
international spices. The scene, sounds, and tastes make for a romantic
evening.
The dining room at La Palapa is open-air and faces the beautiful beach front.
Photo by Michael Reiss
Favorite Appetizers:
Portobello and Shrimp salad with fresh mango, baby mix, arugula, mint
and tamarind vinaigrette
Thai Chicken Coconut Soup with mushrooms, bamboo, ginger and lemongrass
Favorite Entrees:
Seared Sea Scallops in Orange Miso Sauce
Local lobster Tail roasted in Ponzu pepper oil and served with a cauliflower
puree and Asian pear salad
Favorite Desserts:
Profiteroles, puff pastry filled with vanilla ice cream
and warm chocolate sauce
.
Scallops at La Palapa is done to perfection.
Photo by Michael Reiss
La Palapa
Pulpito 103, South Side
(322) 222 5225