|
Puerto Vallartathe Culinary Capital of Mexicoby Madelyn Miller
The FESTIVAL GOURMET PUERTO VALLARTA is just one indication of this trend to establish itself as Mexico's top gourmet destination. It is perhaps the easiest way to taste food from all the top chefs and restaurants. But Puerto Vallarta dazzles with dining opportunities all year long.
On the final evening, the Stars and Moonlight Gala Banquet is hosted the HOTEL HACIENDA CORA, a small luxury Mexican boutique hotel that I love staying at. It is a spectacular setting for the grand finale which is celebrated with several performing music groups from Mexico. MY FAVORITE PUERTO VALLARTA RESTAURANTS CAFE DES ARTISTES
Guadalupe Sanchez 740, Centro, 3-222-3228/29/30 TRIO Guerrero 264, 3-222-2196 LA PALAPA Pulpito 103, Playa Los Muertos, 3-222-5225 EL CANDIL in HACIENDA CORA
The chocolate desserts are so popular that I did not get to try one, but will eagerly go back to El Candil whenever I am in Vallarta. Pelicanos No.311, Manna Vallarta, 221-0800 MIKADO Located in the Marriott Casa Magna Puerto Vallarta. LE BISTRO WHERE TO STAYHACIENDA CORA
Pelicanos #311, Marina Vallarta MARRIOTT CASA MAGNA
MAJAHUITAS RESORT FOR MORE INFORMATION:Pick up a copy of Vallarta Lifestyles or visit these links... GUIDEBOOKSLONELY PLANET MEXICO PUERTO VALLARTA PUERTO VALLARTA BERLITZ PUERTO VALLARTA & ACAPULCO POCKET GUIDE MICHELIN TOURIST GUIDE to MEXICO, GUATEMALA and BELIZE EAT SMART IN MEXICO: A Travel Guide for Food Lovers LIVE BETTER SOUTH OF THE BORDER ON MEXICAN TIME Photos by Dave Shultz |
|
TM
As if beautiful beaches, balmy weather and an exciting art community were not enough to draw international visitors, Puerto Vallarta is quietly carving out a niche for itself as the culinary capital of Mexico.
The festival which began in 1995, has gained recognition under the guidance of Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes and Heinz Reize of Coco Tropical. Twenty chosen restaurants are entrusted with the special task of introducing a guest chef from the same number of different locations from around the world. Together they combine their intimate signature style, featuring local ingredients with the classic techniques of centuries of global cuisine. There are wine tasting events, cooking classes and special menus during this gourmet week.
City officials welcome the chefs and guests participants at an opening evening cocktail party in the courtyard of the City Hall of Puerto Vallarta This is a sort of Mexican Fiesta and was perhaps the only disappointment for me. It was underwhelming food that included popcorn balls, colorful cookies and crackers. But everything after that was wonderful.
If you ask people where to eat in Puerto Vallarta, this is the most frequently recommended restaurant. Owner-Chef Thierry Blouet brings to life French cuisine with the ingredients and spices of Mexico. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced by lush gardens with a crystal-clear stream running through it, original artwork, and live flute and piano music. Be sure to try to the traditional cream of prawn and pumpkin soup served from a pumpkin.
This was the first restaurant to be opened on Puerto Vallarta's Los Muertos beach. The name means thatched roof and the restaurant has a tropical atmosphere accented with bright colors and Mexican motifs. The cuisine blends tropical delicacies with Mexican flavors. Try the tempura shrimp and vegetables with tamarind sauce and the marinated grilled red snapper. Not only is the food great, but you can shop from your table. Street vendors (or should I call them beach vendors) come right up to the ledge of the restaurant. I got my best deal of the whole trip—a thick silver cuff bracelet for $30.
The restaurant takes its name from the unique tropical style chandelier that decorates it. With its Mexican and International haute cuisine, offers exquisite dishes which fill the air with an inviting aroma. Start your evening or afternoon at La Terraza, the al fresco bar, and enjoy refreshing drinks and cocktails while you overlook a free-form pool. Be sure to try the stuffed roll of salmon in lime sauce. Another specialty is Prawns with chile arbol—a very nice Mexican way of serving prawns, since the chiles are subtly smoky and sweet with very mild heat.
Chef Roberto Gomez Almaraz is a two-time winner of Mexico's Toque de Oro (Gold Toque award), having won both the regional and national titles in 1999. The restaurant grows many of their own herbs and vegetables to augment the local fresh ingredients that are bought.
It
is really fun to see a Mexican chef dressed with a Japanese flair,
twirling his sword at a hibachi table. This Japanese restaurant is totally
delightful from the tasteful interior and the fresh fish and regional
food. Wonderful drinks and a fun atmosphere will make you want to go back
again and again. You can try world class sushi and sashimi, plus great
tempura and satay.
This
stunningly beautiful restaurant is a favorite with locals and visitors
alike, who relax in an elegant ambiance and enjoy Vallarta's most
comprehensive jazz collection. This is a great place for a drink after a
hectic bargaining session in the market. Amidst flowering trees and the
gentle waters of the rive Cuale, talented owners Roberto Cuevas and
Humberto Esparza have matched their sophisticated artistic and culinary
visions with high style. Try the spinach and lime soup and the smoked
salmon and pear salad.
This serenely sensual resort property is located of the edge of the marina and surrounded by a golf course. Small (only 67 rooms) and exclusive the service is highly personalized from the moment they pick you up at the airport. Rooms feature an elegant decor with unique traditional Mexican accents. There are Sergio Bustamante heads and fish over each bed, seemingly guarding your sleep. And the whimsically painted
armoires are so generously sized, you feel you could move in forever. 
My suite had a canopied Jacuzzi tub and many rooms have private plunge pools .Be sure to try the highly rated Candil restaurant that has food so innovate you will feel you hardly need or want to leave the property.
Staying at this property made me decide I must explore the other Mexican boutique hotels. Just a few minutes walk from the 400 slip marina, haven to luxurious yachts and lined with restaurants, bars and shops and galleries. Five minutes from Puerto Vallarta's International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown and "El Malecon" (the boardwalk) On site there is tennis, gym, pool, bicycles, volleyball, library, backgammon, jogging and cycling paths around and adjacent to the property.
An absolutely great location, this property is 5 minutes by car from the airport, while downtown Puerto Vallarta is less than 10 minutes away by bus or taxi. 
Although the property has 433 rooms and 29 suites, the views from the rooms are great and the layout is such that you don't feel like you are in a mega-resort. Great pool and unique children's pool and an inviting stretch of beach. One of the best places for fitness buffs, the hotel has a gym and three tennis courts. And all the calories you burn off should definitely be splurged at their wonderful Mikado restaurant.
Ask about the nightly cigar rolling lessons and etiquette on how to appreciate a cigar—a fun after-dinner treat!
This is the closest you'll get to experiencing life on your own private island. There are only seven thatched huts on this ecological paradise. A small haven located 20 minutes south of Vallarta by boat. Rates include meals and the food is fantastic. Rates are about $200-275 per villa of two, depending on the season. Activities include snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.