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Hailing from Toronto, which boasts many a noteworthy eatery, and fine dining a passion of mine, I have to admit that one of the major reasons I call Puerto Vallarta home is the food!
Ironically, while some assume my life now revolves around tortillas and frijoles, I’m happily enjoying world-class cuisines prepared by top-notch chefs who, like me, have been drawn to this most beautiful part of the planet.
Vallarta’s dining scene is the hottest in Mexico. There are at least a couple dozen restaurants that will absolutely knock your socks off, every detail about the food, wine, service and ambiance exceptional.
One could spend months here and never set foot in the same venue twice, while being consistently delighted with the food. I say this without hesitation, being a restaurant reviewer here for the better part of the past 18 years.
Oceanfront, cliff-top, in the jungle or a former hacienda, on a cobblestone street, or under a giant palapa, you name it. Choices run the gamut. Not only will you find familiar dishes, but exciting new fusion plates that leave you wanting more.
Many a spot boasts live music, piano perhaps, or guitar, wandering trios and mariachis popping by tables to imbue sultry tropical evenings with yet more romance.
Much of the credit for how strikingly sophisticated the dining scene is in this former sleepy fishing village has to go to Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes fame, whose vision and professionalism set the gold standard for many a restaurateur. And I must say, both locals and visitors sure enjoy reaping the benefits as they continually strive to outshine one another, by winning world-class chef competitions, for example.
There’s almost always a food-related festival running, whether it be wine or tequila, soufflés or desserts, every day here is made special. And then there are the two major gastronomic events we look forward to year after year—the Festival Gourmet International each November and Restaurant Week in May.
Spanning November 13–23 this year, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit really come to life with the excitement revolving around the gourmet festival. Organized by chefs Blouet, Heinz Reize, owner of Coco Tropical, and Roland Menetrey, diverse events range from cocktail parties, tasting menus, cooking demos, a spectacular Sunday brunch, gala closing dinner and more. If you are a “foodie” who likes to have a good time, you will want to be part of it!
Each of the participating restaurants, 25 in 2008, brings in a renowned chef from abroad to join forces with their own executive chef, their mutual expertise resulting in a surprising synergy and new flavor experiences—fantasy dishes and familiar favourites with unorthodox new twists. To learn more, check out www.festivalgourmet.com.
Presented by Vallarta Lifestyles, an avid promoter of the town’s finest restaurants for some two decades, the 2009 Restaurant Week runs May 15–31. Offering three-course menus at surprisingly reasonable set prices, this is an ideal opportunity to visit your favorite spots and discover new ones. Last year there were 34 to choose from. See www.virtualvallarta.com/restaurantweek. 
| Puerto Vallarta offers a truly expansive range of dining options from gourmet to home-cooking to on-the-street delights. What gives it an additional level of attraction for the afficionado of menus is the opportunity to learn how to prepare those special dishes. Classes range from daily to weekly to monthly with price ranges that cross the gamut as well. Thierry Blouet, Café des Artistes Learning to appreciate all your Senses Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor www.cafedesartistes.com (322) 226-7200 ext. 120 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Rebeca Magaña In the restaurant’s special teaching kitchen, with theater-style seating, there are two styles of classes: Demo: features cooking demonstration by Thierry or one of his chefs. Max 50, min 25, $150 USD, recipe book included Participatory: features four-course meal demonstrated by Thierry or one of his chefs, then preparation of meal in small groups, to be enjoyed later with a wine pairing by sommelier. Max 20, min 15, $250 USD, recipe book, apron incl. Maitre Cuisinier de France Member of La Académie Culinaire de France since 1997 Member of the Chaine des Rotisseur since 1996 Café des Artistes is a regular winner of Vallarta Lifestyles Readers’ Choice Award Carmen Porras, El Arrayán |
Carmen Porras Gilles le Fort, Dolores Brittingham |
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Emalee Chapman |
