The View is located across the street from Lake Calhoun. For those of you connected to the web, The View offers online reservations.
Seldom do I stray from my favorite on the menu. By now, you know it is the flank steak and grilled vegetables. I listened to Stephen & went for the seafood. He has never steered me wrong - tonight was no exception.
We started with the baby Portobello mushroom caps stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese. Excellent. We were tempted to order another serving. For dinner this evening, I had the Parmesan crusted sea bass with roasted butternut squash with a hint of nutmeg. The sea bass was drizzled with a very light Gorgonzola cream sauce. Outstanding – the sea bass was cooked to a flakey perfection!
For dessert, my dinner companion, Joel, and I split the Signature cheesecake. On this visit, we had 2 sides each of the homemade caramel and strawberry sauces. This dessert was as good as it was on my prior 12+ visits. This is a perfect solution to satisfy your after-dinner craving for something sweet.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
www.viewcalhoun.com
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, November 24, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
BOCA BENTO - Puerto Vallarta
Boca Bento is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most active area with the Southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. The neighborhood has recently been revitalized and the main street, Olas Altas, is now lined with fun to fine dining, sidewalk cafes, great bars and nightclubs.
The fusion of Latin and Asian flavors on the menu was a delight to read. I began my dining experience with the Thai style chili crusted calamari. The “translucent” breading did not hide the freshest calamari I’ve ever eaten. The chipotle dipping sauce was a welcomed change from the usual garlic aioli served by many restaurants.
I’ve dined at Boca Bento on many occasions. This evening I selected a seat at the bar. I was pleasantly surprised when Juan (the chef) stopped by to greet me. It was his night off; however, when I made the comment that I was looking for a “surf ‘n turf” combination of some sort, he headed to the kitchen. He personally created an off-the-menu entrée for me. While he was in the kitchen, I was entertained by Alberto (the lounge’s mixologist) and Shawnee, my very friendly waiter.
My dinner was served! I received a combination of huge Adobe flavored shrimp with grilled pineapple & a side of chimichurri sauce and the juiciest, most tender grilled beef medallions I have ever eaten. The medallions were served with a pasilla chile sauce. The sauce delivered just the right amount of “heat.” The pasilla chile has a mild to medium heat; this chile is a good substitute for Ancho and Mulato chiles. I had 2 choices of vegetables – a very light potato puree seasoned with a hint of wasabi and grilled vegetables dusted with salt, pepper, & tiny flakes of roasted garlic. Fantastic!
Just when I thought it could not get any better than this, the chef told me my dessert would soon be ready. He made me a passion fruit soufflé with a passion fruit sorbet. This incredible dessert was served in a spun sugar cup. Simple perfection. The meal was 2 hours of bliss.
Boca Bento is comfortably decorated & filled with beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. I’ve made several visits to this restaurant and have never been disappointed. The menu, the chef, the ambiance, the service… all rank near the top of my favorites list in Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
www.bocabento.com
$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The fusion of Latin and Asian flavors on the menu was a delight to read. I began my dining experience with the Thai style chili crusted calamari. The “translucent” breading did not hide the freshest calamari I’ve ever eaten. The chipotle dipping sauce was a welcomed change from the usual garlic aioli served by many restaurants.
I’ve dined at Boca Bento on many occasions. This evening I selected a seat at the bar. I was pleasantly surprised when Juan (the chef) stopped by to greet me. It was his night off; however, when I made the comment that I was looking for a “surf ‘n turf” combination of some sort, he headed to the kitchen. He personally created an off-the-menu entrée for me. While he was in the kitchen, I was entertained by Alberto (the lounge’s mixologist) and Shawnee, my very friendly waiter.
My dinner was served! I received a combination of huge Adobe flavored shrimp with grilled pineapple & a side of chimichurri sauce and the juiciest, most tender grilled beef medallions I have ever eaten. The medallions were served with a pasilla chile sauce. The sauce delivered just the right amount of “heat.” The pasilla chile has a mild to medium heat; this chile is a good substitute for Ancho and Mulato chiles. I had 2 choices of vegetables – a very light potato puree seasoned with a hint of wasabi and grilled vegetables dusted with salt, pepper, & tiny flakes of roasted garlic. Fantastic!
Just when I thought it could not get any better than this, the chef told me my dessert would soon be ready. He made me a passion fruit soufflé with a passion fruit sorbet. This incredible dessert was served in a spun sugar cup. Simple perfection. The meal was 2 hours of bliss.
Boca Bento is comfortably decorated & filled with beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. I’ve made several visits to this restaurant and have never been disappointed. The menu, the chef, the ambiance, the service… all rank near the top of my favorites list in Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
www.bocabento.com
$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, November 16, 2006
RIVER CAFE - Puerto Vallarta
While in Puerto Vallarta, I dined at one of the city’s best restaurants – The River Café. This incredible restaurant is ideal for special occasions or when you want to stimulate your taste buds. This evening my dinner companion was my friend, Leo. We choose this picturesque location to celebrate his birthday.
The River Café is located below the bridge along the shores of the Rio Cuale – a mere 500 yards from Bay of Banderas. The bay is between Vallarta and the Pacific Ocean. The river is from the waters off the Sierra Madre Mountains and enters the Bay of Banderas. We were fortunate to dine at 1 of 3 tables in the gazebo (connected to the main dining area by a suspended walk). This amazing table is at the river’s edge.
The restaurant was participating in the 12th Annual Festival Gourmet International. During this festival culinary “magicians” come from around the world, creating special menus at 20+ restaurants in Vallarta. We choose our dinner from the special festival menu, making certain to select courses we had not eaten.
For starters, we chose the Oxtail Ravioli resting in a semi-sweet balsamic vinegar sauce with caramelized leeks and a sprinkling of pepper flakes. The light pasta pillows of oxtail melted in our mouths. Indescribable! We also had the quick Fried Camembert cheese with grilled green apples. The warm cheese and apples were the perfect duet. Both starters made us wonder how it could get any better.
Our main entrees were the Rabbit 2 Ways and Golden Fin Tuna. One piece of rabbit was slowly braised and served with a delicate sauce of wild mushrooms; the second piece was slowly roasted with thin slivers of root vegetables. The rabbit was served with roasted baby carrots, zucchini and leeks all resting on a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. These airy potatoes had a subtle hint of wasabi. The tuna fillet was perfectly grilled and seasoned with citrus zest. The tuna was accompanied with crisp green beans and the airy mashed potatoes.
For dessert, we had the Grilled Pineapple with homemade coconut ice cream and macadamia nuts. The succulent pieces of warm, fresh pineapple and ice cream created an amazing tropical flavor explosion.
If you happen to choose the River Café for either breakfast or lunch, you may find 2 iguanas in the trees surrounding the restaurant. These iguanas have been “local residents” for years.
The gently flowing river adds to the amazing ambiance and service you will find in this tropical paradise. It is a perfect way to spend a wonderfully relaxing evening enjoying some of the finest cuisine you will find in my favorite Mexican city – Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.rivercafe.com.mx/
$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The River Café is located below the bridge along the shores of the Rio Cuale – a mere 500 yards from Bay of Banderas. The bay is between Vallarta and the Pacific Ocean. The river is from the waters off the Sierra Madre Mountains and enters the Bay of Banderas. We were fortunate to dine at 1 of 3 tables in the gazebo (connected to the main dining area by a suspended walk). This amazing table is at the river’s edge.
The restaurant was participating in the 12th Annual Festival Gourmet International. During this festival culinary “magicians” come from around the world, creating special menus at 20+ restaurants in Vallarta. We choose our dinner from the special festival menu, making certain to select courses we had not eaten.
For starters, we chose the Oxtail Ravioli resting in a semi-sweet balsamic vinegar sauce with caramelized leeks and a sprinkling of pepper flakes. The light pasta pillows of oxtail melted in our mouths. Indescribable! We also had the quick Fried Camembert cheese with grilled green apples. The warm cheese and apples were the perfect duet. Both starters made us wonder how it could get any better.
Our main entrees were the Rabbit 2 Ways and Golden Fin Tuna. One piece of rabbit was slowly braised and served with a delicate sauce of wild mushrooms; the second piece was slowly roasted with thin slivers of root vegetables. The rabbit was served with roasted baby carrots, zucchini and leeks all resting on a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. These airy potatoes had a subtle hint of wasabi. The tuna fillet was perfectly grilled and seasoned with citrus zest. The tuna was accompanied with crisp green beans and the airy mashed potatoes.
For dessert, we had the Grilled Pineapple with homemade coconut ice cream and macadamia nuts. The succulent pieces of warm, fresh pineapple and ice cream created an amazing tropical flavor explosion.
If you happen to choose the River Café for either breakfast or lunch, you may find 2 iguanas in the trees surrounding the restaurant. These iguanas have been “local residents” for years.
The gently flowing river adds to the amazing ambiance and service you will find in this tropical paradise. It is a perfect way to spend a wonderfully relaxing evening enjoying some of the finest cuisine you will find in my favorite Mexican city – Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
http://www.rivercafe.com.mx/
$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
PICNIC Restaurant & Bar - Puerto Vallarta
Picnic is owned by the very charming Luis. His indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is also referred to as Los Muertos. This downtown area is Vallarta's most active with the southside's beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. The entire neighborhood has recently been revitalized and the main street, Olas Altas, is now lined with funky-to-fine dining, sidewalk cafes, and great bars and nightclubs.
I found Picnic on my 2nd day in Vallarta. I had lunch at this quaint restaurant 8 out of my 12 days in Puerto Vallarta. Picnic has a nice, short menu. The decision was easy. I had heard from several locals that I should order the roasted chicken meal.
I ordered the chicken on each visit. The delicately roasted chicken falls apart with the touch of a fork. The moist, flavorful chicken is served with 2 sides – perfectly roasted potatoes and the most amazing rice. The rice is lightly flavored with tomatoes, carrots and peas. I often ordered a double side of rice – hold the potatoes. The potatoes are very good, but the rice is fantastic!
Trust me, you will not have room for dessert.
On one of my many visits to this colorful restaurant, I learned that many will telephone ahead guaranteeing a chicken will be waiting for them. Get there early. I learned that this gem often runs out of its signature dish around 4:30p. It is hard to believe the meal (excluding beverage) costs only $7 USD.
Upon your arrival, request a table on the balcony. Picnic is open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday) and accepts only cash. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
I found Picnic on my 2nd day in Vallarta. I had lunch at this quaint restaurant 8 out of my 12 days in Puerto Vallarta. Picnic has a nice, short menu. The decision was easy. I had heard from several locals that I should order the roasted chicken meal.
I ordered the chicken on each visit. The delicately roasted chicken falls apart with the touch of a fork. The moist, flavorful chicken is served with 2 sides – perfectly roasted potatoes and the most amazing rice. The rice is lightly flavored with tomatoes, carrots and peas. I often ordered a double side of rice – hold the potatoes. The potatoes are very good, but the rice is fantastic!
Trust me, you will not have room for dessert.
On one of my many visits to this colorful restaurant, I learned that many will telephone ahead guaranteeing a chicken will be waiting for them. Get there early. I learned that this gem often runs out of its signature dish around 4:30p. It is hard to believe the meal (excluding beverage) costs only $7 USD.
Upon your arrival, request a table on the balcony. Picnic is open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday) and accepts only cash. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
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