Tuesday, May 15, 2007

JOE JACK'S FISH SHACK - Puerto Vallarta

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is located in Zona Romantica (old town area) – like so many of the better restaurants in this jewel of a city!

Joe Jack’s has been open for a short year. I have misplaced my notes from my first visit (lunch) back in November 2006. However, my second visit was as good. This time for dinner.

My libation of the evening was their “Mermaid Martini”. It’s a lip-smacking combination of Alizi, limon, and Absolut Citron. On the menu, it is noted as a double. However, 2 “minis” make one regular for me. Joe Jack’s scores major points for serving the second portion of the double in a small goblet resting on ice. In a city where the average temperature is 80 degrees and often, seductively, humid, this icy touch is most welcomed. I have had few special “martinis” I have enjoyed more!

As I was reviewing their entertaining menu, I nibbled on a complimentary starter of crispy jicama sticks and sliced radishes dusted with cayenne and drizzled with fresh limon. Very refreshing. The subtle heat from the cayenne was the perfect reason to order another Mermaid martini.

My dinner selection was the catch of the day – dorado. The very fresh dorado fillet was seasoned with their secret rub and perfectly grilled, moist center and slightly charred edges. The dorado was plated with wonderfully seasoned rice and beans. Ask for the pico de gallo on the side. The fish is so fresh and flavorful; it does not need the pico de gallo. The pico de gallo has too many white onions and not enough tomato for my taste buds. There was no need for the radishes that came with my dorado.

The service is very friendly and attentive. My first visit to Joe Jack’s was at the start of high season last November. This evening, high season had ended. I understand the staff had more time for each table. Don’t be intrusive; let me enjoy my bit of paradise at the Fish Shack. No complaints, just too much of a good thing.

For those of you inclined to stay in one of the many hotel rooms or condos with a view of the beautiful Pacific, Joe Jack’s delivers to numerous nearby properties.

The restaurant has 2 levels – both with pedestrian views of Basilio Badillo. Request a table with a view of the busy street for additional enjoyment.

Link to another visit to Joe Jack's: http://eatingout411.blogspot.com/2007/11/joe-jacks-fish-shack-puerto-vallarta.html

Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.joejacks-fishshack.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!”

1 comment:

garyrbeck said...

Now I found a PV spot here! I like Joe's. He used to run Luna Park in SF. Usually get a frescado or the fish and chips, very fresh and generous. Love Boca Bento right near by and Pancho's Takos [sic.]

Gary
San Francisco, CA./Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puerto_Vallarta_OldTown_SouthSide

www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide

"We had the dust of Mexico on our shoes and the love of Mexico in our hearts..."