Talento is located on the malecon in downtown zone. Talento is a beautiful contemporary space. You enter this colorful eatery by walking up a couple flights of stairs off the sidewalk entrance. This interesting restaurant is a wonderful surprise. From the outside, you have no clue that it has 30+ foot ceilings, a glass-walled private event space, an elevated bar on the “third level” looking into the main dining area, a glass-walled wine tasting room and market, huge Thai lanterns and numerous aquariums of miniature jelly fish!
Be amazed with the house magician’s slight of hand. Giovanni comes to your table and performs 4 “how did he do that” illusions. All heads turn in the bar and up from the dining room to watch the very sexy, sensual belly dancer perform on the bar level of the room. Both artists were very entertaining.
My friend, Leo, and I began with the Shrimp Rolls. These crispy, delicate nibbles were stuffed with whole savory shrimp. The shrimp rolls were served on a banana leaf sprinkled with colorful bits of peppers. The tamarind dipping sauce was divine.
Our second starter was the Sea Scallop Carpaccio. The thinly sliced, very fresh scallops were served in a mildly spicy citrus sauce with paper-thin slices of cucumbers. Superb!
Leo had the grilled salmon. The salmon served with an herb infused butter sauce came plated with garlic mashed potatoes and crispy shredded beets. He devoured his dinner; I was only able to sneak a taste of the crispy beets. I was surprised at how sweet they were, reminding me of sweet potato fries.
I ordered the Tiger Shrimp entrée. The 4 large shrimp were exquisitely wrapped with spirals of phyllo dough and then deep fried. The shrimp were sweet – absolutely delicious. The beautiful, but excessive, spirals of phyllo held too much oil for my taste. I would prefer one thin piece of dough to hold the seasonings with the shrimp while cooking. The phyllo was easily removed and I continued to enjoy my meal. The shrimp was served with a fantastic tangerine, soy and ginger sauce. A generous side of sticky rice and crispy spinach leaves accompanied the shrimp. The crispy spinach leaves were sprinkled with spicy soy. Unusual and very good.
Our libation of choice for the evening was the Mango Martini. Our server indicated the bar was known for their special martinis – so true! Tropically refreshing.
The service was somewhat lax but the ambiance, dining entertainment and a good friend made for a wonderful evening.
Mmm, Mmm...
http://talentorest.com/
$$
+++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
TAKOS PANCHO - Puerto Vallarta
TAKOS PANCHO [sic] is located on Basilo Badillo in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized area with the south side's bars, restaurants, lounges and beach side cafes. The neighborhood continues to experience revitalization. Vallarta is ever changing & growing.
The short menu - tacos, quesadillas, & fajitas is fantastic. Juan Carlos & I stopped on our way to find some of our favorite libations. We enjoyed 2 pork tacos (tacos al pastor) with a silver of pineapple & 4 diced chicken tacos. You have your choice of either corn or flour tortillas (approx 4" in diameter). These incredible, cooked to order tacos are served with lime, cilantro and 3 sauces of varying degrees of heat. Yumm!
Our 6 tacos plus a soda came to a surprising USD$7.
Pancho's opens around 3 in the afternoon & remains open well beyond the time most go to sleep. It is the perfect stop for a quick snack or meal at very reasonable prices. Carlos, the server, quietly & quickly takes care of all his diners with his sly, sexy smile and subtle menu suggestions! This little cafe has 7 tables inside and 1 long table for six on the sidewalk. I can not recall how many visits I have made to Pancho's - numerous on my several trips to Vallarta each year. The eclectic mix of diners at all times of the day makes this one of my all time favorite taco stops!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
The short menu - tacos, quesadillas, & fajitas is fantastic. Juan Carlos & I stopped on our way to find some of our favorite libations. We enjoyed 2 pork tacos (tacos al pastor) with a silver of pineapple & 4 diced chicken tacos. You have your choice of either corn or flour tortillas (approx 4" in diameter). These incredible, cooked to order tacos are served with lime, cilantro and 3 sauces of varying degrees of heat. Yumm!
Our 6 tacos plus a soda came to a surprising USD$7.
Pancho's opens around 3 in the afternoon & remains open well beyond the time most go to sleep. It is the perfect stop for a quick snack or meal at very reasonable prices. Carlos, the server, quietly & quickly takes care of all his diners with his sly, sexy smile and subtle menu suggestions! This little cafe has 7 tables inside and 1 long table for six on the sidewalk. I can not recall how many visits I have made to Pancho's - numerous on my several trips to Vallarta each year. The eclectic mix of diners at all times of the day makes this one of my all time favorite taco stops!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 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!”
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PICNIC Restaurant & Bar - Puerto Vallarta
Picnic is owned by the very charming Luis. His indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. I've eaten lunch at Picnic on 3 of the last 6 days I have been in Vallarta. As I have mentioned in a previous post to my blog, I always order my favorite – the ½ roasted chicken, roasted potatoes and red rice.
Not today. Instead, I chose the hamburger, recently voted “Best Hamburger in PV-2007”. I agree! The large beef burger was slight charred, with a hot juicy center. The burger comes with the usual – lettuce, 2 types of cheese, thick slices of tomato, and onion. I went with the manchego cheese and tomato; I finished with my favorite toppings – mustard & mayo. The toasted sesame bun was the perfect size to keep this giant burger together. The burger is served with ripple chips; I passed on the chips and added a side of Luis’ incredible red rice. The rice is seasoned with tomato, tomato sauce, carrots, peas, onion and a tidbit of cilantro. Simply delicious!
The bright yellow, orange, and red walls are accented with hanging plants and artwork offered by local artists. Luis has put his heart and soul into his little “jewel on the hill” in Zona Romantica. He welcomes you with his incredible smile and open arms – like greeting an old friend. 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.
I have spent hours sitting and reading on Picnic’s balcony sipping 1 or 2 very refreshing margaritas... a perfect way to spend a relaxing late afternoon in this paradise called Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$$ 30
$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Not today. Instead, I chose the hamburger, recently voted “Best Hamburger in PV-2007”. I agree! The large beef burger was slight charred, with a hot juicy center. The burger comes with the usual – lettuce, 2 types of cheese, thick slices of tomato, and onion. I went with the manchego cheese and tomato; I finished with my favorite toppings – mustard & mayo. The toasted sesame bun was the perfect size to keep this giant burger together. The burger is served with ripple chips; I passed on the chips and added a side of Luis’ incredible red rice. The rice is seasoned with tomato, tomato sauce, carrots, peas, onion and a tidbit of cilantro. Simply delicious!
The bright yellow, orange, and red walls are accented with hanging plants and artwork offered by local artists. Luis has put his heart and soul into his little “jewel on the hill” in Zona Romantica. He welcomes you with his incredible smile and open arms – like greeting an old friend. Picnic is open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday) and accepts only cash. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
I have spent hours sitting and reading on Picnic’s balcony sipping 1 or 2 very refreshing margaritas... a perfect way to spend a relaxing late afternoon in this paradise called Puerto Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm...
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$ 20
$$ 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!”
Monday, August 13, 2007
STEAK HOUSE BRASIL – Puerto Vallarta
Steak House Brasil is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most energized area with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. The neighborhood continues to experience revitalization. The main street, Olas Altas, is lined with a variety of dining options, sidewalk cafes, great bars and nightclubs. Vallarta is ever changing & growing.
Brasil is a casual restaurant with a tropical feel, offering an open dining area and an air conditioned room (smoke free). I have eaten here several times and have yet to see a menu. It may exist but I always order the Brazilian buffet dinner. For those not familiar with a Brazilian restaurant, the large selection of meats are roasted/grilled and the sides are served family style. You can choose as much or as little of each.
Dinner begins with crispy chicken wings and a delicious garlic & parsley mayo-like dipping sauce. The wings are followed by deep fried rice balls and fried bananas rolled in cinnamon and sugar. I would prefer to have the bananas at the end of the meal – not the beginning. The rice balls are fantastic. The trio of sides – pasta and vegetable salad, carrot and raisin salad and thick slices of tomato and quick steamed broccoli are delicious and quickly replenished.
The roasted meats for this evening included chorizo, pork loin, beef filet wrapped in bacon, top sirloin, rib eye, NY strip, and turkey breast wrapped in bacon. My favorites were the rib eye (sliced at my plate), the beef filet and the turkey breast. Superb!
A chimichurri sauce and a smoked pepper tomato sauce are served with the meats. Both are excellent; pair with your meats, you will find your favorite combination.
Pace yourself. The meat comes quickly. I recommend asking what meats will be served when you arrive. Feel free to pass on a meat if you are still enjoying a prior selection. You can ask for a particular meat when you are ready or wait until it again comes to your table.
I highly recommend the Brazilian cocktail – the Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Very refreshing in this tropical heat!
Good value, comfortable space, very accommodating and friendly staff, and an attentive manager make for an enjoyable evening.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://brasilpirey.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!”
Brasil is a casual restaurant with a tropical feel, offering an open dining area and an air conditioned room (smoke free). I have eaten here several times and have yet to see a menu. It may exist but I always order the Brazilian buffet dinner. For those not familiar with a Brazilian restaurant, the large selection of meats are roasted/grilled and the sides are served family style. You can choose as much or as little of each.
Dinner begins with crispy chicken wings and a delicious garlic & parsley mayo-like dipping sauce. The wings are followed by deep fried rice balls and fried bananas rolled in cinnamon and sugar. I would prefer to have the bananas at the end of the meal – not the beginning. The rice balls are fantastic. The trio of sides – pasta and vegetable salad, carrot and raisin salad and thick slices of tomato and quick steamed broccoli are delicious and quickly replenished.
The roasted meats for this evening included chorizo, pork loin, beef filet wrapped in bacon, top sirloin, rib eye, NY strip, and turkey breast wrapped in bacon. My favorites were the rib eye (sliced at my plate), the beef filet and the turkey breast. Superb!
A chimichurri sauce and a smoked pepper tomato sauce are served with the meats. Both are excellent; pair with your meats, you will find your favorite combination.
Pace yourself. The meat comes quickly. I recommend asking what meats will be served when you arrive. Feel free to pass on a meat if you are still enjoying a prior selection. You can ask for a particular meat when you are ready or wait until it again comes to your table.
I highly recommend the Brazilian cocktail – the Caipirinha (lime with cachca – a liquor similar to vodka). Very refreshing in this tropical heat!
Good value, comfortable space, very accommodating and friendly staff, and an attentive manager make for an enjoyable evening.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://brasilpirey.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, August 09, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
THE LOOP BAR & RESTAURANT - Minneapolis
The Loop Bar & Restaurant is in the revitalized warehouse district – an area of trendy lofts, interesting restaurants and entertainment. Three college buddies own the Loop. As you enter this casual comfortable space with 20+ foot ceilings with wooden beams, you get a sense that you have been here before.
Tim & I decided to do a bit of “Happy Hour grazing” before we went to dinner. He had been to the Loop and recommended that we stop. I am glad we did. We ordered the Pomegranate Martini, made with 3 Olives Pomegranate, Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice. Each round (we had 3) were identical – mixed to perfection by our bartender, John Buck.
Our first grazing selection was the Cream Cheese Wontons. These large crispy starters were filled with minced red peppers, spinach and mushrooms. These delicious tidbits were resting in a duet of sauces – a light jalapeno tomato sauce & a cool basil yogurt sauce. The 2 excellent sauces compliment each other. I would recommend a different plating – arrange the crispy wontons around the raised edge of the plate. Doing so would prevent them from absorbing the sauce. We did this to keep them crispy.
For round 2, we chose the Garlic & Herb Meatballs. The pan roasted, delicately seasoned meatballs were served on a pillow of smashed potatoes and drizzled with a smooth peppercorn brown beef gravy. The trio of meatballs, each slightly smaller than a golf ball, was fantastic!
We had a second plate of the Cream Cheese Wontons to go with our 3rd round of martinis. Yumm.
Tatum, our server, was a delight. Her energy and personality made our visit even more enjoyable.
Reasonable prices. Great quality. My next visit will be for dinner; the grilled yellow fin tuna caught my eye.
Link to more recent Loop visit
Mmm, Mmm...
www.TheLoopMpls.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Tim & I decided to do a bit of “Happy Hour grazing” before we went to dinner. He had been to the Loop and recommended that we stop. I am glad we did. We ordered the Pomegranate Martini, made with 3 Olives Pomegranate, Absolut Citron and a splash of cranberry juice. Each round (we had 3) were identical – mixed to perfection by our bartender, John Buck.
Our first grazing selection was the Cream Cheese Wontons. These large crispy starters were filled with minced red peppers, spinach and mushrooms. These delicious tidbits were resting in a duet of sauces – a light jalapeno tomato sauce & a cool basil yogurt sauce. The 2 excellent sauces compliment each other. I would recommend a different plating – arrange the crispy wontons around the raised edge of the plate. Doing so would prevent them from absorbing the sauce. We did this to keep them crispy.
For round 2, we chose the Garlic & Herb Meatballs. The pan roasted, delicately seasoned meatballs were served on a pillow of smashed potatoes and drizzled with a smooth peppercorn brown beef gravy. The trio of meatballs, each slightly smaller than a golf ball, was fantastic!
We had a second plate of the Cream Cheese Wontons to go with our 3rd round of martinis. Yumm.
Tatum, our server, was a delight. Her energy and personality made our visit even more enjoyable.
Reasonable prices. Great quality. My next visit will be for dinner; the grilled yellow fin tuna caught my eye.
Link to more recent Loop visit
Mmm, Mmm...
www.TheLoopMpls.com
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 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!”
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