Picnic is owned by Luis. His comfortable indoor/outdoor restaurant is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. On this trip, I ate lunch at Picnic on 8 of the 12 days I was in Puerto Vallarta. As I have mentioned in a previous "Picnic posts" to my blog, I almost always order my favorite – the 1⁄2 roasted chicken, red rice & roasted potatoes.
Not today. I tired something new – the yellow curry chicken salad. This fantastic combo of chunked roasted chicken, egg, celery, and onion blended with a light yellow curry mayo dressing was delicious! A generous mound of chicken salad is served on a fresh roll (delivered daily) with lettuce and tomato. Of course, I felt the need to order a small serving of Picnic’s infamous roasted potatoes. Heavenly!
Since my last trip in August, Luis has opened a large patio with umbrella covered tables – perfect for chatting with your friends, enjoying the ocean breezes, or people watching. All this while sipping your favorite libation. Picnic has begun offering a short “bar menu”, available from 5-8p. I highly recommend the chicken wings & a margarita… or two.
Hint: when ordering a margarita anywhere, order one with the better tequila. You will thank yourself in the morning, particularly if you enjoy more than 3!
Picnic is now open 11a - 8p, Monday thru Saturday. As with many of the bars and smaller restaurants in Vallarta, cash only. Picnic is half way up the stairway on the corner of Olas Altas & Pulpito.
Aah, this little jewel on the hill feels like home!
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!”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Z TAI - Puerto Vallarta
Z Tai is located in the center of the Vallarta (at Morelos 737) across from the malecon. Z Tai is one of the newer fine dining options in Vallarta, offering 3 different spaces to enjoy Pacific Rim fusion cuisine. You can choose from the beautiful, intimate indoor space, the casual, modern garden, or the elevated sophisticated lounge overlooking both the garden and the Pacific Ocean. You can enter this very interesting space from the malecon or off of Morelos.
Leo and I sat in the garden complete with a reflection pool, floating candles, elevated conversation spaces, a sunken dining area, and a 25’ x 20’ video wall! I am told the garden contains the oldest tree in Vallarta. We enjoyed a couple rounds of their signature Cucumber martini. Delicious…
The only details I can remember of our appetizer was that it was several very large shrimp wrapped in phyllo dough – quickly fried and virtually greaseless. They were served with a selection of dipping sauce.
For dinner, I had the unforgettable tuna fillet crusted with blackened sesame seeds. The perfectly cooked fillet was served resting on a pillow of buttery mashed potatoes and shredded vegetable. Simply divine.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. They were accommodating & very interested in ensuring we had a good time. The one complaint we had was that there needs to be some sort of agreement between Z Tai and their next door neighbor. Around 10:30p, the neighbor’s house music invades Z Tai’s zen-like ambiance in the garden. This very unwelcomed intrusion is so loud that Z Tai turns their music down. This is unfortunate. Unless you are a huge fan of house music, I recommend that you finish your meal and conversation by 10:30.
Z Tai is a gorgeous space; upon entering, you will feel transported to another locale. It is a wonderful, unexpected surprise!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Leo and I sat in the garden complete with a reflection pool, floating candles, elevated conversation spaces, a sunken dining area, and a 25’ x 20’ video wall! I am told the garden contains the oldest tree in Vallarta. We enjoyed a couple rounds of their signature Cucumber martini. Delicious…
The only details I can remember of our appetizer was that it was several very large shrimp wrapped in phyllo dough – quickly fried and virtually greaseless. They were served with a selection of dipping sauce.
For dinner, I had the unforgettable tuna fillet crusted with blackened sesame seeds. The perfectly cooked fillet was served resting on a pillow of buttery mashed potatoes and shredded vegetable. Simply divine.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. They were accommodating & very interested in ensuring we had a good time. The one complaint we had was that there needs to be some sort of agreement between Z Tai and their next door neighbor. Around 10:30p, the neighbor’s house music invades Z Tai’s zen-like ambiance in the garden. This very unwelcomed intrusion is so loud that Z Tai turns their music down. This is unfortunate. Unless you are a huge fan of house music, I recommend that you finish your meal and conversation by 10:30.
Z Tai is a gorgeous space; upon entering, you will feel transported to another locale. It is a wonderful, unexpected surprise!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
BOCA BENTO - Puerto Vallarta
Luis & I returned to my favorite dining space for libations and some late-evening nibbles. We sat in Boca Bento's very comfortable chairs in the lounge area, opening out to the very busy sidewalk along Basillo Badillo. The “sidewalk entertainment” is always colorful!
We chose the not too sweet pomegranate martinis - perfectly mixed in each of the three rounds we very much enjoyed!
We had not one, but two plates of the Chicken Satay. The generous pieces of grilled chicken breast were marinated in light ginger/soy sauce. They were served with a slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The Szechwan Shrimp Won Tons were incredible. The spicy chunks of shrimp were wrapped won ton skins so light you would think it was phyllo dough. The pablano cream dipping sauce was fantastic, offering a great compliment to the shrimp.
This was my second visit to Boca Bento on this trip; I can not find my notes from the first visit. What I do remember is that our service was exceptional and very friendly. Monika, the owner, and Juan, the executive chef, stopped by on both of my visits. They genuinely want to ensure that all their guests’ expectations are being met. Also recall from my first visit 5 days earlier, that my friends - Mandy & Carol - described it as euphoria. They were still talking about it.
Once again, Boca Bento solidified itself as my favorite evening in Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://bocabento.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
We chose the not too sweet pomegranate martinis - perfectly mixed in each of the three rounds we very much enjoyed!
We had not one, but two plates of the Chicken Satay. The generous pieces of grilled chicken breast were marinated in light ginger/soy sauce. They were served with a slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The Szechwan Shrimp Won Tons were incredible. The spicy chunks of shrimp were wrapped won ton skins so light you would think it was phyllo dough. The pablano cream dipping sauce was fantastic, offering a great compliment to the shrimp.
This was my second visit to Boca Bento on this trip; I can not find my notes from the first visit. What I do remember is that our service was exceptional and very friendly. Monika, the owner, and Juan, the executive chef, stopped by on both of my visits. They genuinely want to ensure that all their guests’ expectations are being met. Also recall from my first visit 5 days earlier, that my friends - Mandy & Carol - described it as euphoria. They were still talking about it.
Once again, Boca Bento solidified itself as my favorite evening in Puerto Vallarta!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://bocabento.com/
$$
++++
✦✦✦✦
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!”
Monday, November 12, 2007
BAI SRI - Puerto Vallarta
Bai Sri is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Bai Sri is one of a handful of fine dining selections in Puerto Vallarta. Bai Sri is a higher end Thai & Vietnamese restaurant at the intersection of Rudolfo Gomez & Pulpito. Any cabbie can easily get you there.
The numerous gardens, fountains, ponds and the open dining room (no windows here) create a relaxing, seductive, dining experience.
The authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is superb. Bai Sri proudly serves homegrown organic herbs and vegetables. The ambiance, the high quality & freshness of their food, and the very attentive, professional service (2 waiters per table) all make the extra pesos you pay so worth it.
My friends – Mandy, Carol, & Rene – and I had a glorious evening at Bai Sri. We started with a round of their signature Thai Basil Martinis. This incredible libation is Absolut Citron shaken with a few pieces of Thai basil & garnished with whole basil leaves. Simply divine! OK, I'll admit that we did not stop at just one round…
For a starter, I selected the Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup). This delectable combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, a hint of lime juice, fish sauce, and thin slices of chicken breast left you wanting more.
I could not decide on an entrée so I chose two. I had the Shaking Beef – a mouthwatering dish of tidbits of filet mignon, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, watercress, and scallions. Perfectly stir-fried and served with white rice. My friends & I agreed that this dish was our favorite of the evening.
The second must have entrée for me was the Green Curry Chicken with mushrooms. This soup-like entrée was made with chunks of chicken breast, coconut milk, green curry, lemongrass, mushrooms, and lime juice; I believe I detected a hint of fish sauce. For me, this dish was a very close second. Yumm! This Green Curry Chicken was a first for me. I look forward to “2nds” when I return to Vallarta in the coming months.
Order several entrées & share with your dinner companions. This is a feast you won’t soon forget!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.baisri.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 numerous gardens, fountains, ponds and the open dining room (no windows here) create a relaxing, seductive, dining experience.
The authentic Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is superb. Bai Sri proudly serves homegrown organic herbs and vegetables. The ambiance, the high quality & freshness of their food, and the very attentive, professional service (2 waiters per table) all make the extra pesos you pay so worth it.
My friends – Mandy, Carol, & Rene – and I had a glorious evening at Bai Sri. We started with a round of their signature Thai Basil Martinis. This incredible libation is Absolut Citron shaken with a few pieces of Thai basil & garnished with whole basil leaves. Simply divine! OK, I'll admit that we did not stop at just one round…
For a starter, I selected the Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup). This delectable combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, a hint of lime juice, fish sauce, and thin slices of chicken breast left you wanting more.
I could not decide on an entrée so I chose two. I had the Shaking Beef – a mouthwatering dish of tidbits of filet mignon, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, watercress, and scallions. Perfectly stir-fried and served with white rice. My friends & I agreed that this dish was our favorite of the evening.
The second must have entrée for me was the Green Curry Chicken with mushrooms. This soup-like entrée was made with chunks of chicken breast, coconut milk, green curry, lemongrass, mushrooms, and lime juice; I believe I detected a hint of fish sauce. For me, this dish was a very close second. Yumm! This Green Curry Chicken was a first for me. I look forward to “2nds” when I return to Vallarta in the coming months.
Order several entrées & share with your dinner companions. This is a feast you won’t soon forget!
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.baisri.com
$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Saturday, November 10, 2007
JOE JACK'S FISH SHACK - Puerto Vallarta
This is my second visit to Joe Jack’s Fish Shack on this trip to Puerto Vallarta. Joe Jack’s is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes.
Mandy & Carol joined me for dinner and several rounds of Joe Jack's infamous Mermaid Martinis (an addictive libation of Alize, Absolut Citron & limon). This evening we were seated on the second level of the restaurant; the second level space is more relaxing and much easier for conversation.
On this visit, I selected the Luna Park ceviche for my starter. The ceviche is a combination of sushi grade tuna, a touch of light sesame oil, fresh lime juice, tidbits of tomato, diced white onion, cucumber and cilantro. Fantastic – extremely fresh & bursting with flavor.
For dinner, I chose the red snapper soft tacos. The trio of tacos arrived each with a generous piece of grilled red snapper, crispy shredded cabbage, cilantro, tomato and their secret white sauce. Hidden among the shreds of cabbage was a dollop of zesty chipotle sauce. Yumm! If it was possible for me to eat a second platter of these scrumptious tacos, I would have.
Jonas was our server. His attentive service and great smile added to our great, relaxing dining experience.
Link to a prior Joe Jack's visit
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.joejacks-fishshack.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Mandy & Carol joined me for dinner and several rounds of Joe Jack's infamous Mermaid Martinis (an addictive libation of Alize, Absolut Citron & limon). This evening we were seated on the second level of the restaurant; the second level space is more relaxing and much easier for conversation.
On this visit, I selected the Luna Park ceviche for my starter. The ceviche is a combination of sushi grade tuna, a touch of light sesame oil, fresh lime juice, tidbits of tomato, diced white onion, cucumber and cilantro. Fantastic – extremely fresh & bursting with flavor.
For dinner, I chose the red snapper soft tacos. The trio of tacos arrived each with a generous piece of grilled red snapper, crispy shredded cabbage, cilantro, tomato and their secret white sauce. Hidden among the shreds of cabbage was a dollop of zesty chipotle sauce. Yumm! If it was possible for me to eat a second platter of these scrumptious tacos, I would have.
Jonas was our server. His attentive service and great smile added to our great, relaxing dining experience.
Link to a prior Joe Jack's visit
Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…
http://www.joejacks-fishshack.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Friday, November 09, 2007
BANANA CANTINA - Puerto Vallarta
Banana Cantina is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta, the older, charming Puerto Vallarta, on the corner of Pulpito and Amapas. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most energized area with the southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes.
Debbi has created a comfortable restaurant with colorful splashes on the walls and international flavors on their menu, focusing on fresh seafood. Banana Cantina is located on the 2nd level of the building (above her snack shop - Coco Banana) between the Pacific Ocean and Picnic Restaurant. Banana Cantina was recently named “Best Moderately Priced” restaurant in Puerto Vallarta by Virtual Vallarta. Way to go!
We were greeted with a basket of warm cheese and sesame bread nuggets. We had seconds. Each basket arrived with a wonderful herb infused soft butter. Absolutely incredible.
Carol and Mandy joined me for dinner. We started with the Shrimp Spring Rolls. These flaky delicacies were served with a soy sauce reduction, powerful wasabi and fresh pickled ginger. For my dinner I selected the sea bass. This large fillet was grilled and then drizzled with an incredible mango/chipotle sauce. The sea bass rested on a bed of grilled zucchini and carrots – fresh from the garden.
Debbi greets everyone with her huge smile and periodically stops at your table ensuring all is well and you are having a good time. Great staff. Tropical ambiance. The Banana is quickly becoming one my favorites in Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://bananacantina.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+
Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!
Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”
Debbi has created a comfortable restaurant with colorful splashes on the walls and international flavors on their menu, focusing on fresh seafood. Banana Cantina is located on the 2nd level of the building (above her snack shop - Coco Banana) between the Pacific Ocean and Picnic Restaurant. Banana Cantina was recently named “Best Moderately Priced” restaurant in Puerto Vallarta by Virtual Vallarta. Way to go!
We were greeted with a basket of warm cheese and sesame bread nuggets. We had seconds. Each basket arrived with a wonderful herb infused soft butter. Absolutely incredible.
Carol and Mandy joined me for dinner. We started with the Shrimp Spring Rolls. These flaky delicacies were served with a soy sauce reduction, powerful wasabi and fresh pickled ginger. For my dinner I selected the sea bass. This large fillet was grilled and then drizzled with an incredible mango/chipotle sauce. The sea bass rested on a bed of grilled zucchini and carrots – fresh from the garden.
Debbi greets everyone with her huge smile and periodically stops at your table ensuring all is well and you are having a good time. Great staff. Tropical ambiance. The Banana is quickly becoming one my favorites in Vallarta.
Mmm, Mmm…
http://bananacantina.com/
$
++++
✦✦✦
Entrée
$ 10
$$ 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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