TRATTORIA MICHEL – Puerto Vallarta

Trattoria Michel is located in the Zona Romantic area of Puerto Vallarta - the older, charming area of Puerto Vallarta. Trattoria Michel is one of a handful of fine dining options in this unique area of Vallarta. Michel uses only the freshest, highest quality products available, cooking each selection to order.

Michel has created a very comfortable, casually elegant, space in shades of white with splashes of color coming from the fresh flowers and candles on the tables. Bruno & I sat at a table on the wrap-around patio enjoying a tropical evening in paradise.

Oscar, our very attentive server, took my “request” seriously – my slightly dirty Belvedere martini was never empty! Perfect every time.

I began another incredible meal at Michel’s with the jumbo sea scallops. These delicious morsels, marinated in honey and Spanish paprika, were quick seared creating a mouthwatering, caramelized crust. These succulent scallops were served on a bed of organic wild baby greens and sliced grape tomatoes.

My second course was the traditional Insulata Caprese. The thin slices of cow’s milk mozzarella (made fresh daily) are layered with slices of locally grown, juicy beefsteak tomatoes. This wonderful, light salad is drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of coarse sea salt. The dinner guests at the table next to us were also raving about the great simple salad.

Bruno and I decided to share the Bistecca Fiorentina. The 1-kilo bone-in, perfectly aged and marbled steak was wonderfully seasoned with rosemary, roasted garlic cloves, sea salt and cracked black pepper. It was grilled to perfection with slightly charred edges. This very traditional Tuscan dish is served over arugula and a few lemon wedges. Flawless!

We also shared a side of spinach sautéed in extra virgin olive oil; the spinach was served slightly dry with a few tidbits of roasted garlic and grated parmigiano reggiano.

Michel and Oscar’s charm and hospitality on each of my visits have made Trattoria Michel’s one of my 3 favorites in Puerto Vallarta since Boca Bento’s move to Mismaloya, 5 miles south of Vallarta.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.trattoria.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!”