The very charming Alfredo “José” left River Café (another of my favorites in Vallarta) and opened this incredible eatery 3 weeks ago, realizing a 15-year dream. Good things come to those who wait! His giant personality & charisma will make you feel as if you've been friends for years.
Julie, his business partner, has extensive business consulting experience. Corporate America dealt her a "blow" when her department was eliminated. She and her husband opened a restaurant where No Way José! is currently located. Experiencing another life change, Julie was planning on closing her restaurant to return to the States when José approached her with a business plan she couldn't refuse. After numerous conversations, No Way José! was born. Her big personality and smile will only add to your dining experience.
Joining him from the River Café is Executive Chef Vicente Montes. Chef Montes has impressive start-up experience including Le Bistro, River Café, & Café des Artistes – all in Puerto Vallarta. Also joining the team in the front of the house is José's son, Emilio.
No Way José has arched walls of gold, maroon, and yellow jewel tones. The 11 tables covered in white and maroon linens are accented with tiny vases of fresh flowers. The cozy bar comfortably seats 5. The menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine with the freshest ingredients bursting with flavor & fine dining quality. The very friendly & sexy staff moves with ease within the small dining room. A roof-top expansion is underway. Nothing official, but I've heard a New Year's Eve celebration is being planned as the "christening" party. I wish I could be there!
I began my meal with the Sopa Montezuma (cactus & shrimp soup) - $4US. The soup has julienne strips of nopal cactus, tidbits of shrimp, white onion, and epazote in a delicate tomato based broth. Epazote has been used in a variety of Mexican dishes including soups, salads & quesadillas going back to the Aztecs. Incredible!
My main course was the Madellones de Res (beef medallions) - $13US. The 2 perfectly grilled, extremely tender medallions of beef rested on mashed potatoes accented with a hint of cheddar cheese & onion. The steamed, bit-sized nuggets of carrot, broccoli, and fingerling potatoes were screaming fresh! This amazing combination was surrounded by a superb reduction of recilla tequila and guajillo chiles. The slightly smoky tequila adds fantastic depth to the reduction. Ask for slices of their fresh bread; you will to get every drop of this addictive sauce!
Kudos to Chef Montes. You must experience the “magic” he creates in a kitchen the size of a closet.
My friends & dinner companions, Treavor, Carol, Robb, Mandy, & Scott, and I agree… No Way José exceeded all of our expectations.
Casually elegant, simply perfect, absolutely scrumptious - No Way José! could easily become my favorite moderately priced eatery in Puerto Vallarta. José, please save me a table; I’ll be back in January!
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!”
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