MARANTINA - Puerto Vallarta

Marantina, a sexy & vibrant lounge and eatery, recently opened in Zona Romantica, Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. For those familiar with Puerto Vallarta, Marantina is located in the former Kit Kat location. Marantina's space pops with bright red walls, comfortable seating, seductive lounge music, plus patio & courtyard seating.

During my last visit in August, friends and I stopped by for martinis and conversation. On this trip, I was fortunate to attend their Grand Opening last week; they featured their namesake martini and a plethora of mouth-watering appetizers.

This evening, I wanted to return for a complete dinner and asked Treavor to join me. We chose to sit on the patio - much better for people watching! Of course, we began with martinis. Treavor had a "Bloody" (similar to a Bloody Mary) and I had the Pepino (cucumber) martini - very refreshing and easily addictive! The most incredible squares of fresh, hot bread with herb-infused butter is served with the cocktails. I admit it - we asked for seconds.

The short menu features tropically inspired Asian dishes + some Mexican classics. I selected the thick cut bone-in pork chop accompanied by a creamy risotto and a medley of roasted cauliflower, slivers of carrot and sliced figs. Fantastic! Treavor chose the shrimp dusted in dried chipotle resting on fresh guacamole and roasted beet chips. He quickly devoured it without so much as a sample for me.

Co-owner, Erica Mercedes Manuale, the perfect hostess, moved among tables ensuring her guests were enjoying themselves. Our adorable and very friendly server, Carlos, was spot-on with his suggestions and excellent service. I have already added this eatery to my "must-do" list for my return trip in December.

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Marantina's

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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!”

EL BACALAO SEAFOOD - Puerto Vallarta

El Bacalao Seafood is one of the newer eateries located on Basillo Badillo in the Zona Romantica area, Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. The small, bright space has 2 windowless 1/2 walls that open to the street. Deep blues and browns accent the other walls. With 34 seats indoors and another 9 on the small patio, it is a casual, relaxing destination. If you enjoy sports, there are 3 large flat screens to enjoy your favorite sporting event - no audio.

A local friend suggested that I try a Paloma ($4.80USD). This refreshing libation of tequila, fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda was blended to perfection by their very sexy bartender, Carlos. So refreshing, I had 3!

I chose the Peruvian Ceviche ($7.80USD) for my light lunch. The chunks of talapia are marinated overnight in lime juice, minced ginger and tidbits of white onion. It is then blended with fresh yellow corn and minced jalapenos prior to serving. The generous mound is accompanied by watermelon balls, 1/2 sliced avocado and tostados. Incredible!

It was early in the afternoon so we had very good service - even the owner stopped by the table on a couple of occasions making sure we were enjoying ourselves. Yes, we were!

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!”

RED CABBAGE CAFE - Puerto Vallarta

Red Cabbage Cafe is a hidden gem off on its own in the Colonia Remance area along the Rio Cuale at Calle Rivera. It is a short 7-minute taxi ride (50$p) from Zona Romantica. No worries, when it is finally time to leave there is at least one waiting taxi. If not, the staff will gladly call a taxi for you. We chose to have a leisurely 15-minute walk back to our condo.

Lola Bravo, the owner, has created a unique, comfortable space of vibrantly painted walls accented with all things Frida Khalo, Diego Rivera, and other actors & artists. Lola prides herself on having a well trained, friendly staff and using the highest quality ingredients available to create her classic Mexican dishes. This was quite obvious on both points. Within 30 minutes of our arrival, there was not an empty table to be found. Reservations recommended.

My dinner companions, Mandy, Treavor, & Carol, and I chose the "Frida's Dinner". This is a price fixed meal with several options - all which was served at Frida and Diego's numerous dinner parties. The meal began with a shot of tequila to "excite" the taste buds, followed by a bowl of the creamiest peanut soup ever put in front of me. For my entree, I ordered the earthy, rich, & slightly chocolaty chicken mole pobalano accompanied by sides of rice & beans... incredible flavor explosions! The chicken mole was simply the best mole I had ever eaten. Finally, it was time for dessert; I selected the flan - sweet homemade spoonfuls of heaven.

Antonio, our very friendly and accommodating server told me that Lola uses 20+ ingredients to create her infamous slow cooked mole.

A visit to the Red Cabbage is a must! Delicious food and fantastic service in a smoke-free space make for an memorable dining experience.

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

Red Cabbage Cafe

$$$

+++++

&&&&

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!”

Eating Out in Puerto Vallarta

This trip, as with most of my trips, I made stops at my favorites ~ Joe Jack's Fish Shack, Trattoria Michel, Coffee Cup, No Way Jose!, Fredy's Tucan, & Takos Pancho. Each of these continue to bring a smile to my face. Aah. . . I so enjoy my spot of paradise!

I received an invite to the grand opening of the newly remodeled El Dorado on Muertos Beach. I was very happy to hear that the co-owners Richard, Juan (Executive Chef), Ali & Homero have all returned. What a team! The event was taking place the evening I was returning to the States. My first visit will be on my return trip to Vallarta in December.