Sunday, March 29, 2009

BALI - Minneapolis

Bali is located on Nicollet Avenue (north end of Eat Street). It is a recent and welcomed addition the neighborhood. The comfortable space has red and black walls with touches of Indonesian “art” and high ceilings making it seem bigger than it is. The small bar, seats maybe 10, was full the entire time we were dining. I recommend that they cover the metal feet of the dining room’s heavy chairs; their constant noisy scraping across the stone tile floor is an annoyance.

My friend, Bev, who spends a great deal of time in Bali, agreed to join me at Bali for dinner. After all, is it possible to compare a restaurant to a live-in cook at your villa in Bali? Yes. She loved it and so did I.

Bev’s libation for the evening was malbec and mine was the “Balitini” – a fantastic blend of vodka and a splash of Thai chili pepper infused pineapple juice. The hint of an ‘after burn’ was a bit unusual and very interesting. I had 2!

We decided to share plates. For starters, we had the Gurita Goreng – a threesome of lightly breaded, fried baby octopus resting in a citrusy herb and garlic sauce. The sauce resembled a thin pesto. Delicious!

For dinner, we had the Daging Rendang. Rendang is dry rubbed chunks of lean beef simmered in a rich, intensely seasoned brown coconut gravy. Some of the spices that popped out included turmeric, ginger, shallots & lemon grass. The melt-in-your-mouth tender pieces of beef were tossed with thinly sliced potatoes & carrot slivers. Incredible! A cone shaped serving of jasmine rice infused with coconut milk wrapped in a banana leaf comes with the dish. So tasty, I could eat it alone. Our vegetable was the Tumis Kecang Panjang – long thin crispy green beans (chopped into bite size pieces) and nuggets of tofu stir-fried & tossed in a nutty, garlic soy-based sauce slightly sweetened with palm sugar.

Bev insisted we have the Black Rice for dessert. The exotic, but simple dessert is lightly sweetened with coconut milk. The rice had a slightly chewy texture. A perfect ending to an outstanding meal.

Our server was very attentive and was able to answer all of Bev’s questions. I was there to enjoy a meal with my friend.

I recommend changing the music. Play more international selections, less "American pop" and certainly no need for the thumping "house music" after 10p. This is not a club; those wanting house music should head downtown.

Also, the one negative is the exhaust system in the kitchen. It is weak; be prepared to leave smelling somewhat like your dinner and those meals served next to you. Be warned... leave your best clothes home.

I hope the number of filled tables is an indication of a new energy that will be on Nicollet Avenue for many years.

Mmm, Mmm…

http://BaliMinneapolis.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!”

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

BOCA BENTO - Mismaloya/Puerto Vallarta

I finally made it to Boca Bento's new location approximately 8 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta in the bay side village of Mismaloya.

"Mismaloya is the small bay side village where in 1963 Hollywood director, John Huston, chose to make the movie "Night of the Iguana" which changed the face of Puerto Vallarta forever. The publicity created by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's love affair and interest in the Mexican town where it occurred, put Puerto Vallarta on the world's map.

Since then, this tropical paradise, where the verdant jungle vegetation of the Sierra Madre mountains meets the crystal clear waters of Bandera Bay, has been passionately linked to Puerto Vallarta's history."

[
About Mismaloyla]

Stewart and Monica have the Casa Iguana resort and moved Boca Bento into a large covered dining area (without walls). The very comfortable, tropical garden space made me wonder why it took me so long to visit their new location. Yes, Juan is still in charge of the kitchen.

I invited 5 friends to join me for dinner. We all had a fantastic time.


Unfortunately, I can not find my notes on my meal; I believe I left it at the table. We shared so many different dishes, I can not remember exactly what we had. I do recall that we ate shrimp prepared a couple of different ways, mahi mahi, tangy pad thai, octopus and. . . Scrumptious!


I do remember we started with pomegranate martinis. Refreshingly delicious - we enjoyed several rounds.


Stewart, the gracious owner, stopped by our table several times throughout our meal ensuring all of us were enjoying ourselves. We certainly did.


I plans to return to Puerto Vallarta in May have been pushed to mid-July. I have already made my reservation for dinner! More details after this visit.

Link to a prior Boca Bento visit

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!”

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

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. Be patient; it is worth the wait.

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.

Our condo is just up the hill from Michel's. The first time we walked by the restaurant, it was David who said we needed to make a reservation. I quickly agreed. Michel's is one of my favorites in Vallarta.
David & I sat at a table on the wrap-around patio enjoying a tropical evening in paradise.

At Trattoria Michel, my preferred libation is their Grey Goose martini, slightly dirty.

I selected the Insalata di Finocchio con arrancia, pamplemouse, limone y Pecorin Sardo. This very fresh shaved fennel salad was an explosion of flavors - juicy segments of grapefruit, orange and lime - served over wild baby greens topped with Pecorino cheese and a drizzle of grape oil. Excellent!

My entree on this visit was the Milanesa de Pollon con e capperi. This whole, flattened sauteed chicken breast was served with a translucent white wine and lemon sauce, accented with giant caper berries. This succulent chicken had a trio of sides - slivers of steamed sweet-as-sugar carrots, grape tomatoes sauteed in a bit of olive oil, garlic & herbs, and a small mound of steamed baby spinach.

At this point, we asked Michel to join us while he ate his dinner. For dessert, he recommended the Zabaglione with amaretto. The egg whites, sugar and amaretto combine to create a heavenly puff of decadence. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a dessert like I did this evening. Indescribably delicious!

Once again, Michel ensured we had the perfect dining experience... paradise within a paradise. I am quite anxious to return to my favorite table at my favorite restaurant. My trip was originally planned for mid-May, but will now be mid-July.

Link to a prior Trattoria Michel visit

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!”

Sunday, March 08, 2009

JOE JACK'S FISH SHACK - Puerto Vallarta

My friend, David, was traveling with me on this trip. We were in the mood for some seafood. I suggested Joe Jack's, where I have always been pleased. I am not certain how many visits I have made to Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the south side's beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes.

It has become a tradition of mine to have their special libation - a Mermaid Martini (or 2) - as I eat my way through the menu. Tonight was no different!


For starters, we had the shrimp tostada Louie. This trio of 3" tostadas were piled high with tiny shrimp, avocado & tidbits of white onion lightly bathed in a thin mayo sauce. Yumm! We also shared the traditional ceviche - a tall goblet overflowing with white fish, shrimp, green pepper, onion and a zippy lime sauce. I was hoping to have a serving of Joe's special ceviche with an Asian twist, but they had none left for the day. Our traditional ceviche was great.


For my dinner, I chose the mahi mahi. The grilled, very fresh mahi mahi arrived resting on the fonda rice (seasoned with tomatoes, peppers, garlic & onion) and a side of over sized red beans. Cilantro, sliced radishes, white onion and a tiny mound of the absolute freshest pico de gallo dressed the platter.


Guillermo was our server this evening. His huge smile and friendly personality added to our relaxing, flavor packed evening. His suggestions on this visit, as well as prior visits, are always spot-on.


Again, I recommend a roof top table. I take every opportunity I can to enjoy dining under the stars in the tropics!

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!”

Thursday, March 05, 2009

BLUE SEAS BEACH CLUB CAFE - Puerto Vallarta

The Blue Seas Beach Club's indoor/outdoor cafe is located on the beach about 4 blocks south of the pier in the Zona Romantica area - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is also referred to as Los Muertos.

After 3 visits in the past 5 months, I would have expected some improvements and excitement to have been added to the small, uninteresting menu. The "postcard" size menu is in significant contrast to the casually elegant finishes - long flowing white drapes, comfy chairs, unobstructed views of Banderas Bay & more eye candy than one could imagine. My friends, David & Jose, joined me for lunch. We had high hopes for a sexy lunch but were quickly let down.

I ordered the grilled chicken breast sandwich on 3 different visits - all 3 times it failed. You may be thinking that I should have tried something else. It is difficult to choose from such an abbreviated menu. Each time hoping it would be right... no luck. Too much dry bread, chicken that lacked seasoning and the attempt at the "fancy mayo" failed miserably. However, the one tiny positive is the hot & crispy french fries. But french fries are a easy, expected side to a sandwich. Why not an interesting potato salad, crispy jicama sticks with a citrus squeeze, sliced radishes or apples?

The staff is very accommodating and willing to make "things right", but there is only so much that can be done with bland, boring food. Arturo and Frederico's never ending smiles, laughs and sexy personalities make it worth a visit knowing the best part of the menu will be a libation from the bar.

The ambiance and promo materials tease one into believing you will experience much more than you will ever get, at least at the cafe, that is!

Mmm {libations}...

$
++++


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!”

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

ROBERTO'S - Puerto Vallarta

Roberto's is a 2-level open space located on Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the most energized area of PV with the south side's beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. It is a couple of blocks east of one of my favorites, Joe Jack's Fish Shack. The upper level is not open during breakfast.

Grab a table near the large open windows to the sidewalk - too many interesting characters!

I met my very good friend, Jaime, for breakfast. He went with a traditional American breakfast of pancakes, eggs over-easy and sausage. He really enjoyed his breakfast platter.

I chose the chicken stuffed crepes topped with a chipotle sauce. The three crepes were filled with chunked chicken breast, diced white onion, tomato, and minced jalapeno. The very light, creamy chipotle sauce added a nice bit of heat. The fantastic crepes sprinkled with white cheese, came with 2 small wedges of watermelon.

The crepes and the bottomless cup of strong dark coffee were an incredible breakfast combination for $75p or $6USD.

Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.robertospuertonuevo.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!”