EL DORADO - Puerto Vallarta

El Dorado is one of the newer eateries in the Zona Romantica area, Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges, and beach side eateries. El Dorado completed a total renovation a few weeks back.

The new space is a sexy beach eatery including a roof top space perfect watching the beach-goers and the Pacific's stunning sunsets. The quartet of owners, Richard Haverlack, Juan Zuno (Executive Chef of Boca Bento), Alice Ardisonne, and Homer Santiago have created a sexy, tropical dining destination on Los Muertos Beach. The Latin & Asian inspired dishes will have your taste buds dancing! The large palapa roof covers an open dining room accented in bright blue and green.

During this trip I made 2 visits to El Dorado - each exceeded my expectations. However, I cannot find my "meal notes" written on napkins. I believe my housekeeper discarded them.

Go for Happy Hour and dinner on the beach served by extremely friendly staff. End your evening basking in the glow of one of their fire pits as the sun sets over the Pacific... aah paradise!

I will be certain to not lose my notes when I make a return visit to Vallarta in May.

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

El Dorado

$$

++++

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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!”

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

$$

+++++

&&&&

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!”

BOCA BENTO - Mismaloya/Puerto Vallarta

Boca Bento is located in Mismaloya – a quick 15 minute taxi ride south of Puerto Vallarta. Boca Bento’s comfortable dining room is a large covered dining area (without walls) surrounded by tropical garden spaces.

Jose & I wanted a “change of scenery” so we headed south for lunch. We ended up at one of my favorites, Boca Bento.

For the starter, we had the Queso Findido – an incredible blend of 3 cheeses (Chihuahua, Manchego, & Oaxaca). We requested crumbled chorizo be added. This combination was baked to a gooey goodness and served with warm flour tortillas. A trio of sauces – pico de gallo, sour cream, and guerea (roasted tomatoes, peppers, garlic & onion) accompanied the starter. These sauces were first spread on the tortilla followed by a couple of spoons of the cheese mixture. Amazing!

For lunch, I had the fish tacos. The grilled white fish was marinated in orange juice, garlic, tomato, achiote & apple cider vinegar. The flaky fish was piled in a tortilla topped with shredded lettuce and a generous drizzle of a jabanero mayo sauce. Fantastic.

Kudos to Stewart & Monica (the owners) for keeping Chef Juan Zuno in charge of the menu. His creations continue to excite me. Back in a few months. . .

Link to 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!”

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!”

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!”

RED PEARL KITCHEN - San Diego

Red Pearl Kitchen is one of my favorite Pan-Asian eateries. The Red Pearl is located in the Gas Lamp District, a revitalized downtown area of San Diego. Exotic, hip, and contemporary can describe this entertaining restaurant. Each of my visits have been as good as the last.

My good friend, Marty, & I arrived early and had martinis in the bar. I had a Lychee martini. It was tasty but more pureed lychee than I remembered & not enough vodka. I moved on to Effen vodka dirty martinis. Now, this was a martini!

Ok, I have to confess. I remember all of the dishes we devoured, but I had 1 too many martinis to put all the details to paper. This is a summary of the dishes we chose to share.

For starters, we had the Chicken Ginger Pot stickers with blackened sesame seeds and a fantastic dipping sauce of passion fruit juice, ginger & soy sauce. So good, we had a 2nd plate. Green Curry Chicken Satay followed. The green curry sauce was a wonderful blend of flavors including coconut milk, coriander, and chilies. Perfect for smothering the grilled chicken.

Odon noodles with mushrooms and Asian greens arrived. This must be the Thai version of comfort food. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, ginger and sesame oil & stock created an earthy, satisfying noodle broth. The Kobe beef with chucks of the sweetest papaya and mint leaves was an excellent recommendation. This Kobe beef stir fried delicacy was superb, leaving me speechless! This does not happen to often.

Yes, after hearing the dessert list, we felt the need to indulge. We had the very refreshing Watermelon Sorbet. The sorbet was served with chunky cherry compote and slivers of toasted almonds. A perfect ending to a perfect meal.

Friendly, helpful and sexy staff adds to the evening! Reservations highly recommended.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.redpearlkitchen.com/sandiego

$$
++++
✦✦✦✦

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!”

BOCA BENTO - Puerto Vallarta

Boca Bento is located in the Zona Romantica area of Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica (aka Los Muertos) is Vallarta's most active area with the Southside’s beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beachside cafes. The neighborhood has recently been revitalized and the main street, Olas Altas, is now lined with fun to fine dining, sidewalk cafes, great bars and nightclubs.

The fusion of Latin and Asian flavors on the menu was a delight to read. I began my dining experience with the Thai style chili crusted calamari. The “translucent” breading did not hide the freshest calamari I’ve ever eaten. The chipotle dipping sauce was a welcomed change from the usual garlic aioli served by many restaurants.

I’ve dined at Boca Bento on many occasions. This evening I selected a seat at the bar. I was pleasantly surprised when Juan (the chef) stopped by to greet me. It was his night off; however, when I made the comment that I was looking for a “surf ‘n turf” combination of some sort, he headed to the kitchen. He personally created an off-the-menu entrée for me. While he was in the kitchen, I was entertained by Alberto (the lounge’s mixologist) and Shawnee, my very friendly waiter.

My dinner was served! I received a combination of huge Adobe flavored shrimp with grilled pineapple & a side of chimichurri sauce and the juiciest, most tender grilled beef medallions I have ever eaten. The medallions were served with a pasilla chile sauce. The sauce delivered just the right amount of “heat.” The pasilla chile has a mild to medium heat; this chile is a good substitute for Ancho and Mulato chiles. I had 2 choices of vegetables – a very light potato puree seasoned with a hint of wasabi and grilled vegetables dusted with salt, pepper, & tiny flakes of roasted garlic. Fantastic!

Just when I thought it could not get any better than this, the chef told me my dessert would soon be ready. He made me a passion fruit soufflé with a passion fruit sorbet. This incredible dessert was served in a spun sugar cup. Simple perfection. The meal was 2 hours of bliss.

Boca Bento is comfortably decorated & filled with beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. I’ve made several visits to this restaurant and have never been disappointed. The menu, the chef, the ambiance, the service… all rank near the top of my favorites list in Puerto Vallarta.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

www.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!”