NO WAY JOSE! - Puerto Vallarta

No Way José! is located on the edge of Zona Romatica area on 5 de Febrero (first street to the left after crossing over the Rio Cuale from el centro). This area of Vallarta is the older, charming Puerto Vallarta.  Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes.  The menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine with the freshest ingredients bursting with flavor and fine dining quality.  This is one of my favorites in Vallarta, so naturally I was excited to hear they would begin a breakfast service during this trip.


I wanted to be table 1 on day 1 of their new breakfast service, but I was 5 minutes too late. I was table 2.


I begin with a bottomless cup of dark roast coffee and a basket of the flakiest biscuits, butter and strawberry preserves.  Yumm!


For breakfast I chose a favorite Machaca.  Machaca is dish prepared most commonly from dried, spiced beef.  It is then re-hydrated, pounded and shredded to make it tender.  The beef was combined with eggs and white onions, then scrambled to perfection.  The perfect portion size arrived with a side of roasted red potatoes, onion and green pepper.


The morning staff is different from their dinner staff.  Not too worry, Ramon and Carlos are extremely friendly - both with huge personalities and smiles!


Breakfast at No Way Jose! is a great value with fresh, delicious food and attentive service.  See ya in June...



Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

No Way Jose!

$

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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!”

MIEL RESTAURANT & BAR - Puerto Vallarta

Miel Restaurant opened approximately 2 weeks ago, one block off Ignacio Vallarta on the corner of Madero & Constitution. The Zona Romantica area is one of Puerto Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes. For those of you familiar with Zona Romantica, it is 1 block from Rizo's Market.

The cozy space with 15 tables is sparkling clean with a gleaming open kitchen, high white walls, and large arches & open windows accented with copper paint. The relaxing, eclectic background music is at the perfect level to encourage conversation with your dining companions.

After an early morning walk along the beach, Alex and I wanted to try a new eatery for breakfast. I created my own omelet including crispy bacon, Gouda cheese, tomatoes and basil. The perfectly cook omelet arrived with wheat toast and a generous side of buttery, crispy hash browns and refried beans. Alex chose the grilled chicken breast marinated in cilantro & olive oil, hash browns, and 2 eggs over easy. He couldn't stop talking about his meal. Of course, it would not have been complete without the endless cup of dark, rich coffee and a couple of mimosas.

Reasonable prices. Incredible quality. We agreed that this was a delicious way to begin another day in paradise!

I dined solo on my second visit. I started with the fresh fruit plate of strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe. Again, I created my own omelet. This time it included lean, slightly spicy chorizo, Gouda cheese & tidbits of fried onion. Of course, I could not say no to another serving of the fantastic hash browns and wheat toast. I also tried a side of the guillo salsa - incredibly delicious and so fresh. It was still warm from its slow simmer. The salsa is a scrumptious blend of guajillo peppers, tomatoes, onion and garlic. If I had the room, I would of ordered another omelet so I could finish off the side of salsa!

Ali & Homero, the managers, continually move throughout the dining room ensuring their guests are enjoying themselves. On both visits my server, Giovanni, was extremely friendly and very attentive.

Miel also has a dinner menu. I will certainly be returning before this trip comes to an end!


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

Miel Restaurant & Bar

$

++++

&&&&

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

$$$

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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!”

NO WAY JOSE! RESTAURANT & BAR - Puerto Vallarta

No Way José! located on the edge of Zona Romatica area on 5 de Febrero (first street to the left after crossing over the Rio Cuale from el centro). This area of Vallarta is the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes.

The menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine with the freshest ingredients bursting with flavor & fine dining quality.

After a day at the pool and a late afternoon massage, I was too relaxed to spend any time in the kitchen preparing dinner. Instead, I headed down the hill from my condo to one of my favorites – No Way Jose! with its soothing jewel toned walls, linen covered tables accented with tiny vases of fresh flowers and of course, Julie's smile and Jose's laughter.

Daniel, as charming and friendly as always, ordered for me this evening. Why make a decision if I don’t have to? He even ordered my martinis for me, refreshing pomegranate martinis with a spoonful of pomegranate seeds at the bottom of the goblet. Great, spot-on service the entire evening.

He chose the Tortilla Soup ($4US) for me as my starter. The generous serving of the classic comfort food had slivers of guillo chilies, chunks of avocado, sour cream and ranchero cheese. The tortilla strips retained their firm texture to the very last spoonful. The tomato based soup with chicken stock, jalapenos, cilantro and a pinch of cumin will have you asking for more!

For dinner, I had the Flank Steak Don José ($11US) – perfectly charred and so tender I cut it with my fork, no knife necessary. The steak was generously surrounded by grilled peppers, onions, and thin slices of chorizo sausage. The sides of freshly made guacamole and refried beans plus warm flour tortillas completed this fantastic entrée. Suggestion… add thin strips of the cactus used in your infamous nopal soup to the grilled vegetables served with the flank steak.

After another superb dinner, I was asked to join the owners, Jose & Julie, and friends from the States at their table. After another martini, several shots of Jose’s favorite tequila and 2 hours of stories & laughter, I decided to call it quits. Aah, another perfect day in paradise! I wish my return in April was not so far away.

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

Link to prior No Way Jose! visit

No Way Jose! Restaurant.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!”

NO WAY JOSE! RESTAURANT & BAR – Puerto Vallarta

No Way José! located on the edge of Zona Romatica area on 5 de Febrero (first street to the left after crossing over the Rio Cuale from el centro). This area of Vallarta is the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes.

No Way José has arch accented 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.

My friends, Jose & Jesus, joined me at No Way Jose! for dinner. Of course, we started with a few rounds of margaritas, blended to perfection.

For my starter, I had 2 Guero chilies ($6US) stuffed with small pieces of shrimp, lightly breaded and quickly deep-fried. The chilies resting on baby greens and tomatoes are served with a light aioli sauce. The mild, plump, pale yellow chilies (also known as Santa Fe Grandes) left behind a nice bit of heat!

My choice for dinner was Xochimilco Spinach-Stuffed Chicken Breast ($11US) - a whole chicken breast stuffed with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bits of garlic and gouda cheese. The breast seared for color was sautéed to a juicy perfection. An unusual finishing of corn truffle sauce was generously drizzled over the chicken. The slightly sweet, earthy flavor of the corn truffle sauce was magnificent. Steamed, crunchy carrots and white onion tossed in a light garlic butter sauce and a small flower of mashed potatoes were the perfect accompaniments to the incredible chicken entrée.

Alejandro and Daniel “double teamed” our table, again providing excellent service – always with a smile!

Reservations are a must; had we not had a reservation, the wait for a table was over an hour. When I arrived I was greeted with a welcoming hug and smile from Julie. It's so good to be home!

Since my last visit in November, the 2^nd floor dining room has been added allowing 80 additional diners the opportunity to experience the incredible magic coming from Chef Montes' kitchen. Tonight, it was a full house!

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

Link to prior No Way Jose! visit

No Way Jose! Restaurant.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!”

NO WAY JOSE! RESTAURANTE – Puerto Vallarta

No Way José! located on the edge of Zona Romatica area on 5 de Febrero (first street to the left after crossing over the Rio Cuale from el centro). This area of Vallarta is the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized neighborhood with the south side beach, restaurants, bars, lounges and beach side cafes.

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...

www.NoWayJoseMX.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!”

TAKOS PANCHO - Puerto Vallarta

TAKOS PANCHO [sic] is located on Basilo Badillo in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta - the older, charming Puerto Vallarta. Zona Romantica is Vallarta's most energized area with the south side's bars, restaurants, lounges and beach side cafes. The neighborhood continues to experience revitalization. Vallarta is ever changing & growing.

The short menu - tacos, quesadillas, & fajitas is fantastic. Juan Carlos & I stopped on our way to find some of our favorite libations. We enjoyed 2 pork tacos (tacos al pastor) with a silver of pineapple & 4 diced chicken tacos. You have your choice of either corn or flour tortillas (approx 4" in diameter). These incredible, cooked to order tacos are served with lime, cilantro and 3 sauces of varying degrees of heat. Yumm!

Our 6 tacos plus a soda came to a surprising USD$7.

Pancho's opens around 3 in the afternoon & remains open well beyond the time most go to sleep. It is the perfect stop for a quick snack or meal at very reasonable prices. Carlos, the server, quietly & quickly takes care of all his diners with his sly, sexy smile and subtle menu suggestions! This little cafe has 7 tables inside and 1 long table for six on the sidewalk. I can not recall how many visits I have made to Pancho's - numerous on my several trips to Vallarta each year. The eclectic mix of diners at all times of the day makes this one of my all time favorite taco stops!

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!”