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!”

VLADA - New York City - Upper West Side

Vlada's home is a fantastic garden level lounge on the upper west side of Manhattan. Vlada has light wood-paneled walls with a gentle curve continuing to create a beautiful wooden ceiling. The amazing audio system delivers great sounds enabling easy conversation with your friends.

The bar has a frosty platform running its entire length to keep your favorite libation perfectly chilled! This very comfortable and welcoming space has leather chairs and tiny tables creating intimate areas of conversation.

Stopping in for one will easily turn into 2 or 3. Excellent cocktails + delicious eye candy + friendly staff = perfect evening out in of the the most exciting cities!

http://www.vladabar.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!”

CREW BAR & GRILL – Chicago

Crew Bar & Grill is located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. After a short time in this comfortable bar, you will feel as if you have been coming to the Crew for years.

Tony frequently talks about the fantastic chicken wings served at Crew. I’ve known him to drive to Crew at 11pm for an order to go! So wings it was for lunch.

We had an order of the “Buffalo Mild” wings and the “Sassy” wings. Each order of the meaty chicken wings had a unique, intense flavor. The chewy/crispy outside gave way to the moist, meaty center. The Buffalo wings were perfectly seasoned with a tomatoey, vinegary, spicy blend of flavors, accompanied by a generous side of chucky bleu cheese and celery sticks. The Sassy wings were my favorite, seasoned similar to the Buffalo wings with less vinegar but more hot & sweet. The side of ranch sauce was excellent with the Sassy wings. The Crew’s menu listing for the Sassy wings is the perfect descriptor… “Just like Friday night’s fling – tasty & HOT!” I agree.

We cooled our palates with a couple rounds of the very soothing, large raspberry lemonade martinis. I know, I know. Put a delicious combination of liquors in a martini goblet and waa-laa, it’s called a martini. No matter the vessel, the raspberry lemonades are a thirst quencher with a punch! Yumm.

The plethora of sports memorabilia, large flat screen TVs, cheerful & friendly staff, and colorful clientele all add up to a great time.

I agree with Tony. These are the best chicken wings I can remember eating!

Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.worldsgreatestbar.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!”

SIGNATURE LOUNGE - Chicago

Prior to spending a long weekend with Tony in Chicago, I had only one request for our first evening together in the city – “libations with a view.” He did not disappoint! Tony took me to the Signature Lounge, located in the John Hancock tower in downtown Chicago.

The Lounge is a quick 53-second elevator ride up to the 96th floor. The infamous Signature Room (restaurant) on the 95th floor is connected to the Lounge by a wide, open staircase. There is a large cut-away between the floors allowing guests to see into both of the wonderful spaces. We scored a table for 2 near the window, looking toward the Pier on Lake Michigan; Midway Airport was off in the distance. From this vantage point, there was nothing between the “heavens” and us. Spectacular!

We had no food while we were at the Signature Lounge, but we certainly enjoyed a couple rounds of “Signature Cocktails”. I sipped Pear Martinis – a sinfully delicious blend of pear infused premium vodka and a splash of pear liquor. Tony raved about his Magnificent Mile Manhattans.

Breathtaking views, fantastic libations, fabulous companion… the perfect start to a wonderful evening.

Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.signatureroom.com/lounge/default.cfm?PID=15

$$
++++
✦✦✦

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!”

GRUMPY'S BAR & GRILL - Minneapolis

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill is located in downtown Minneapolis – 1 of 3 within the metro area. Grumpy’s offers a full menu for the 2 dining rooms, several pool tables (it is fairly easy to get table time), and a jukebox with one of the most extensive selections of music I have seen in a long time.

This friendly neighborhood establishment opens its doors to a very entertaining, eclectic, diverse Puma-to-Prada-crowd.

My dinner companion, David, and I were craving a good hamburger. I remembered what my friend, Joel, told me – “Grumpy’s has never let me down.” So Grumpy’s it was.

We each ordered the “Build Yer Own Damn Burger.” I topped my very juicy ½ lb Black Angus burger with pepper cheese, tomato and guacamole. This mouthful was wrapped in a lightly toasted sesame bun. David topped his burger with blue cheese and mushrooms. We are still talking about them today!

Hold the potato chips that come with your burger masterpiece. This is the first menu I’ve found that offers a choice between tater tots & fries. ORDER the tots. The tater tots were fantastic – crispy on the outside and flakey on the inside. Ketchup and a variety of hot (pepper) sauces are available for an extra taste sensation. We had the half order of tots; it was more than enough for 2.

Go for the burgers ‘n tots… stay to watch the people!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm

www.grumpysbar.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!”