PUERTO VALLARTA RESTAURANTS & DINING GUIDE

Since 1999, hip gorgeous spot has operated several dining areas with Mediterranean-inspired food for enjoyment followed by a drink of choice in their entertainment areas. Huge staircases take you from floor to floor starting at a pleasant outdoor garden area comfortable on evenings when not stifling hot and humid. Otherwise one may opt for a cool A/C indoor area with long bar and gorgeous modern touches.

The evening was special for me since I had never visited this locale though two of my companions had enjoyed the food before and were the reason for our frequenting it. We started with a lovely dish to share, mixed mushrooms with mozzarella, gorgonzola and gruyere cheeses. What a generous mixture of creamy rich flavors, perfect spread on a small bolillo, hot from the warmer. New England clam chowder was offered but the taste was not what we were accustomed to, a bit weak and thin. But the spinach salad was very refreshing and creative with raisins, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and goat cheese. Lightly dressed, it complimented the first courses.

Baked pastry similar to pizza dough enclosed brie cheese, salmon, capers and fresh dill. This is a combination well-documented in recipe journals. The flavors blended and cheese oozed when crust was pierced. It actually was a calzone, folded over stuffed pizza. Continuing the creamy mushroom vein, pappardelle [large fettuccine] came tossed in such a sauce. Delightful, tender and ample. A lovely roasted chicken breast was served with a ginger and sherry sauce. The moist flesh had a slight tang and woody sweetness to it. A pleasing creation once again.

Very dark chocolate volcano cake exuded not only the expected warm molten chocolate lava but also a thick raspberry purée. This is a marriage to be respected.

Mousse was a mixture of mocha and white with a strong sambucca essence. Personal taste must include an appreciation of licorice. Airy cream puff called profiterole was filled with whipped cream and crowned with chocolate syrup. It reminded me of my French chef in the States who made his version with plentiful ice cream inside.

Upscale, dramatic, clean and alive, this establishment is destined to offer its guests some very fine food in an attractive modern surrounding, then music and drinks upstairs for hours longer.


Gary
San Francisco, CA./Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

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www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide