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| 4th May 2009 garyrbeck | PV 2009 - From: Bring on the Fall Darn if I can figure how to start a new blog just add to an old one. Not sure about this site, not too consumer friendly! I am back here for 2+ months, then back for 3 weeks in August and another 2+ months in October. Having a blast, no flu here, spots all open and we are very happy. Contact me if you wish to share a dining exprince. grb |
| 14th September 2008 garyrbeck | Puerto Vallarta Fall 2008 - From: Puerto Vallarta Return!!! Summer is over, the thunderstorms and lightning have abated and now we head back for a couple months in SouthSide, right below the Rio Cuale. Fun, food, laughter, sharing, learning and dancing...all ahead and we are open to fellow bloggers in joining us, so do not be shy and write privately when you will be in the area available. Bucerias is again on the list, too! garyrbeck |
| 26th August 2008 garyrbeck | Paradise revisted - From: Puerto Vallarta Return!!! Once again heading to my other home Puerto Vallarta and will be there sometime mid october to early December so am blocking off rentals then. If you wish Dec. through 1/19/09, e-me privately. Am so jazzed to be on the cobblestones with amigos new and old! grb |
| 6th March 2007 garyrbeck | PV March 2007 - From: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Time marches on and I return for the 1st of 4 visits to mi paraiso. I was in town at my condo 4 times in 2006, met many new folks, dined all over the bay area and edited my restaurant guide with new info and deleted closed ones. Constant work but you are the benefactor. Check it out. Always looking for a dining companion or 2 or 3, so email me if you will be available 3/19-4/5 and then again 5/14-6/7/07. grb |
| 5th October 2005 garyrbeck | Blog...8/1-8/11/05 - From: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Monday, August 1, 2005 Hola kids~ I made it...met by 5 folks at the aeropuerto and off we sped to KFC no less!!! I passed and had some mediocre tacos and on to Leslie's. Headed to her casita on Miramar and unpacked while the rest started my welcome party. I joined in shortly and danced with Rasta, her standard black haired poodle with a natural dreadlocks hairdo! Wild and crazy. Why am I here in August, the heat, the humidity, after just being here for 17 days in May? My Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck's Best has taken off but the online availability needs to be supplemented with local stores carrying it to avail it to visitors and local residents alike. Off to pounding the hot pavements and cobblestones. Plus I had an appointment to tape a radio show for Paco Ojeda's The VU, Vallarta Undiscovered, which is available on the Internet and locally. There were also engagements with a couple editors of English language papers and magazines coupled with food tastings in our casita and on the town. New places, closed spots, new owners, vacation breaks. The restaurant world is ever-changing and to be on top you must keep your eyes and ears open. The Internet provides me with information from amigos but being in town and seeing for myself is a bit superior. It amazes me how some locals who claim to have their ear to the foot traffic go to the same places over and over again and really know a lot less about what is happening in PV than I do. I also become aware of musical events, festivals, art exhibits, new shops, charities, eco-tours, boat cruises, fiestas, film and openings. I take my position seriously and realize it is a labor of love, not one to make me rich! Hardly, but sure fun, and the fine people I am able to meet and enjoy is marvelous. A real door opener. Also, I have decided after years of pondering the situation that with my guide and the work it entails, rent has become a detriment and a total waste. So, I put out feelers for a small condo, even a studio, where I could hang my swimsuit, hook up my PC, have a phone and some coffee and food and sleep before the next day's travels. With a small bank account and a list of needs and factors unacceptable, the location of SouthSide, south of Rio Cuale but below the highway and not on the way to Conchas Chinas, my options were limited. My main realtor had his work cut out for him but he had already alerted me to a few possibilities even before my plane's wheels had touched the tarmac. August 2 After a fitful night due to unaccustomed noise and concerns about the upcoming days, I arose, made cafe for us and started my first day looking over emails and phone numbers trying to decide which came first, second and then third. my amiga had an extra PC for me so I became glued to it as usual back in the City, plus three phone lines for her biz which I could use when open. I was being treated very well already. After sending out a dozen emails and reading even more, I stepped out the doorway into the bright hot sunlight and off I went to fill an aching in my tummy as I had not eaten in ages except for those little lousy tacos. Note-taking started immediately as I passed this spot no longer in biz, this one closed for a month, this one with shorter summer hours and this needing to be added to my guide. I finally decided upon a place I had been to many times before but not for well over a year: El Calamar Adventurero Aquiles Serdán 130 at Constitución across from G. Rizo’s Supermercado OT/SS. 11am-7pm Closed Sunday. Corner eatery offers many fish and shellfish choices at low prices combining an L-shaped counter and section of tables to the right. Fresh oysters shucked per order, ceviche or shrimp tostada 10p, smoked marlin or pescado taco 10p, marlin burrito 65p, mussels 70p, fried calamari 80p, shrimp empanadas 55p and aqua fresca 10p. Marcy loves the huge seafood burrito 80p, fried shrimp tacos, special large seafood soup 100p. We walked around, hunger pains getting greater and did not find the spot where we would be happy dining, when we walked by this relic which serves up some super good reasonable food with the same chefs who labored way back in the '70s days! Ah, chicken livers, tetrazzini or frogs' legs? Tony's Please Lázaro Cárdenas 446 near Jacarandas OT/SS. 5:30-11pm; high season 4:30-11pm Closed Sunday. Tony's son serves up well-priced eclectic menu of Andalusa [garbanzo] soup 30p, garlic egg soup 26p, frogs' legs 98p, Mexican tenderloin tips 72p, Méxican plate 72p, chicken crêpes 70p, chicken livers 72p, chicken tetrazzini 88p, filet mignon 99p, pepper steak 98p, fajitas: chicken 72p, steak 80p or shrimp 85p, fish fillet in white wine shrimp cream sauce 90p or Veracruzana 88p. Father owned the 1960's-80's original on Encino near Río Cuale, which was a huge local favorite complete with pool table, rowdy customers and long lines. Menu here remains almost identical with same cooks. What a nice early daytime to walk on la playa before the sun gets way too hot. But, the brisas off the Bahia are o comforting it is hard to leave. So, I decided to stop at one of the many small pots right by the sand which serve local fish and Mexican favorites at good prices. Langostinos Playa Los Muertos at Manuel M. Diéguez OT/SS. 222-0894 http://vallartasource.com/LangastinosIF.php langostinos@hotelfrankfurt.com 8am-11pm Owned by Mike Pohl of Café Frankfurt and managed by Irma Sánchez, casual beachside spot, many tables in the sand, offers fine American breakfast from 30p, lunches, torch-lit dinners. Salads 38-65p, hamburger 50p, sandwiches 45-55p, guacamole 60p, ceviche tostadas, seafood cocktail, chicken 80p, steak 145p, ribs 95p, fresh fish as huachinango mojo de ajo and whole 85-130p, 1/2 kilo shrimp 165p, jumbo garlic shrimp 150p, shrimp Veracruzana, seafood pasta 110p, lobster 168p, cheesecake and fried bananas in cream 45p [!] Fruit smoothies with water 20p, with milk 25p. Popular 2 for 1 Happy Hour for sunset. Hi to Linda. Archie's Wok Francisca Rodríguez 130 OT/SS. 221-0411 www.puertonet.com.mx/archieswok awok@pvnet.com.mx 2-11pm Closed Sunday and September. Hungry for Asian cuisine? In 1986, the personal chef of John Huston founded this place featuring a combination of Thai, Filipino and Chinese cuisines reflecting his heritage. Now his widow Cyndi Alpenia, trained chef son Sergio and lovely daughter Kyoki run it and the food is very good. Fork-tender beef tongue is a simple dish in coconut milk and mild spices 195p, sizzling mahi mahi fillet in banana leaves, lemongrass, garlic, chiles and cilantro 135p, Chinese sesame cucumbers 38p, crisp spring rolls, lumpia 3 65p, chicken sate 3 65p, shrimp coconut soup 65p, Thai hot and sour soup 55p, red or green curry chicken 140p, ginger-stir-fried vegetables with chicken 77p or beef 85p, pad Thai 120p, pancit 85-95p, lime cheese pie 48p, triple chocolate fudge brownie 42p and exotic drinks as Mint Cascade Drink 28p. Sometimes live quiet soothing music of D'Rachael on vocals, harp and flute [now Thursday to Saturday 7:30pm-10:30pm]. Ceiling fans and lovely plants abound. Los Lilios Mariscería Aguacate 395 at Manuel M. Diéguez OT/SS. 222-3629 11am-8pm Kitchen is right inside the casa, but the 4 tables for 4 guests are on the sidewalk. Grilled shrimp with ham and cheese 126p, mahi mahi 5 ways 65p, cazuela 70/53p, aguachile [spicy shrimp ceviche] with tostadas [great for an appetizer for 4] 80p, burras 48-70p, shrimp burger 44p, tostadas 7-20p, flan 12p, Jamaica 7p, limonada 17p and beer 10p. Hi to Fausto and Memo! Hola mi amigos y amigas~ I told you about the dinner Friday 8/5 at Mama Dolores 8:30-9pm-ish outside where the cool summer brisas will make us all very comfortable and then the fab show at The Palm where illuuuuuuuustionist Ida Slapter will 'kiss' a brief farewell to the city by the bay [until fall]. Come 'with bells on' since you do not wish to be upstaged. Anyone in town who cares to get together under the disguise of tasting egg rolls and a few other Chinese items, email me: Sat. 8/6 4-5pm, right near the Rio Cuale. I have all the details, so do not be shy like me and call us and meet some other fellow PV lovers. It will be fun, guaranteed. grb/ sf/ca/usa; pv/jal/mx Mama Dolores Diner Olas Altas 534B near Púlpito OT/SS. 228-4061 mamadolores4@hotmail.com 4-11pm [until end of October] Closed Sunday and Monday. Part inside, part elevated sidewalk street café since 1996 now owned by Grant Hunermund and Kieran Justason from Toronto, Canada features simple Méxican and American fare as 1/3 lb. burger with French fries 50p, BLT 45p, turkey club 53p, chef's salad 55p, taco salad with choice of meat 53p, meat loaf 80p, fried chicken 75p, mac and cheese 75p, green salad with soup and bread 38p, ½ baby back pork ribs 80p, full 99p, fajitas 90p, mahi mahi 88p, whole fish 94p. Breakfast hot cakes or French toast 55p, eggs Benedict 58p, meat lover's omelet with chorizo, bacon and ham 60p, chicken fried steak with fried eggs 53p. Oct.-March: Sunday turkey dinner with all the trimmings 5pm-10pm 110p. Adult Soda Fountain Cocktails [floats, sodas, and shakes], Mama D´s Margarita Club - Buy 9, 10th is free. Beer 10p and margaritas 20p. Saturday night in high season meet Mama D! No CC. Closures for sure... Beanz Northern Delights Cafe Fregosa Chez Sabor Bianco's...new ownership, remodeling Pastel du Village, now Paris Cafe on Basilio Badillo Sabor Ami Papaya 3 on Olas Altas Zzuba Karpathos no longer Greek, now Latinos Posting this artist's website: http://www.tissaco.com I met Humberto and we shared some fun times this past visit. He is so very talented....and funny! Check out his mylars. I am very impressed with his artistry. Grabbed a quick iced frappuccino and a sandwich at Dee's Coffee Company until my realtor whizzed by with word... Machis Bar B. Q. Lázaro Cárdenas 452, upstairs at Jacarandas OT/SS. 222-9327 machispv@yahoo.com 11-2am, 4pm-2am Sun. Enrique and Adriana Solis Robles offer an inexpensive eclectic menu of avocado shrimp 50p, tortilla soup 25p, fish and chips 55p, mahi mahi Veracruzana 60p, bbq ribs 90p, pork chop 75p, rib eye 65/120p, filet mignon 95p, bacon wrapped mahi mahi stuffed with crab and shrimp 80p, bacon wrapped shrimp 95p, shrimp mignon scampi or mushroom 95p, chicken chipotle 60p, arrachera with guacamole, rice and beans 70p, hamburger 12p or double 28p from 12-5pm and sandwiches as BLT or chicken 30-45p. Good limonada and fried ice cream with choco 28p. Breakfast choices in November 2005 will include egg dishes 28p, omelets 38p and tamales 26p. Indoor and some balcony seating. Live music some nights, call first. Evening reservations recommended. Had to rush back to the casita and get a taxi off to Fiesta Mexicana. I had not been to one of these 'touristy' attractions in 20 years. La Iguana was my first and last, but we felt the food was mediocre and the endless pitchers of margaritas very poor cheap quality but the dancers and singing owner were fabulous. What impressed me most was the parade of dancers in song after song attired in that state's indigenous costumes. This extravaganza was hosted at NH Krystal Vallarta on Francisco M. Ascencio toward the aeropuerto. The brochure said they have had 40 years on stage. The place was packed and fortunately we were able to just walk up to the front and announce our arrival without tickets. Ushered in past many empty tables we were seated at a fine table with a good vantage point and not right on top of the buffet tables. Hombres wove through the masses blowing balloons into head gear of various whimsical designs and colors. We kept them on until the adventure of the experience has passed, about 15 minutes! An open bar was available through order from wandering meseros. The M. C. entertained some in the crowd and then came the announcement that the buffet were ready for perusing. I allowed the crowds to amass in long lines while I snapped pictures of the displays and patrons. Finally I started filling up a plate [or 2] and was able to pick and choose the regional item I desired in particular. The selection was vast, from cheeses, fruits, fish, chicken, pork, tostaditas, salads, dips and at long last desserts. One could not leave the huge ballroom hungry. They needed a better lighting director since many of the fabulous costumes were practically impossible to see due to almost complete darkness with a few torches supplying light. When the lights popped on, we could see the fine workmanship. The dancing was very fine and the tempo of the presentation kept us enthralled. One highlight was the entrance of a horse onstage complete with two generations of rope cowboys. the young muchacho was hoisted upon the saddle and he made his fanciful lariat creations. Dianita's Francisco I. Madero 243A OT/SS. 8am-6pm Lunch special comida corrida [fast food!] 40p changes daily, choice of 10 entrées, 3 soups, warm tortillas and fresh agua of the day. Often offered: lomo chipotle [pork loin], pollo almendrado, bistek Méxicana [thin steak], chuletas de puerco [pork chops], machaca con huevos [shredded beef and eggs] and pollo spaghetti. Horchata [almond-rice cooler], limonada or Jamaica [hibiscus flowers] drinks. Small, simple, may share table with others, mainly locals. A quick, satisfying in and out spot! Went with the editor of a local English language newspaper to a new hot spot in OT/SS... Casa del Naranjo Naranjo 263 at Lázaro Cárdenas OT/SS. 222-3518 casanaranjo@prodigy.net.mx 3-11pm Owner Andres Espinoza's upscale casual with open kitchen restaurant has an ever-changing menu with an accent on the flavor of oranges. It may include shrimp salad with spinach and orange 70p, potato leek cream soup Reyna 40p, huachinango in orange pine nut crust with basil sauce 135p, giant butterflied shrimp with spinach ravioli in thyme sauce 170p, chicken breast stuffed with squash blossoms and ricotta cheese 110p, grilled New York steak in red wine and rosemary potatoes 190p, chocolate almond puff pastry with strawberry sauce or orange mousse 45p. A/C. This needs work but got this far. Email me with any questions or comments... grb http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puerto_Vallarta_OldTown_SouthSide http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puerto_Vallarta_Gay_Travel http://www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide http://www.lulu.com/content/132501 |
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