Gene Mendoza always had a dream of owning and operating a restaurant. His father, Miguel, is a professional chef who influenced this dream into becoming a reality: Fusion Gourmet. The space is a beautiful old home, decorated as you would find in the rural hills of Mexico, with straw-stucco walls, a nice courtyard, an air conditioned Salon and rooftop terrace. The three very different spaces work perfectly for couples, as well as small and large groups!

The Mexican menu is fused with accents of his growing up in the State of Mexico and from countries around the world during Gene's travels abroad. This, coupled with a partnership with his chef, has turned into a great mix of his standard favorites and popular dishes such as Coconut Mahi Mahi, Tequila Shrimp and Beef Filet wrapped in cactus with a Mediterranean sauce.

Traditional ingredients and rare spices have been used to create some amazing sauces; but Fusion Gourmet is careful not to overly condiment them. Simple, flavorful and beautifully presented dishes are the standard, and they have achieved great acclaim from the Puerto Vallarta locals and visitors who have dined at Fusion Gourmet.

Fusion Gourmet offers daily lunch specials, a 20% Early Bird discount every day from 5-6:30 pm, and live music performed every Wednesday and Friday night in the restaurant's first-floor garden.

The rooftop terrace now hosts the new and trendy Mezcalería, where flavorful drinks made with Mezcal are offered in a stylish lounge-like setting, complete with lounge music, sea life videos, changing lights and colorful-crazy décor.

Located at Pilitas #156 at Amapas, across the street from Hotel Tropicana in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, Fusion Gourmet is open from 8 am to 11:30 pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day but Tuesday. For more information, call (322) 223-1177 or follow them on Facebook.

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Mezcalerias: Vallarta's First Dedicated Mezcal Bar
Logan Miller

Conveniently located just a few steps off of Puerto Vallarta's famed Los Muertos Beach, Mezcalerias offers the perfect option for post-beach tapas and drinks before continuing to neighboring Fusion Gourmet for dinner and heading out for a night on the town.