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 News from Around Banderas Bay | October 2007 
A European Bistro on the Mexican Riviera
 Gary T. Beck - PVNN
| | Open daily from 11 am to Midnight, Vitea is located at Libertad #2 on the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Tel: 222-8703, ViteaPV.com. |
In 2004, Bernhard Güth and Ulf Herniksson of Trío fame opened Vitea - a small, artistic, casual and contemporary Oceanfront Bistro, Deli and Coffee Bar just south of the pedestrian bridge on the new section of the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Offering creative Mediterranean cuisine and traditional bistro favorites like soups and sandwiches, salads and fine pastries, the owner/chefs' recipe for success has once again proven itself. Vitea has become one of the locals' favorite places to eat, drink, see, and be seen.
The long, narrow bistro faces the waterfront between the central plaza and river, so whether you choose to dine at one of the mosaic tables inside or one of the 14 awning-shaded tables outside, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Bahía de Banderas.
Since the air was warm and the bay breezes a bit cooling, this time we dined outside.
We started out with a dish that is high on the must-have list of many: Eggplant Ravioli with creamy tart yogurt and watercress, topped with spicy garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese accompanied by Goat Cheese Crostini, which combines the subtle tang of the cheese with fruity orange and mint marmalade. Traditional Gazpacho followed, a cold smooth tomato vegetable soup found throughout Mexico, but with origins in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia.
Spice-Glazed Dorado Fillet was presented with jícama slaw, a fine invention I have seen more and more of lately. It is like a cousin of cole slaw. Pesto-Baked Chicken Breast arrived on a bed of fresh pasta and was topped with a white wine sauce. A wonderful blend of flavors, it was a crowd pleaser. Very tender Leg of Veal was stuffed with artichokes and other vegetables, then finished with a mushroom sauce. Lovely hot crisp potato croquettes accompanied.
And for dessert? A dense, rich, dark - almost black, Chocolate Cake with walnuts was accented by a Tiramisú ice cream. The cake was a moist slice with a thin chocolate icing. Another fine creation not seen elsewhere.
Warm Pear Tart was highlighted by an almond paste. Vanilla ice cream furnished a cooling factor. European influence appeared in the Strawberry and Mango Strudel. The layers were thin and flaky as should be. Italian caramel ice cream accented the plate.
It was with a stroke of genius that these entrepreneurs opened a fine bistro on the new stretch of the Malecón. Clientele is built in, with passersby observing the happiness and enjoyment of diners at this charming café.
Open daily from 11 am to Midnight, Vitea Oceanfront Bistro is located at Libertad #2 on the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta. For reservations call (322) 222-8703, or visit www.viteapv.com.
 After 20 years in the San Francisco restaurant business, Gary R. Beck turned his attentions to cooking, dining out, creating recipes and exploring Puerto Vallarta's rich array of eateries. Famous for his restaurant guide, available online at CafePress.com or Lulu.com, Gary also writes restaurant reviews for Puerto Vallarta newspapers, Bay Area magazines, and now, a feature column for BanderasNews.com. Contact Gary at garyrbeck1@yahoo.com.
Click HERE for more articles by Gary R. Beck. |
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