| | |  Entertainment | Restaurants & Dining | May 2009 
Restaurant Week at Hacienda San Ángel
 Gary R. Beck - PVNN
| | Hacienda San Angel is located at Miramar 336, overlooking the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta. For reservations, call (322) 222-2692. | |
This gorgeous antique-filled luxury boutique hotel's courtyard, pools, fountains, candle-lit gardens and airy rooftop terrace, once for guests only, are now open to the public at Hacienda San Ángel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Four casas were incorporated into one massive hacienda by Janice Chatterton. We allowed extra time before dinner to tour the premises and take hundreds of photographs. Angels adorn every viewing area, right down to the bars of hand soap. Step back in time, obtaining the feeling of old time grandeur of Puerto Vallarta and exquisite vistas of the Bahía de Banderas, cityscape and sunsets.
Chef Eduardo Mitchaca's Mexican integration cuisine produces wonderful Mestizo and International dishes. From the special Restaurant Week 2009 menu, we opted first for slightly Minced Shrimp and Fish Cakes, 2 moist golden brown rounds on a creamy orange-paprika sauce. Fresh and properly cooked, they were nestled on tiny cubes of mango and jícama.
A refreshing and delightful warm Potato Leek Puréed Soup was marked by its subtle flavors. A Mixed Green Salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette combined tangy arugula and chicory in addition to lettuces. The sharpness of the greens surprised some guests but that is how the greens taste.
Grilled Pork Chop was of medium thinness and served with tasty garlic rosemary mashed potatoes, crisp al dente asparagus in a apple-mushroom-Marsala wine sauce. Fresh Trout Fillets appeared to be Steelhead or a relative as the flesh was pale pink and flaky. Underneath were mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, carrots and finished with a creamy leek sauce. An unusual addition was lightly picante brown pimienta.
Pasta lovers were thrilled with the Linguini with Grilled Chicken pieces, marinated artichoke heart and various mushrooms. Everything was tossed in a tangy white wine-lemon butter sauce. The pasta was firm with the entire dish blending very well.
Crêpes Suzette were delicately firm and flavored as expected with Grand Marnier, sugar and plentiful orange zest. Vanilla ice cream added to the marvelous presentation. The plate rim was decorated with superfine sprinkles of ground cocoa and powdered sugar. Lychee Sorbet was sprite, zesty and fruity, very refreshing on a warm evening.
Hacienda San Ángel has been recognized with the 4 Star Diamond Award by AAA, and called "As visually stunning as it is hospitable..." by Forbes magazine. Until recently, dining in the hotel's restaurant, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, was only available to guests, but due to demand for acclaimed chef Eduardo Mitchaca's Mexican infused international cuisine, reservations-only limited seating is now offered to the public.
Hacienda San Angel is located at Miramar 336, overlooking the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Visit during Restaurant Week and you'll see why dining at Hacienda San Angel Gourmet is an adventure. For reservations, call (322) 222-2692.
The author was supplied one choice in each of the 3 courses on the special Restaurant Week menu and this review is in no way connected to his independent restaurant guide, "Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck's Best," where write-ups receive no compensation.
Restaurant Week continues through May 31st at some of the most recognized restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. For a list of participating restaurants and Restaurant Week 2009 reviews click HERE. |
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