Restaurant Week at Barcelona Tapas Gary R. Beck - PVNN
Open for lunch and dinner, Barcelona Tapas is located at Matamoros & 31 de Octubre in downtown Puerto Vallarta. For more information or reservations call (322) 222-0510 or visit BarcelonaTapas.net
Since 2000, chef/owner Bill Carballo, from Chicago and trained in Spain, has created a wide swath of fame in town with his tapas, small plates of creations meant to be shared amongst guests. Little examples of fine Spanish food are passed around the tables, enabling diners to sample many taste treats. Perched high not only up the hill but also up an open wrought iron-railed staircase to a lovely terrace on the top fourth floor, Barcelona Tapas restaurant sports sweeping views of the Bahía de Banderas and the sparkling town below. Settle in and watch the sunset and then the nine o'clock fireworks off the Marigalante pirate ship, all the while noshing on very fine authentic dishes originating in Spain. Barcelona Tapas is the ideal place for eating out with friends, and that is just one of the reasons why it was the perfect place to spend a night out on the town during this year's Vallarta Restaurant Week. Nice crusty house made breads were supplied with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of butter, plus a dollop of creamy garlic potato salad. For starters, Vegetable Tortilla Española (layered potato, egg and onion torta) was smooth and tender with a dense golden crust and served with fantastic house made aioli garlic mayo and marinated Mediterranean green and black olives. This frittata was a scrumptious mix of flavors. A Special Mixed Greens Salad was composed of various lettuces available and radicchio, accented with goat cheese, thinly sliced pears, pecans and pine nuts. Two soups of the day were Cream of Asparagus and Cream of Mushroom, but there was no space to try them this time. Saffron Rice with Shrimp, Fish and Mussels was lightly sauced and mixed with sweet red bell pepper. Rice was tender but not overdone. Brochette was a skewer of Angus Beef Tenderloin, very tender and flavorful chunks, and accompanied with tricolor bell pepper strips, eggplant and potato. Aioli was displayed in a side container, adding intense contrast to the meat and vegetables. Then followed the desserts, all not to be missed or passed by. Homemade Ice Creams, longtime favorites of this spot, possibly the best in Puerto Vallarta, included cinnamon, canela, basil, pineapple-coconut and vanilla. Samples of most of them were brought to the table with the basil concoction being among the best and a cup of rich, soft creamy ice cream with pineapple chunks and shreds of coconut following very close by. Various flavors are offered nightly. Flan, seen abundantly around town, may be the best in its class here. A hint of orange pervaded the creamy texture of the custard. A light golden top added to the experience and plate was garnished with fresh strawberries. Crème Brûlée was delicate with a crisp crackling golden brown crust and rich throughout. Very fine example of how this dessert should be prepared and served. Only a frothy cappuccino could accent this remarkable and pleasurable feast. The restaurant's fresh baked breads, homemade sauces and delicious tapas prepared in an open kitchen using the freshest local ingredients and served by a friendly staff, not to mention a view as spectacular as the food, make Barcelona Tapas one of Puerto Vallarta's favorite restaurants. Open for lunch and dinner, Barcelona Tapas is located at Matamoros & 31 de Octubre in downtown Puerto Vallarta, México. For more information or reservations call (322) 222-0510 or visit BarcelonaTapas.net 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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Entertainment | Restaurants & Dining | June 2009 
Gary R. Beck - PVNN
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