Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The mere mention of Italian food conjures up very specific images, dishes and aromas. While the stereotypical Italian restaurant in America and pretty much any country outside of Italy, usually serves up plates of hot pasta with tomato or cream-based sauces or a big slice of pizza.

This is far from true Italian cuisine, which encompasses a wide variety of cooking styles and tastes. The differences in Italian cooking really shows up between the northern and southern parts of the country. Each region has its own traditions that reflect the deep history and culture of that area.

You have a chance to sample innovative Italian food during the Summer Sizzle at Daiquiri Dick's restaurant in sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Every week visit a different country and July 23rd through the 28th, Italy is the chosen culinary destination. There are three courses and choices for each course for only $299 pesos, plus a complimentary drink.

Executive chef, Ignacio Uribe and his team have come up with some great dishes.

Summer Sizzle Menu: The Flavors of Italy
Served from 5:30-11:00 pm, July 23-28, 2014. Select one item from each category. A complimentary beverage is included in the $299 price. Not subject to any other discounts.

Starters

• Grilled Panzanella Salad with Arugula, Cherry Tomato and Grilled Onions

• Minestrone Verde with Green Peas, Beans, Arugula, Parsley and Parmesan Cheese

• Frito Mixto with Calamari and Aioli

Entrées

• Salmon poached in Olive Oil and Lemon, served over Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Confit with Grilled Bell Peppers

• Chicken Saltimboca served with Sauteed Spinach and Marsala Wine Sauce

• Fussilli ai Quattro Formaggi

Desserts

• Tiramisu
• Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berry Compote
• Lichee Sorbet with Biscotti

The staff at Daiquiri Dick's will uphold the Italian tradition of enjoying prolonged, multi-course meals that celebrate life and cuisine as equal partners at the table.

Buon Pasto!

The Summer Sizzle menu is changed every week, and the special runs through the end of August. The weekly theme will be a country, like France or Spain, or a region, like the Mediterranean - or there could be a medley, making this summer a great time to take your taste buds on a world tour.

For an evening at home, cocktail hour on your balcony, or picnic lunches for a trip, ask about their line of take-out sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, breads and pastries.

Daiquiri Dick's, an exceptional experience.

Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, (Closed on Tuesdays from April to October and the month of September for Summer vacation,) Daiquiri Dick's offers elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Visa, MasterCard and Banamex accepted. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at ddpv.com.