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, flavors 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, but to get a taste of it all, you'll have to do a lot of traveling.

But, if you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta Mexico this week, you can sample a wide variety of Italian dishes during the Summer Sizzle at Daiquiri Dick's Restaurant. Every week visit a different country and, from August 20 to 24, 2015, Italy returns as the chosen culinary destination.

There are three courses for $299 pesos and choices for each course or you can order your favorite appetizer, entrée or dessert a la carte. There is also an extensive wine list that you can pair your meal, ask your waiter for details.

Executive Chef, Ignacio Uribe, Chef de Cuisine, Hugo Mejia and Sous Chef, Rogelio Garcia have come up with some great dishes and dinner is served from 5 to 11 pm.

The Flavors of Italy Menu

Appetizers

• Grilled Panzanella Salad with Arugula, Cherry Tomato and Grilled Onions
• Pickled Egg Salad Crostini with Serrano Ham
• Vitello Tonnato with Tuna Caper Sauce

Main Courses

• Salmon Poached in Olive Oil and Lemon, served over Artichoke and Sun Dried Tomato Confit with Grilled Bell Peppers

• Pan Roasted Mediterranean Chicken with Basil Pistou Sauce

• Spaghetti with Ragú ala Bolognese made with Beef Ribs, Sirloin Tips, Ground Beef, Mortadella, finished in a pan with Parmigiano. Molto delizioso!

Desserts

• Tiramisu Pot with Dark Rum
• Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berry Compote

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!

Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August and the month of September) 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.