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 Fall/Winter Weekly Special's Menu at Daiquiri Dick's restaurant on Playa Los Muertos. Every week visit a different country and from November 30 to December 6, 2015, Italy is the chosen culinary destination.

Executive Chef, Ignacio Uribe, Chef de Cuisine Hugo Mejia and Sous Chef Rogelio Garcia have come up with some great dishes. This is an a la carte menu and dinner is served from 5 to 11 pm. Reservations are highly recommended, 222-0566.

Daiquiri Dick's The Flavors of Italy Menu

Starters

• Grilled Eggplant Pizzaiola
• Calamari a la Portofino, with Capers and Tomato Sauce
• Chicken Tonnato with Tuna Caper Sauce

Entrées

• Pork Ossobuco Oven Roasted in White Wine, served with Soft Polenta and Gremolata
• Pan Finished Chicken Saltimboca with Serrano Ham and Braised Spinach
• Spaghetti a la Carbonara with Prosciutto, Bacon, Egg and Topped with Parmesan

Desserts

• Tiramisu 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, 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.