| | |  Local Profiles 
Exploring Puerto Vallarta's Rich Array of Eateries
a profile of Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, whose life and work here in paradise bring him never-ending pleasures.
 | Famous for his restaurant guide, available online at CafePress.com, Gary also writes restaurant reviews for Puerto Vallarta newspapers and magazines, and now, a feature column for BanderasNews.com.
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When Gary R. Beck first visited Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in February of 1979, he stayed at the Molino de Agua Hotel, which was once a tropical jungle getaway in Old Town complete with monkeys and macaws, and he immediately knew that PV was a special and spiritual place where he would have many wonderful experiences.
From San Francisco, CA via Toledo, OH and East Lansing, MI, Gary was educated in horticulture at Michigan State University and worked in flower hybridizing before his livelihood turned to the restaurant business in the San Francisco area, where he worked as a food server and wine buyer for 20+ years.
And though he has maintained his worldwide contacts on African violet culture, hybridizing, exhibiting, judging and photographing, today, cooking, dining out, creating recipes and exploring new tastes are hobbies that bring him never-ending pleasures.
"Exploring Puerto Vallarta's rich array of eateries is exhilarating. In semi-retirement, I am able to enjoy longer stays in my South Side condo and develop deeper relationships with the locals - both personally and professionally," Beck says.
Over the past 30 years, Gary has taken meticulous notes of every dining experience he's had here, which he uses to write restaurant reviews and articles that have been published in Puerto Vallarta newspapers, magazines and online publications.
He also contributes regularly to Zagat surveys, and has had his own personal recipes published in Sunset Magazine as well as in various local media sources. In addition, he is the author of the popular PV Restaurant Guide, "Beck's Best," which includes reviews of restaurants all over the entire Bahía de Banderas area - from San Pancho to Yelapa.
When asked about his guide, Gary replies, "I call it my labor of love, because no ads, endorsements or meals are received in its maintenance... once costs are deducted, a few dozen pesos are all that's left on the bottom line! But I love what I do, and giving back to PV residents and visitors alike is reward enough."
The spiral-bound PV restaurant guide "Beck's Best," is personally edited, constantly updated and uploaded on the Internet all year long. It is available online at CafePress.com, and can be purchased locally at places as far-ranging as the PV Botanical Gardens to fine restaurants and the Puerto Vallarta realty and vacation rental company, PVRPV.
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 Jorge Jiménez Kicks Off Charity Weekend
 Gary R. Beck
A crowd-pleasing concert by young Jalisco tenor Jorge Jiménez at Teatro Vallarta kicked off the Charity, Culture and Champagne fundraising weekend from March 25-27, 2011 to benefit Puerto Vallarta non-profits Asilo San Juan Diego and the SPCA de PV.
Vallarta's Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor
 Gary R Beck
On March 27th at the Los Arcos Amphitheater, the city, under the direction of Puerto Vallarta Mayor Salvador Gonzalez Resendiz, presented a salute to Elizabeth Taylor, including a string orchestra, guitarist, dancers, poetry and remembrances from several well-known locals.
Treat All Your Senses to The River Café
 Gary R. Beck
Puerto Vallarta's River Café is a place to enjoy with all your senses. Taste the exquisite flavors of its international cuisine. Appreciate the fruity notes of a good wine. Listen to the soft whispers of the river. Observe the colors of art and nature and feel the warmth of its service.
PV Garden Club to Beautify Río Cuale Area
 Gary R. Beck
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club co-founder Bob Price recently announced that the city has agreed to have the garden club fill 23 planters near the Flea Market, in coordination with Rescate del Centro Historio Puerto Vallarta.
Have You Been to El Dorado Lately?
 Gary R. Beck
Since 1961, El Dorado on Playa Los Muertos has been delighting thousands of Vallarta visitors with its 'Old Mexico' spirit. Now, the restaurant's recent renovation has brought it into the 21st century, offering modern charm and great food in a tropical and inviting oasis.
Quixote's - Tapas from the Heart of Spain
 Gary R. Beck
Perched alongside the Nuevo Vallarta Marina, Quixote's provides an authentic Spanish Tapas experience in an open air restaurant, where specially trained chefs use the freshest ingredients to create genuine mouth-watering tapas from the heart of Spain.
Only the Finest at Los Mercados
 Gary R. Beck
Los Mercados offers a distinguished approach to shopping on the South Side of Puerto Vallarta. Much like a fine art gallery, upon entering this large building turned into a two-story grouping of fine shops, immediately the visitor sees quality wherever the eyes are drawn.
Casa Cupula: Creative Food in Good Taste
 Gary R. Beck
Casa Cupula owner Don Pickens, under the direction of Marco Quiñones, formerly with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, recently opened 'Taste,' a new restaurant located high above Puerto Vallarta's Highway 200, serving 'Creative Food in Good Taste' for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club Meets Dec 16
 Gary R. Beck
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, a new club for plant lovers, beauty lovers, civic lovers and Vallarta lovers, will hold its next meeting at Callejon Pedregoso #439, located near the corner of Aldama and Caranza streets in El Cerro, above El Centro at 10 am on December 16th.
MacIntosh Pipe Band Puerto Vallarta Concert
 Gary R. Beck
On December 4th the MacIntosh Pipe Band of San Francisco, California performed a fabulous concert at the Los Arcos Amphitheater in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Shivers went up the spine as one realized that this was probably the first Great Highlands bagpipes and drums concert in our city.
 Mark Alan Smith 'Wows' Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
Tracy Parks' Mingo Mexico Productions presented the Puerto Vallarta debut of Mark Alan Smith, singing live at the all-new Paco’s Ranch on Vallarta’s southside, for a three-night Thanksgiving week engagement. We caught the closing night in a full house, sold out as were the other two shows.
Fandango is Teatro Vallarta’s Vivid Celebration of Mexican Culture
 Gary R. Beck
Teatro Vallarta's 'Fandango' is a creative interpretation of today's Mexico through an historic journey through the millennia from pre-Hispanic myths and native Indians, the origins of Tequila and Mariachi, to contemporary culture, through symbolism.
A Fabulous Fundraiser at Villa Leonarda
 Gary R. Beck
With cool autumn breezes maintaining a comfortable temperature, guests gathered in the outdoor garden of the historic Villa Leonarda, owned by Sergio Toledano, on November, 19th for a fun-filled evening with all proceeds benefiting the Puerto Vallarta Public Library, Biblioteca Los Mangos.
Volunteers 'Dug in' to Los Mangos Project
 Gary R. Beck
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club held its first planting beautification project at Los Mangos Library on Saturday, October 16th. Volunteers 'dug right in' to the project - pruning branches, removing dead trees, digging holes and planting bougainvilleas along the fence.
Wine and Chocolate Tastefully Presented
 Gary R. Beck
On October 8th, a group of 35 Vallartenses gathered at Villas in Vallarta's adjoining properties, Quinta Maria Cortez and Casa Tres Vidas for a wine and chocolate tasting presented by Xocodiva artisan chocolates, La Bodega de Nina fine wines and Patrick Harrison of P. Gringo Marketing & PR.
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club Presents: Bingo for Bougainvilias
 Gary R. Beck
Starting November 10th, Coco's Kitchen on the southside of Vallarta will be holding Bingo for Bougainvilias every other Wednesday night at 6:30 pm. The purpose of these games is to raise funds to help the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club purchase Bougainvilias for planting in public areas.
Giant Quesadillas at La Gran Queka
 Gary R. Beck
Chef/owner Alberto Tames has brought to Puerto Vallarta a very popular meal seen all over Mexico City for years, in order to satisfy the local diners' needs and tastes. It is called 'queka,' short and slang for quesadilla. They are huge, 40 cm, housemade from corn masa and grilled with fillings.
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club Meets Sept 23
 Gary R. Beck
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, a new club for plant lovers, beauty lovers, civic lovers and Vallarta lovers, will hold its third meeting at Garbo’s, Pulpito #142, on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 10 am. Join in, get involved in beautification on the local level.
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club Meeting
 Gary R. Beck
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, a new club forming for plant lovers, beauty lovers, civic lovers and Vallarta lovers, will hold it's second meeting at Las Calandrias, Constitucion #437, on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 11 am. Join in, get involved in beautification on the local level.
Lukumbé Café: A Hidden Treasure in Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
I love it when friends tell me about a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta where they enjoy dining so much that they insist I 'Check it out!' After hearing of one such place recently, I bussed over to the Colonia Jardines Vallarta neighborhood, off Francisco Villa. The destination was Lukumbé Café.
Biblioteca Los Mangos Benefit and a Puerto Vallarta Historical Trip Down Memory Lane
 Gary R. Beck
Sergio Toledano's Villa Leonarda, one of the most historic homes in Puerto Vallarta, and possibly the oldest building still standing in Vallarta, was the site for an early summer fund raiser to benefit Biblioteca Los Mangos on June 26, 2010.
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club Forming
 Gary R. Beck
The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club, a new club forming for plant lovers, beauty lovers, civic lovers and Vallarta lovers, will hold it's inaugural meeting at Coco's Kitchen, Púlpito #122 near Olas Altas, on Tuesday July 20, 2010 at 3 pm. Join in, get involved in beautification on the local level.
Barcelona Tapas for Lunch
 Gary R. Beck
During a recent evening meal at Barcelona Tapas, we learned that this favorite dining venue is also open for lunch. What an opportunity to gather and share tapas with the backdrop of the skyline and vista of Puerto Vallarta and the bahía far below. This was a must-add to our culinary list.
Restaurant Week at Vitea
 Gary R. Beck
During Restaurant Week 2010, we visited Vitea Oceanfront Bistro, an intimate oceanfront bistro and bar offering classic and contemporary European fare in a casual atmosphere. But enough about the ambiance - what counts here is the exceptional fare, which is both classic and original...
Archie's Wok Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
In 1986, Archie, the personal chef of John Huston, founded Archie's Wok, a very popular restaurant featuring a combination of Thai, Filipino and Chinese cuisines. Today, his family runs this hot spot on the south side of Vallarta that is enjoyed by many, including our party during Restaurant Week.
Restaurant Week at Trio
Gary R. Beck
The Restaurant Week menu at Trio exemplifies the outstanding Mediterranean cuisine served at this upscale restaurant. Serving "food cooked with love," chef-owners Bernhard Guth and Ulf Henriksson personally see that every dish meets their exacting standards and that every guest is satisfied.
Barcelona Tapas Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
Serving up both excellent bay views and small plates of delicious tapas meant to be shared amongst guests, Barcelona Tapas is the ideal place for eating out with friends - and those are just some of the reasons that it was on my list of places to visit during Vallarta Restaurant Week 2010.
Restaurant Week at El Arrayán
Gary R. Beck
Delightful owners Carmen Porras E. (supporter of Slow Food cooking techniques movement) and Claudia Victoria plus Executive Chef Mariano Valdés Ruiz present a menu of old traditional Mexican family specialties, which makes El Arrayán a must-visit every year during Vallarta Restaurant Week.
Hacienda San Angel Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
Between Chef Eduardo Mitchaca's Mexican infused international cuisine, the boutique hotel's luxurious surroundings and the fabulous views of downtown, Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta's famous sunsets, a visit to Hacienda San Angel during Restaurant Week 2010 is a must!
Restaurant Week Side Trip - Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates
 Gary R. Beck
After enjoying a fabulous dinner at época Restaurant & Beach Bar during Restaurant Week 2010, we strolled over to Ródolfo Gómez and stopped in at Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates, which is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm for people desiring a fantastic chocolate fix.
época Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
época is another not-to-be-missed place to visit during Restaurant Week 2010. Ideally situated on the newest section of Vallarta's famous Malecón, época offers beachfront dining under palapas on the sand or under the tiled roof on the open-air patio, which also boasts an attractive bar.
Restaurant Week at Blanca Blue
Gary R. Beck
Blanca Blue is one of Vallarta Restaurant Week's most elegant and sophisticated dining options. In such spectacular surroundings this gourmet restaurant provides an idyllic setting for a romantic dinner or social gathering – a truly unique dining experience.
Daiquiri Dick's Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
With exceptional Pacific Rim cuisine and superior service in an elegant beachfront setting, when it comes to fine dining in Puerto Vallarta, Daiquiri Dick's has it all - especially during Restaurant Week 2010, when you can enjoy a special 3-course menu for only $299 pesos through May 31.
Restaurant Week at Kaiser Maximilian
Gary R. Beck
The Sixth Annual Restaurant Week Festival started on May 15, and we chose Kaiser Maximilian to usher us into the 17 night-long sojourn. Located in the always popular Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Café will transport you to a world of culinary delights.
Fiesta Hacienda Palo Maria - The Most Glamorous Fundraiser of the Year
 Gary R. Beck
To put it quite simply, the May 8th fundraiser for PEACE and the SPCA de PV was a smashing success and Puerto Vallarta's most glamorous party of the year. Thanks to Hacienda Palo Maria owner Phil Stewart and event underwriters, over 200 guests were treated to an utterly unforgettable evening.
La Cigale - A French Bistro in Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck and friends sample the fabulous fare at La Cigale French Bistro, where the food and atmosphere makes one feel that they've been transported to a small French hideaway, though they are actually in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Casa de Tandoor a Hot Spot on Olas Altas
 Gary R. Beck
Puerto Vallarta lost its wonderful claim to contemporary Indian cuisine when Dasan closed and left town and Saffron was short-lived, being replaced with condos. But now there's Casa de Tandoor, a new Indian restaurant on Olas Altas that offers fabulous food at reasonable prices.
Rediscover the Legend: El Dorado by Boca Bento
 Gary R. Beck
Rarely does a place in business for almost 50 years change management and maintain the legend and the memories. But this is what Stewart Haverlack and partners have done with El Dorado Restaurant on Playa Los Muertos, now operating under a new concept and a new name - El Dorado by Boca Bento.
Teatro Limon: A Hidden Gem in Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
Many times a visit back to an old favorite will bring joy and satisfaction. This was the case during a recent stop at Teatro Limon. You find no boring fixed menu here, Chef Bruce Byng’s innovative plates are constantly changing to the delight of Puerto Vallarta diners.
Caio Tres - Simply Delicious
 Gary R. Beck
Hearing quite a buzz around town led our party to Caio Tres Restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta to check for ourselves. What we found was a comfortable eatery with a feel-good environment and excellent, freshly made food - at fair prices!
Hacienda Jalisco: True Mexican Hospitality
 Gary R. Beck
The enchantment of true Mexican hospitality coupled with exquisite cuisine marks Hacienda Jalisco in San Sebastian del Oeste as a destination we urge everyone to experience, especially if you are enthralled with history and magical vibrations.
A Cool Way to Quench Your Tropical Thirst
 Gary R. Beck
The weather is seriously starting to heat up in Puerto Vallarta and one of the easiest ways to beat the heat is to enjoy lots of ice cold drinks! I recently discovered the Arnold Palmer. Half lemonade and half iced tea, it's a cool and refreshing way to quench your tropical thirst.
Gourmet Japanese and PanAsian in Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
At Mikado Japanese Restaurant, Marriott award-winning Executive Chef Fred Ruíz and Sushi Chef Ricardo Lona offer Sashimi, Sushi, Miso soup, Tempura, Yakitori, Thai dishes, lobster, shrimp, chicken, steak and vegetables, all cooked with an intense eye on quality and presentation.
Vallarta Lifestyles' Restaurant Week 2009 Wrap-Up
 Gary R. Beck
Over the course of the 17 day Restaurant Week 2009, which took place from May 15th-31st, Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck escorted small groups of food lovers to participating restaurants - and you can read his reviews right here on BanderasNews.
Le Kliff Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
Since Le Kliff has reached international fame for its unusual architecture and stunning sunsets, not to mention it's gourmet cuisine, we could not pass up the opportunity to take advantage of the specially priced 3-course menu presented during Vallarta Restaurant Week 2009.
Restaurant Week at Barcelona Tapas
 Gary R. Beck
Serving up both excellent bay views and small plates of delicious tapas meant to be shared amongst guests, Barcelona Tapas is the ideal place for eating out with friends - and those are just some of the reasons that it was on the top of my list of places to visit during Vallarta Restaurant Week.
Cilantro's Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
In addition to unique menu selections, Cilantro's serves up a fantastic view of Puerto Vallarta's most famous landmark, the uniquely crowned Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, an extensive wine list and creative cocktails, all of which we immensely enjoyed during Restaurant Week 2009.
Restaurant Week at Trattoria Michel
Gary R. Beck
Swiss Michel Pascal Ferrari brings his knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine to bring Puerto Vallarta the traditional tastes of Tuscany at his south side restaurant, Trattoria Michel, where we enjoyed 'una notte italiana' right here in Puerto Vallarta during Restaurant Week 2009.
Vista Grill Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
At Vista Grill, Executive Chef Sergio Esquivel and his fine group of 'cocineros' present eclectic and creative cuisine, beautifully presented. Add to this top-notch service, gorgeous views, and the special Restaurant Week menu and you'll enjoy an evening that is as memorable as it is unique.
Restaurant Week at Vitea
Gary R. Beck
During Restaurant Week 2009, we visited Vitea Oceanfront Bistro, an intimate oceanfront bistro and bar offering classic and contemporary European fare in a casual atmosphere. But enough about the ambiance - what counts here is the exceptional fare, which is both classic and original...
Tikul Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
Tikul's artfully prepared and presented Pacific Cuisine, excellent wine selection, fabulous service and spectacular views of Marina Vallarta, plus a look at their special 3-course Vallarta Restaurant Week 2009 menu, put this gourmet restaurant on the top of my list of places to visit this month.
Restaurant Week at The River Café
Gary R. Beck
The River Cafe's creative and ever-changing menu always offers diners a wide range of national and International dishes created with only the finest ingredients and elegantly eye-catching plate presentations, but they've really outdone themselves with their Restaurant Week 2009 menu!
Trío Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
The Restaurant Week menu at Trio exemplifies the outstanding Mediterranean cuisine served at this upscale restaurant. Serving "food cooked with love," chef-owners Bernhard Guth and Ulf Henriksson personally see that every dish meets their exacting standards and that every guest is satisfied.
Restaurant Week at Hacienda San Ángel
Gary R. Beck
Between Chef Eduardo Mitchaca's Mexican infused international cuisine, the boutique hotel's luxurious surroundings and the fabulous views of downtown, Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta's famous sunsets, a visit to Hacienda San Angel during Restaurant Week is a must!
Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
Through May 31st, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Café is offering diners their choice of 8 superb starters, 10 enticing entrées and 10 delectable desserts in a 3-course meal for only $299 pesos, making a visit to this upscale eatery during Restaurant Week not only necessary, but also most pleasurable.
Restaurant Week at Banana Cantina
Gary R. Beck
At bANANAcANtiNA, traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine is always beautifully presented, but during Restaurant Week, the restaurant is presenting old-style dishes with modern twists that will excite your taste buds and encourage a return visit.
La Palapa Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
During Restaurant Week 2009, La Palapa executive chef Rafael Cornejo Solórzano and his staff are on a whirlwind journey of combining unusual ingredients, mixing unlikely partners, and presenting the dishes in an extremely elegant fashion. We were very much impressed.
Restaurant Week at Daiquiri Dick's
Gary R. Beck
With exceptional Pacific Rim cuisine and superior service in an elegant beachfront setting, when it comes to fine dining in Puerto Vallarta, Daiquiri Dick's has it all - especially during Restaurant Week 2009, when you can enjoy a special 3-course menu for only $299 pesos through May 31.
El Arrayán Restaurant Week Review
Gary R. Beck
We visited El Arrayán on May 16th, where our group sampled all nine dishes in the three courses offered on the Restaurant Week 2009 special menu. The three enticing entrees, Filet Mignon, Mahi Mahi and Cochinita Pibil, tested the kitchen's breadth... with the staff succeeding.
Magna Magna: Italian Cuisine in Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck and friends sample the authentic flavors of Italy at chef/owner Luca's intimate seven table café, Magna Magna, on the south side of Puerto Vallarta.
2009 Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide
 Gary R. Beck
Whether a Puerto Vallarta local, part-time resident or first-time visitor, most everyone loves to dine out. To learn more about Banderas Bay area restaurants, pick up the latest edition of the Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide, Beck's Best.
La Tía Katrina's True Mexican Cuisine
 Gary R. Beck
In this tight economy, many residents and visitors are looking for local restaurants that serve good food at fair prices. BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck gives La Tía Katrina a thumbs-up.
Boca Bento - It's All About the Food
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, samples the Latin inspired specialties at Boca Bento Latin Grill's fabulous new dining venue inside the Casa Iguana Hotel in Mismaloya.
Tony's Please - As Delicious as Ever
 Gary R. Beck
At the risk of aging myself (even more,) I need to point out I have been a loyal regular customer of Tony's Please since back in the days of the 1970's and 1980's when it was located all by itself on Encino not far north of Rio Cuale.
La Hacienda - A Puerto Vallarta Tradition
 Gary R. Beck
Since its founding in 1978, La Hacienda has been an old style oasis of fine dining in a family hacienda on the southside of Puerto Vallarta. Today, La Hacienda continues to captivate diners with traditional down home Mexican comfort food.
An Oasis in Downtown Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck visits Restaurant Mestizo, an oasis in downtown Puerto Vallarta that embraces the spirit of an Old Mexico villa, and the delicious flavors of an unaffected Mexican menu.
Tempting Thai Cuisine at Talento
 Gary R. Beck
Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck gives us a taste of the tempting Thai cuisine at Talento Restaurant, where you'll enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience in a distinguished cosmopolitan atmosphere overlooking the Malecón.
Contemporary Mexican Cuisine in Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
Some friends and I recently visited La Destileria, an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar that serves Contemporary Mexican cuisine and over 100 kinds of Tequila in a casual and relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Espressions: Casual Dining in Bucerías
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck visits Espressions Cafe, a casual yet intimate neighborhood restaurant in Bucerías where Mike and Dayna Leake from London, England have been presenting International dishes since 2001.
Seafood Delicacies at El Barracuda
 Gary R. Beck
Fernando and Carlos of Fajita Republic have veered in cuisine at their new Puerto Vallarta restaurant, El Barracuda, where they offer a proverbial table of seafood delicacies, all prepared with the freshest fish and shellfish found each morning.
Trio Restaurant: Quality Times Three
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck samples the 5 Star Diamond Award winning Mediterranean haute cuisine at Trio, an upscale restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta featuring a constantly changing menu.
Bruce's Back Alley: New Owner, Same Great Food!
 Gary R. Beck
Rarely does a restaurant change ownership and maintain the same quality of food and service. But according to BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, this has occurred at the famed Bruce's Back Alley Bistro.
El Torito - Not Your Average Sports Bar
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, tells us about the world-famous BBQ Ribs, Mamalina Shrimp and other mouth-watering temptations that make El Torito more than just another Sports Bar.
Maria Candelaría's Tamales Are To Die For!
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, explores the wonderful world of authentic Mexican food at Candelaria Tamales Artesanales, a colorful cafe only a couple of blocks from the beach in El Centro.
Southern Cooking in Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, samples the fare at Coconuts, a new restaurant on the South Side that serves honest-to-goodness down home Southern Cooking at reasonable prices.
Uncommon Ground Buddha Lounge
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, travels into delightfully new cafe territory at Uncommon Ground Buddha Lounge, a wonderfully unusual place that delights the senses and sets your soul at ease.
de Santos - THE Place To See and Be Seen
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, checks out the culinary creations and after hours action at THE place to see and be seen in Puerto Vallarta - the fashionable and very popular de Santos Restaurant.
Stop by Picnic for Some Good Eats
 Gary R. Beck
The Chile's legacy lives on at Picnic. BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to this casual restaurant on the south side of Puerto Vallarta serving Hank and Conrad's tried and true menu of good eats.
Romantic Dining at the River Café
 Gary Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to The River Cafe - a romantic restaurant nestled on the banks of the Río Cuale featuring prizewinning chefs and a menu that rivals the best restaurants in Mexico.
The Flavor of Mexico at Agave Grill
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and PV restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck re-visits Agave Grill, a hacienda-style restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta that celebrates the cuisine, spirits and overall flavors of Mexico.
Looking for a Little Menage Z Trois?
 Gary R. Beck
At Ztai Restaurant + Lounge + Garden in downtown Puerto Vallarta you’ll discover three different concepts under one roof: a stylish Pacific Rim Restaurant, a Zen-like garden and a sophisticated Minimal Bar - Lounge with an oceanfront view.
A European Bistro on the Mexican Riviera
 Gary T. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Vitea, a European bistro on the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta serving up exceptional views and creative Mediterranean cuisine that make it a classic.
Classic Oriental Cuisine in Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Archie's Wok. One of the truly special "eating and meeting" spots in Puerto Vallarta, this Asian restaurant was founded by John Huston's personal chef in 1986.
Authentic Italian in Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Alfredo di Roma, where you will find authentic Italian cuisine in Puerto Vallarta at a restaurant born in Italy: Alfredo di Roma [formerly Da Antonio.]
Exploring the Vista Grill Experience
 PVNN
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Vista Grill and tells us why this restaurant with a view gives out-of-town visitors just one more reason to visit this wonderful paradise called Puerto Vallarta.
Pleasing the Palate in Paradise - Spiaggia
 Gary R. Beck
Spiaggia, which means "beach" in Italian, is the name of an exciting new Puerto Vallarta restaurant that combines three concepts in one location: Beach Club, Restaurant and Bar Lounge.
One Enchanted Evening in Puerto Vallarta
 Gary R. Beck
A fine meal, great entertainment and a lot of chattering and laughing made the Full Moon Feast, hosted by PV Botanical Gardens owner Bob Price on June 1st, one of those enchanted evenings that will not soon, if ever, be forgotten.
Another Helping of Mama's Cooking
 Gary R. Beck
Serving home-style cooking that satisfies both ex-pats and homesick visitors, Mama Dolores keeps 'em coming back for generous helpings of great food at reasonable prices, a daily Happy Hour, a friendly atmosphere and a bitchy drag queen!
Coco Boca Bento
 Gary R. Beck
When one thinks of breakfast in Vallarta, the name Coco brings sighs. From the Hotel Tropicana to Karpathos to Kit Kat and now Boca Bento, Coco has been been delighting locals and visitors with her breakfast specialties for more than 20 years.
A Mediterranean Masterpiece in Bucerias
 PVNN
BanderasNews restaurant reviewer Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Sandrina's, a charming little Mediterranean restaurant in Bucerias, Nayarit. Located on the south side of town, Sandrina's is by far the most romantic restaurant north of Vallarta.
A Jewel in the Town's Crown
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Bruce's Back Alley Bistro and tells us why despite the name, there is nothing "back alley" about this popular steak house on the South Side of Puerto Vallarta.
Go Bohemian!
 PVNN
BanderasNews food writer and Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Café Bohemio Patio Bistro and Bar - a great place to have a drink with friends, enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate special occasions.
Home Cooking at Mama Dolores Diner
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Mama Dolores Diner, a popular South Side restaurant that has been serving Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors home style Mexican and American comfort food since 1996.
El Arrayán Cocina Tradicional
 PVNN
BanderasNews food writer and restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to El Arrayán Restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta for traditional Mexican dishes and award-winning menus.
Beck's Best - Casa Naranjo
 Gary R. Beck
BanderasNews restaurant reviewer, Gary R. Beck, pays a visit to Casa Naranjo. Located at 263 Naranjo on the South Side of Vallarta, this orange-themed restaurant joins the ranks of gourmet restaurants that are springing up on every corner in Colonia Emiliano Zapata.
Beck's Best Taco Stands
 Gary R. Beck
Please do not scream and run away. Today's topic is "Taco Stands," Mexico's ubiquitous street food. Designed as a method to get a good, healthy, tasty, fast and reasonable meal or snack, it us found all over much of Latin America.
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