Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – La Cigale, nestled in the heart of El Centro, is indeed one of my top “romantic” culinary escapes in PV. As a soul of French descent, I find myself naturally gravitating toward this enchanting bistro’s irresistible charm. It’s been over a year since my last visit, and with the off-season gently unfolding, I was eager to reacquaint myself with its offerings.
Our gastronomic journey at La Cigale invariably begins with Escargots à la Bourguignonne ($315 pesos). The large size (12 in total) may seem daunting, but let me assure you, these tender morsels are far from intimidating. They are petit snails luxuriating in a pool of decadent garlic butter, begging to be savored. The warm French bread alongside is perfect for butter-drenched dipping.
How could one possibly out-French the iconic Soupe à l’oignon? ($195 pesos) A crown of a colossal parmesan-crusted crouton adds the final flourish to an exquisitely crafted onion soup, a dish they have clearly mastered.
These treats were delightfully delectable, but my palate was already pining for the main act – the Filet Mignon au Poivre ($575 pesos). This prime beef cut, impeccably cooked to medium-rare perfection, came adorned with a tantalizing crusty black peppercorn sauce. The accompanying pommes frites, uncannily similar to McDonald’s French fries (a guilty pleasure of mine), completed the ensemble.
I’m typically not one for desserts, but when faced with the prospect of sampling the Crêpe Chocolat ($150 pesos) from my partner’s three-course prix fixe, resistance was futile. It may not have had the visual impact of their Fondant au Chocolat ($195 pesos), but it was nevertheless a perfect ending to our meal.
One of the quintessential elements of La Cigale that I invariably cherish is its atmospheric mimicry of a true Parisian bistro – warm and inviting, adorned with vibrant art, bathed in cozy wooden accents, and a team that exudes genuine hospitality. The hands-on owner, ever-present, adds an unforgettable personal touch to the experience.
Booking ahead, particularly during peak times, is strongly advised. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available. But, regardless of the season, an insider seat is always my preferred choice. After all, why settle for a glimpse when you can be at the heart of this enchanting bistro?
I give La Cigale:
Hidalgo 398, Proyecto escola, Centro, 48300
Open Daily: 5:00-10:30 PM – Closed on Sunday
Reservations: 322-222-7938
I welcome your comments or suggestions of restaurants to try at TheHungryCriticPV(at)gmail.com.
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