The Hot Tamale
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Trio
Name: Trio
Address: Guerrero 264, Centro
Telephone: 322-222-2196
Website: www.triopv.com (Reservations can be made online)
E-mail: trio@triopv.com
Hours: 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. daily
Type of food: International/Mediterranian
What I’d heard about it beforehand: I had always heard amazing things about Trio - so much so, I had to eat it to believe it. I've had several "foodie" friends recommend it as one of their favorite restaurants in town. I've been to Trio twice in the last month: once for a beautiful meal over Mother's Day weekend, and just the other night during Restaurant Week. A lot of people mention places I should go, but once I get there, it just doesn't live up to my expectations. My first meal there was, without a doubt, the best food I've had in Vallarta in the past two years, so I'll share a little bit about both experiences.
Atmosphere: Trio is classically beautiful inside. The space is warm and airy, with scenes of Tuscany (or another very pretty place with Cypresses) and hand-picked art on many of the walls. The windows in the front of the restaurant are kept open, so diners can look out onto Guerrero and chat, and farther into the restaurant natural light comes in from upstairs. I've already bookmarked it mentally as a place where I'd like to take my parents when they come to visit - it's beautiful enough to stand out as someplace special and classic enough to make anyone comfortable. I mention the art also because, when you look around, you can tell that someone has thought about it versus going to a decorator and letting them have the run of the place. On my second visit I found myself staring again at an enormous oil landscape, and I think some of the paintings had been re-arranged since my last visit just a few weeks prior. In short, it was a far cry from many places I visit that feel so impersonal.
Service: We had excellent and attentive service both times we visited Trio. During Restaurant Week, service was a bit slower, but we were made to feel very comfortable and were constantly attended to by a steady stream of waiters topping off our drinks, replacing silverware, etc. The waiters even have Trio vests, and insisted on bringing our table a tiny version of a coat rack for our bags. Feel free to order in English, Spanish, or Spanglish.
Drinks: Because we visited on a weeknight, I had an iced tea for $40, and my friend had a glass of the house and claimed it was delicious (it was around $80/glass). There's a beautiful bar when you walk in, and an extensive selection of wines.
Dress Code: Trio is more of an upscale place - use that dress or pair of khakis you packed. As I mentioned, this would be the perfect place to take someone for a romantic date or special occasion.
Price Range: $$$$-$$$$$
My order: I wouldn't normally mention the bread and butter, but during the beginning of the meal that's what usually comes, right? On cue, a warm basket of bread and butter came, but along with the butter was a this great peanut/cream cheese spread. It was a little bit spicy, with a hint of garlic, and made me ignore the butter completely. We were at Trio towards the end of Restaurant Week, where there is a three course menu with three choices for $299. Determined to try something new, I chose to start with the Parmesan Risotto with Barbecued Rabbit Loin. It's not that I particularly love rabbit; it's more the novelty of it. How often does one have such a chance? The risotto was mild and cheesy, and the rabbit was in a sweet barbecue sauce on top. I wish I could say rabbit tastes like chicken, but it doesn't, really. It doesn't taste like any other specific meat, but it was very lean, and I wouldn't say it was gamey or anything like that. Honestly, I could have stopped eating and taken a nap after that. Next, I had the Paella a Pepe y Pepo with shrimp, fish, chicken, and a whole lot of other things in it. Underneath it all was a bed of rice and half curry sauce (but not spicy), and half fresh tomato sauce. I especially enjoyed the fish fillet - it has a lemon-salt crust on it that was wonderful. I couldn't finish the rest, and it probably didn't help when my friend pointed out to me that, by this point, I had eaten approximately eight different meats (counting sea foods). I was so full that I thought about taking my dessert home, but I'm so glad I didn't...it was my favorite part of the meal. I had the most incredible "Warm Chocolate Cake with Pecan & Vanilla Ice Cream," but it wasn't just a cake. It was about the size of an inverted ramekin, and had a nice little crust with soft cake inside and a gooey chocolate filling (there's a really pretty picture of it on Trio's website). It would have been fabulous without the ice cream, but that just made it better. So, so good - I've been dreaming of it ever since.
My companion had the Grilled Vegetable Antipasti with Goat Cheese (fresh grilled veggies with a lovely olive/basil pesto) that another of my friends raved about, the Grilled Chicken Breast with Huitlachoche Ragout, and the Caramelized Mango Crepe, which she said was also incredible. Our only query into her meal was about the Ragout...I didn't remember the name of the dish until I reviewed my notes to write you now. Thanks to the wonders of Google, I now know that the dark sauce on the chicken we didn't quite understand (in color, texture, flavor, etc.) that Huitlachoche is actually an ancient Mexican delicacy derived from a type of corn fungus (also referred to as "corn smut"). A lot of people compare it to truffles. If I was anywhere else, I would have been wary (Did I mention it kind of looks like dirt and would not be mistaken for olives?), but at Trio, you can tell that everything is fresh and prepared with extreme care, so...it was one of those occasions where you eat it...then Google it at home. Go figure; I had thought eating rabbit was kind of cool, when I was actually eating the food of the Aztecs.
The Good… Trio is a wonderful place. Between the two meals I've had there in the last month, I'd have to say again it's some of the best food in Vallarta. You can tell it's fresh, you can tell it's the real thing - and that makes a huge difference. I also just like the place - the service is great, it's beautiful inside, and I was reminded that going to a restaurant is a treat, like when you were little (or at least when I was little).
The Bad… There isn't much I would change about Trio, though it is pricey for my Vallartense budget. For what you're eating though, it's a bargain compared to anywhere else...and it's worth it. Two people eating a nice dinner, without alcohol, was around $1,000 pesos including a tip. Since I'll probably only be able to go as a big treat, I will return for coffee and that amazing cake until a special occasion justifies the expense (Like...that it's Tuesday? A lunar equinox? Anything?).
…& the Hungry… I would love to try the Chef's Four-Course Menu ($480) and try a bunch of different things. Looking over the menu (http://www.triopv.com/files/trio-menu-eng2.pdf), everything sounds great, but especially the Rack of Lamb and the Mushroom Crusted Sea Bass. When I was there earlier, I had a wonderful fillet and the Tomato Soup with Gorgonzola Ravioli and Ginger, and it's another thing I'm still dreaming about.
Should you spend your hard-earned peso? GO. Save your pesos, and invite me to come, too!
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Coco's Kitchen
Name: Coco’s Kitchen
Address: Pulpito 122
Telephone: 322-223-0373
Type of food: Famous for their incredible breakfasts but now offering dinner too. Mexican Fusion, International with a few Greek inspired menu items.
What I’d heard about it beforehand: I’d first heard (well over-heard) about Coco’s Kitchen from a very cool-looking couple of guys gushing about it as they dined at the table next to me at another one of my favorite restaurants in Vallarta. While the word "fabulous" is bantered about with surprising frequency on the south side of Vallarta, I could tell that these guys truly meant that their experience at Coco’s had been superior….a trip highlight. Ever-eager to broaden my food horizons, I leaned in closer to get the scoop. "Fabulous" was uttered a number of additional times, as was "heavenly" (in reference to the one man’s eggs Benedict) and "incredible" (accompanied by the type of sigh that one typically reserves for lost love….or in this case an omelet eaten). I had to go.
Atmosphere: As I sit and write, I too am sighing with a heavy heart for it may be a few weeks until I have the time to go back to the beautiful tree-sheltered patio at Coco’s. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, at least two-thirds of it open-air with a central courtyard bar and galley kitchen. The décor is classic, clusters of stylish white tables and chairs nestled amongst large, shady fig trees. I must admit that I spent a large part of the meal fantasizing about how I would tweak Coco’s into an apartment worthy of an Architectural Digest spread.
Service: I’d definitely keep the wait staff in my fantasy apartment. They seem to be just the type of people that you’d want to have in your living room drinking red wine and having great conversation with. The staff is incredibly warm, friendly and attentive (not to mention very easy on the eyes). They are professionals and it shows. We arrived at 11:30 on a Sunday, prime brunch time, but we were seated immediately. Our smiling waiter discussed their brunch menu as well as some of the specials from their new dinner menu as we walked towards our table. I was nearly ready to camp out after brunch and stay until I could eat again.
Throughout breakfast a number of waiters glided between the tables ensuring that our coffee and water were always topped up and that empty plates didn’t sit on the table betraying how much we had actually eaten. Near the end, a trio of guitar players discreetly asked if we’d like a song…but only after I’d caught their eye and asked them over. Coco’s seems to be designed to inspire sighs.
Drinks: I had a number of cups of coffee and it was great (18 pesos). One friend had fresh-squeezed orange juice that was refreshing and not overly-sweet (26 pesos and worth every last cent). There is also fresh pineapple and papaya juice. There’s an espresso machine and lattes, cappuccinos as well as other blends are available. Coco’s also offers a number of alcoholic drinks that I would like to try another time. Mimosas, belinis, fresh fruit blended margaritas, daiquiris and mojitos (strawberry and classic) all ranged between 50 and 65 pesos. They also have soy milk…if you’re into that.
Dress Code: I'm sure that they would welcome anyone with a warm smile. Having said that, if you want to blend in I’d go classic but not fancy (think effortlessly pulled-together jeans and un-ironed linen shirt). Dinner likely won’t be up-scale but it wouldn’t hurt to iron the linen.
Price Range: $$-$$$ Breakfast items ranged mostly between 50 and 90 pesos with steak and eggs and smoked salmon eggs Benedict only slightly more expensive.
My order: Fabulous. I had a chile relleno omelet. The chile poblano was filled with a thin layer of cheese, battered by angels and then folded whole into a fluffy omelet. A spiced salsa and a few slices of fresh fruit rounded out the plate. Another friend ordered cinnamon roll French toast and our palates soared…sigh.
The Good… The whole experience was the perfect way to spend a Sunday brunch. Food, service and atmosphere were all on point.
The Bad… While not "bad" per se, my friend’s club sandwich was a bit average. With so many incredible dishes on the menu and paraded past us to other tables, it more felt like a food experience lost. Luckily my other friend and I were more than happy to share our generous portions and our friend left feeling fully sated and not with a single whisper of disillusion.
…& the Hungry… I literally can’t wait to go back for dinner. Freshly-caught tuna steaks encrusted with almonds and avocado eggrolls with tamarind sauce are calling a siren song. I am entranced.
Should you spend your hard-earned peso? Absolutely.
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Maria Gallo Fonda & Cantina
Name: Maria Gallo Fonda & Cantina
Address: Morelos #558, Centro (Across from Galería Uno)
Telephone: 223-1193
Type of food: Mexican Fusion, International
What I’d heard about it beforehand: I had seen Maria Gallo’s in passing, but ended up stopping by one day when I was in the neighborhood before my normal dinner time. I noticed their sign for comida corrida, which is one of my favorite things to try lately. If you’ve never had it before, comida corrida is a set meal available around lunchtime (mid-late afternoon), usually including a soup or salad, main course, drink, and sometimes dessert for a great low price. The downside is that there’s usually not a lot to choose from – if you don’t like what’s on the menu, tough luck – but I noticed immediately that Maria Gallo’s had a great selection of two soups and several main courses to choose from (including a vegetarian option), all for $55.
Atmosphere: For getting a bargain meal, you don’t feel like you’re eating in a hole in the wall. The restaurant has a café sort of feeling, with local art on the walls and vintage luchador memorabilia in the brightly lit and painted wall crèches. It also feels like there are a lot of the owner Memo’s personal items – books, art, and other intriguing items are in every corner, making you feel like you’ve been invited over. I like to sit near the windows in the front so I can people-watch, but there’s a neat little open garden in the back and more art to look at throughout the restaurant. It’s the little touches that make it a charming place – for instance, the silverware is wrapped in a napkin and tied with a little string.
Service: Every time I’m there (which, in the last few weeks, has been three times), the owner has come and said hello and I’ve had friendly service from all of the staff. Again, when I go there I feel like I’m getting a lot for my $55 – and someone always takes the time to explain what’s on the daily menu.
Drinks: Comida corrida there comes with agua fresca, and it’s always made fresh (you can see the fruit in it!). My favorite I’ve tried there has been a combination of grape, papaya, and lime. I also really like that they bring a whole pitcher to your table, because it always spoils my time eating out when I look at the bill and find out I’ve been hugely overcharged for a can of Coke or a bottle of water.
Dress Code: Come as you are, but since this restaurant is in the heart of the Art Walk district, you might not see many people in their swimsuits…
Price Range: $-$$$
My order: I should start by saying that the first two times I went I was there around 4 or 5 p.m., and had fantastic experiences with the comida corrida. For this article, I went with friends later in the evening, and was given a dinner menu and, upon asking, a comida corrida menu too. The chef told me they serve comida corrida until it’s out, and it was no problem, but I had better luck with the comida corrida going earlier. This night, however, I started with the Cream of Broccoli & Chayote soup. It had a good flavor, but needed salt and was only luke-warm – that being said the presentation was beautiful. I also ordered the Spring Chicken, which wasn’t quite what I expected – it was shredded dark meat in a spicy tomato sauce. It came with a salad (mostly iceberg lettuce, but with a fantastic sesame-type dressing), and beans. I don’t eat beans (much to the chagrin of most of Mexico), but I was told that they were sort of bland, nothing special. Now, the thing I remember from another visit the most (but don’t have a photo of) is the chimichanga – it was crispy, cheesy chicken deliciousness that I would come back for again and again if it was on the regular menu. It was so good they could sell just those and people would come, I bet.
The other guests joining me also tried the Neptuno Salad (a basic salad with raw tuna), and one friend ordered off of the regular menu instead of the comida corrida menu. She had the Enchiladas in Peanut Sauce, and we were all a little surprised when her portion was the same as ours, but more expensive. At the end of the meal, we had a little bit of confusion due to our limited Spanish-speaking abilities, and instead of ordering dessert we ended up splitting a muffin (the waiter brought it split into four parts), for no extra charge, which I thought was kind of them and funny at the same time.
The Good… I love the atmosphere, the warmth and charm of the place, and the owner Memo’s graciousness to his guests. All in all, I think this is the freshest, most delicious comida corrida in town, and even on a bad night you’ll still have unique, great food.
The Bad… After seeing the regular dinner menu, I was still more intrigued by the comida corrida. There were staple Mexican dishes (flautas and gorditas for $65, sopes, pozole, enchiladas, etc.), but nothing that intrigued me enough to abandon my latest culinary obsession.
…& the Hungry… I’m just hoping the chimichanga becomes a regular menu item. In general everything is fresh and the comida corrida menu is always changing, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have next time. If we hadn’t embarrassed ourselves with the dessert debacle, I’d like to try one of their $19 arroz con leche desserts.
Should you spend your hard-earned peso? Fifty-five pesos?!? Can’t beat it with a stick. Just make sure you go early or order of the proper dinner menu if you’ll be later.
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Tsunami
Name: Tsunami
Address: Fransisco Medina Ascencio S/N local A-32, Centro Comercial Villas Vallarta
Telephone: 224-0105 (delivery available for orders over $250)
Hours: Every day, 2-11 p.m.
- the “Cosmopolitan” (rice, seaweed, avocado, flying fish roe, salmon, octopus, cream cheese, and cucumber fried tempura style with eel sauce and mayonnaise) $105. I loved these – I had never had anything tempura style before visiting Tsunami, but it’s a light batter fried delicately on the outside. If you’re not into the whole raw-fish thing, you should try it this way - it doesn’t have any of the “I’m eating raw fish” scariness. Eel sauce is just a sweet fish sauce dribbled on top, along with a little mayonnaise.
- …and the “Tsunamimaki” (rice, fish, shrimp, salmon, crab, avocado, and cream cheese wrapped in zucchini, fried tempura style with dynamite sauce) $105. The zucchini is like a shell around this, with the tempura beyond that. It’s very creamy and a little sweet. Don’t be afraid of the “dynamite” sauce (that word makes me think “spicy,” but it’s not – I’m not even sure where that was – I think it’s just a cool name they made up for it.
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El Nogalito
Name: El Nogalito
Address: Laurel #107 El Nogalito
Telephone: (322)221-5225
E-mail: restaurantelnogalito@yahoo.com, nogalitopvr@hotmail.com
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
Address: Basilio Badillo 212, Colonia Emiliano Zapata
Website: www.joejacksfishshack.com
Telephone: 322-222-2099
Hours: 12 PM - 11 PM daily
- The El Mex-jito (“our famous mojito with Hornitos 100% agave tequila and fresh lime”) for $60/75
- The Mermaid Martini (“alize, Absolut citron, lime”) for $65
- The Kick %#! Mai Tai (“a powerful blend of white and gold rum, pineapple, orange and amaretto”) for $70
- I’m also pleased and intrigued that in addition to offering Pepsi products, various juices for $30, hibiscus agua fresca, limonada, and orangeage…they also offer an Arnold Palmer for $30.
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