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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