A Taste of the Best: Puerto Vallarta's Café des Artistes

Almost immediately after stepping into the warm, tropical air that greeted me in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I began to hear word-of-mouth praise about the delicious wonder that is Café des Artistes.  Beyond the praise, there was an insistence from locals to fellow foodies back home that this was the restaurant that I simply could not miss before departing.  Thankfully, as my brilliantly curated itinerary would have it, on my very last night within the captivating sea and sand borders, I was set to have what would be an unforgettable dining experience at this highly regarded hallmark.  I would have my taste of the best.

  

While the cuisine is always my primary focus, ambiance and décor play major supporting roles in creating stimulating, can’t-get-enough dining experiences that I relish—and long to repeat.  And Café des Artistes’ breathtaking fusion of bold art, elegant interior design (think interiors within interiors), and, oh yes, exquisitely beautiful and scrumptious fare, was the slice of heaven that all the preceding hype had promised.  I was in awe and loving every minute of it.

Room With a View: One of the breathtaking interior spaces

The experience was made all the sweeter by the head of house, owner and creative mastermind, himself, Executive Chef, Thierry Blouet.  A few nights earlier, I had enjoyed the pleasure of meeting Chef Blouet as we were introduced during a magical evening on the beach during the annual Festival Gourmet International kick-off.  When we met again several evenings later, he graciously met my party and gave us a personal tour of his beautiful restaurant in all its glory, including a stop by the busy kitchen to witness the chefs in action.

Once seated in our private dining room, amidst the laughter and chatter, the evening unfolded with course after course of exquisite dishes that gave life to the phrase “food as art.”  Care was given to every detail and personal request—right up to my bespoke Cucumber Mocktail and custom brewed decaf coffee (a must if I had any hope of sleeping that night.  A caffeinated mix-up would have proved nightmarish.)  It was the perfect nightcap to an evening that had more than lived up to its reputation as something truly special. 

Yes, this was Puerto Vallarta.  And this, indeed, was Café des Artistes.

Postcard from Puerto Vallarta: Cuisine, Adventure & Paradise

From the first moments of my arrival in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico--blanketed with the warm and balmy weather that served as the perfect haven from the wind and cold storm I had barely escaped back home--until my departure several days later, I was enthralled in a state of perpetual discovery and delight that cemented this tropical paradise as a destination that is brimming with life, luxury, adventure, and its own special charm that is not to be missed.  

Each day brought unique flavor, discovery and the occasional element of surprise, as the people, places, sights and tastes of Puerto Vallarta were uncovered. And every passing moment seemed to build on the beauty, wonder and grandness of the previous, culminating into an epic journey that is best shared as it unfolded: day by day.

Day 1

My stay began with a relaxed afternoon at my home away from home, the Fiesta Americana Hotel, getting comfortably settled into my digs, which included taking in the sweeping views from my balcony, followed by a late lunch on the beach and an amazingly gorgeous sunset.  From there, I indulged in a bit of pampering at the hotel spa before preparing for dinner.  The evening was capped with a stellar six-course menu served in one of the beautiful private dining areas within the hotel.  Those first hours within Puerto Vallarta’s corridors were a welcomed introduction to its relaxing, yet sophisticated, offerings and proved to be the perfect harbinger of all the exquisite tastes, sights and scenes that awaited my discovery.  

Day 2

A relatively early start the next morning gave way to taking in more of the scenic beach, replete with a gorgeous, mountainous backdrop, as well as a breakfast buffet that dished up popular Mexican fare, like my favorite chilaquiles, along with more traditional dishes, providing something for everyone. 

As the afternoon rolled around, I was off to the CasaMagna MarriotPuerto Vallarta Resort & Spa for a delightful lunch and more of the beach scene.  

A decadent dessert served as the perfect sweet ending

I had already begun chatting up the locals the day before for tips and recommendations on where to go to experience the heart of Puerto Vallarta and the overwhelming response was the fabulous Malecon Boardwalk.

With a few hours available to explore before the evening festivities began, I eagerly headed to the highly touted Malecon and immediately understood why the locals regarded it.  Flanked by the ocean, and dotted with restaurants, shops, breathtaking sculpture art, and the buzz of its people, the Malecon seemed to embody the heart of the culture of Puerto Vallarta in an exciting, yet equally relaxed, way.  If I lived there, I could see myself spending untold hours in this hub of beauty, energy, culture and cuisine.  My few hours of exploration were simply not enough, and I left desiring more.

Back at the hotel, it was time to “clean up” in anticipation of the evening’s World Chef’s Welcome Party, the kickoff event of the 19^th annual Festival Gourmet International.  Dressed and ready to indulge in the excitement of the things to come, I took the short walk down to my hotel’s beach, which had been beautifully transformed to welcome the festival’s premier chefs and guests.  From there, an unforgettably special evening unfolded before me.   

Gorgeously dressed tables lined the sand, while live entertainment serenaded the crowd, and a tangible pulse rippled through the air.  And just when I thought it couldn't get any grander, celebrated chefs from throughout Mexico--and beyond--arrived in high style via small sailboats.   Attentions then turned to a Mexican feast that was served buffet style, highlighting each chef's offerings.  The good times lasted into the wee hours of the night, replete with fireworks, celebration, laughter, music, more food, and dancing.  It was a welcome party to trump all others and the perfect ending to another exceptional day.

Festival Co-Founder, Distinguished Chef and Restauranteur, Thierry Blouet

Day 3

The next day began with a relatively early start as I prepared for my day trip to San Sebastian del Oeste, a quaint town on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta that maintains the feel and character of "Old World Mexico" that seemed to transport me to an earlier, simpler time.   With a lively and well-versed tour guide from Vallarta Adventures leading the way, it was a day spent immersed in history, culture, food and heritage, while meeting local artisans and shop keepers, touring a beautiful church and relishing in my opportunity to make homemade tortillas during our lunch at Los Arrayanes restaurant.


With a full day of activity already under my belt, it would take something as amazing as the evening's Gourmet Safari to keep my mojo flowing--and, oh, how it did!  Another highlight of the Festival Gourmet, the Gourmet Safari was geniusly curated, allowing for a dining experience at several of Puerto Vallarta's acclaimed restaurants--highlighting the owners, chefs and guest chefs who served up amazing cuisine and hospitality.  

A 'food crawl' of luxurious proportions, the evening kicked off with a decadent lobster first course and a table-side serenade at Restaurant Michel.  I had the pleasure of meeting the namesake and owner and chatting about the vision behind his restaurant and his place within the Puerto Vallarta foodscape.  I even snagged a brief introduction to the evening's guest chef as he busily led the charge in the kitchen.  Satisfied and well-perched, I was off to indulge in each subsequent course--taking in a new restaurant, ambiance, culinary savvy and all-around excitement along the way.  Four additional restaurants later, concluding with one absolutely, scrumptious dessert course of Pecan Pie and Ice Cream at Kaiser Maximillan, I felt privileged to have captured unique memories of Puerto Vallarta's gastronomy, fine dining scene and culture in such magnitude. 

And still there was more to explore, experience and relish.

Day 4
 
I awoke to falling rain and wondered how the brief turn in the weather would impact my morning agenda of a local food tour.  Leaving the comfort of the resort, I headed into town to begin an excursion with Vallarta Food Tours that would introduce me to the heart of Puerto Vallarta's food scene.  The walking tour intersected the streets, stands, restaurants and purveyors of the best in authentic, Mexican fare. 

 
Tucked away gems and local favorites marked our exploration, and I indulged in amazing mole, tacos, chocolate, ceviche, coconut, hearty soups, and more along the way, while our jovial tour guide shared the traditions and stories that imparted greater appreciation for each experience and bite.  (And somewhere in the midst of it all, the rain subsided for clear skies!)  I have always counted Mexican cuisine as one of my favorites and as the tour came to an end, I was more convinced than ever.

The day's momentum continued as my food adventure gave way to real-life adventure at Dolphin Discovery Vallarta.  I opted not to swim with the dolphins this time around, but enjoyed watching the action, as well as a special one-on-one session with one of the loveable creatures.  I ended my time with a kiss from a ginormous sea lion to seal the deal.

 
Back at the hotel, it was time to prepare for my final evening within Puerto Vallarta's enchanted borders and one unforgettable dinner that proved to be a most perfect ending.  A dreamy Chef's Table experience in a private dining room was the set-up for my party at Cafe des Artistes, replete with a decadent multi-course menu and personal tour by Owner and Executive Chef, Thierry Blouet. Being guided through the restaurant's art adorned and beautifully styled interiors and exteriors, including a stop by the kitchen to witness a bit of the action, caused my mouth to gasp and my eyes to sparkle more than once.  It was a magnificent evening in every way imaginable and left me seriously wanting more of this jewel of Mexico. 

  

Day 5

The morning greeted me with bright sunshine, and I drank in yet another glorious view from my balcony, ending my time in Puerto Vallarta almost exactly as it had begun days before.  Memories of my many splendored discoveries flooded my thoughts and left me anticipating my return to this beautiful oasis.  And with that, I was off to take on the friendly skies and return home from this most extraordinary of travel journeys.

In the days ahead, I'll also share my picks for the best of Puerto Vallarta for when you decide to visit.  Until then...

Happy Eating & Traveling!

{Be Inspired}: Dreams Do Come True!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and beyond the eating, drinking, and making merry, I'm reflecting heavily on the many blessings that continue to flood my life--and how so very thankful I am for each and every one.  

Not too long ago, one such blessing (which had formerly existed in dream form), came true for me as I embarked on a press trip with a group of fellow travel journalists to cover the many splendored offerings of beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  It was everything I expected it to be--and truly so much more.  I look forward to sharing my journey, discoveries and experiences with you in the days ahead, so stay tuned for that!

In the meantime, continue to count your blessings, be ever thankful, and expect your dreams to come true.  It's inspired living at its absolute best!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Postcard from Riviera Maya: A Mexican Fiesta + Churros

For me, any vacation that involves sand, ocean and abundant sunshine is like a taste of heaven on earth. And enjoying it amidst a girls' getaway makes it even more special.  That was the scene when I traveled to the Riviera Maya a couple of years ago.  My friend and I had one supreme agenda: R&R.  Hers translated to rest and recreation (horseback riding on the beach, a local tour, roller blading and such); mine stayed true to the more traditional rest and relaxation regimen, heavy with beach, beach and more beach, although I did enjoy a bike ride around the stunning resort grounds, a tour of the main dining kitchen, a casual cooking lesson, a dance lesson here and there, and the nightly (almost karaoke) live band. :)  

And of course, there was the food.  The resort boasted several restaurants specializing in varied cuisines from French to Thai to Italian to American--and their signature Mexican.  As resort food goes, it was pretty good.  

A fun lesson on making guacamole

On our last evening there, however, we were delighted with an authentic Mexican fiesta, replete with gorgeous dancers and Mariachi for entertainment, and a feast to remember.  I enjoyed every minute of the lively celebration and the beautifully displayed foodscape, especially the lavish dessert bar that featured, among other delicacies, churros.  Well, you don't have to guess if I indulged.

While I'm not in Mexico today, this recipe for churros, along with my memories, brings Mexico home to me.  If you love sweet, cinnamon-y, fried pastry dough (who doesn't?!), then you'll want to make these.  And for extra yumminess, pair them with decadent hot chocolate for sipping or melted chocolate for dipping.  So. Good.

Churros!

Happy Eating!

Churros

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon grated orange peel
Pinch of salt
1 egg
Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Method:

Combine sugar and ground nutmeg. Spread on plate.

Combine flour, water, butter, orange peel and salt in medium saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until dough forms ball and leaves film on bottom of pan, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Transfer to processor. Blend in egg.

Heat oil in deep skillet to 350°F. Spoon batter into pastry bag fitted with 1/4-inch star tip. Working in batches, pipe batter onto oil in about 4-inch-long ribbons. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and drain. Turn churros in sugar mixture and serve.

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com