I‘m a little behind sharing a few places I’ve been, a few meals I have enjoyed. My excuse is that I took some time to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and new granddaughter.
Flew into Puerto Vallarta, but spent most of the time in La Cruz, a small village about an hour north of PV. If you ever decide to visit the area, check out El Ring in La Cruz, and El Cafelito in Punta Mita for breakfast, Makai in La Lancha for lunch, La Negra in Bucerias (get the rib eye tacos – wow!) and Mauka in Punta Negra (the shrimp meatballs were delicious and very unique) for dinner. I loved Cenaduria in Bucerias for a real TRADITIONAL Mexican dinner, but may be a little out of your comfort zone (but if you dare, and can find a cab that knows where it is, the enchiladas were terrific)
A couple of other real local places you might enjoy, I know I sure did, were La Tia in Puerto Vallarta, and Cenaduria in Bucerias. Both well off the beaten path, a little hard to find, but worth the effort.
A LOT closer to home, a listener suggested I check out the Red Ilama just east of Park Meadows off County Line. Beautiful décor, a little expensive, but very good Peruvian cuisine. The octopus and beef heart both made an impressive presentation, tasted good. We had started with two appetizers, and with dessert, we left more than full. My suggestion would be to take baby steps if you visit. Will save both your belly and your wallet.
Visited the new La Loma in Parker. Fish tacos, $24, were very good. Included black beans.
Cheba Hut – I had never visited. Thought it was just another sandwich shop. Had two of their biggest sellers, the White Widow Chicken, Bacon and the La Canna Italian. I’ll go back. They offer craft beers and liquor, have a nice outdoor patio, and rooftop dining.
FINALLY, made it to Casa Bonita. Had a ball. A friend is a member of their Premier Club, so he gets an early warning about when ressies will open up. Casa Lager, made specially for Casa Bonita, was very good. Margaritas were great. I had the carne asada taco salad. Big portion, good flavor. Others in party each had something different. Everybody very happy, satisfied. Sopapillas good, but server suggested flan. It was OTHER WORLDLY. A MUST.
