Enjoying a T.G. at Fajita Banana

The best fajitas with the nicest view are in the Marina overlooking the fancy yachts. It's a fave Friday hang-out for the English dept. since they offer a discount for locals and it's easily accessible from the school. It's a casual spot with good tunes, big screen events and friendly waiters. Then there is a wide selection of food items to choose from but our preference leans towards those flaming-hot fajitas served at your table in a cast iron fry pan accompanied by lots of toppings. They make a good taco salad and the ribs on the bbq aren't too shabby either. If you are craving those tex-mex flavors, then this is a great option.

A Toxic Brew Comes A Long Way.

Back in the 80's, to get a decent cup of cafe in this former pueblo, one had to look long and hard. For a coffee producing country it was one of those sad ironies that every establishment in Vallarta and environs served instant Nescafe and badly! (The good coffee was apparently all being exported.) You would generally be served a plastic tea cup filled with tepid water in which the granules would barely dissolve. There would be some condensed milk on the table and refined sugar to add to the toxic brew. The granules would float on top and the whole mess would be swallowed with a grimace and you would pay for this experience! The other option was to make your way across town to the "gringo" grocery store, "Gutierrez Rizo's" and purchase some whole beans. I still remember the wonderful smell of that kilo paper bag and how I hustled it under my arm like so much gold; the only hassle was the inconvenient location.

Fortunately times have changed and there are a plethora of new coffee serving establishments around town. The one I'm most interested in is across from The American School since it's easily accesible and affordable. It's called "The Coffee House"and they aim to please. They even have a little system where they punch your card and after eight coffees, you get one free. Anyway, it's located in the Plaza Marina and they are open from 6:30 am so you can be sure to get a steaming cup of Joe before you start work. Sometimes it's the small things in life that make all the difference.

Burger Bonanza!

If you want to tie the feed bag on and watch some sports without feeling the hit on your wallet then I recommend a little spot in the hood called "Vacas Grill." It's an appropriate name for a place that specializes in grilled cow's meat and they defy you to find a better burger. The one we tried was so big it couldn't be picked up all in one piece. If you want something other than moo cow, they have ribs and shrimp along with a few more traditional offerings. The beer is cold and the place is casual so you can get "stuck into it" without worrying about offending fellow diners--not that you would! They have more than one giant screen to keep tabs on your fave contact sport and the service is decent. So where is this little joint? In the area known as Versalles on the corner of Lucerna and ? Well, that's half the fun isn't it? "Discovering" that gem in the rough.

Enjoying the "La Palapa" scene

Seaside Restaurant "La Palapa" Wins!

After so many years in Vallarta, it's never boring to gather at one of the nicest spots in Puerto Vallarta-the beachside establishment known as La Palapa. Of course it makes a difference when you are accompanied by good friends and the owner's wife who generously offers a 50% discount! The occasion was a Friday gathering to celebrate Lisa's birthday and there was no lack of fun, frivolity and beautiful scenery. La Palapa is upscale and therefore the food selections are imaginative and beautifully prepared with many seafood selections available. The ceviche is served in a coconut shell and there are crisp banana chips and fresh salsas as an accompaniment. You can also enjoy everything from Red Snapper to Tuna to Flounder. As coastal breezes waft over the table, the surf is a mere 50 yards from your table at most. This is a tropical lifestyle everyone can enjoy and worth the visit any time of year.