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Puerto Vallarta Best Of
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From new bridges and roads to enticing new businesses, 2007's editorial picks for Best of Vallarta reflect Banderas Bay’s constantly evolving panorama, both literally and figuratively. As Puerto Vallarta grows, so do the increasingly diverse needs of its inhabitants and visitors. For those of us living here year-round, witnessing this growth is a testament to Puerto Vallarta’s enduring
popularity as a tourist destination. Enjoy!
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Page 3 of 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Best Traveling Musicians: Arcano: Spend enough time around Puerto Vallarta and you will inevitably come across the characteristic sounds of Arcano, a versatile yet unique keyboard/violin duo composed of siblings Erika and Vic del Real. Their age combined barely reaches 50, yet they are among the busiest musicians in Puerto Vallarta, appearing anywhere from the city’s public spaces to private functions.
Best Karaoke Bar: La Regadera: Who could forget Cameron Díaz’s memorable performance at a karaoke bar in the romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding”? Since then, many of us have chosen to belt out our favorite songs while gathered with friends at the local karaoke bar, a perfect way to kick off a lively evening. In Puerto Vallarta, the best place to indulge is La Regadera at Morelos 666, El Centro.
Best Alternative Party Place: Stereo: Open for just over a year, cozy Stereo Bar & Dance has become a must-visit for the young alternative crowd looking for a new place to party. Despite its size, Stereo has featured a variety of Mexican and foreign artists, garnering a steady following among fans of the venue, who communicate with one another through the social networking website www.myspace.com/stereopv.
Best New Sassy Musical Group: The QuesaDivas: If 70 is the new 60, then those “sassy and 60” QuesaDivas are the new 40! The QuesaDivas was the inspiration of group founder Norma Schuh. “I love to sing, but I never considered myself a singer! It occurred to me that there were other women who felt the same.” The 13 members of QuesaDivas have a love of music and, although they may not be ready to sing solo.
Malecon Nightspots: Every night is Saturday night on the Malecon! With so many hot venues in close proximity, barhopping takes on a whole new meaning. This selection of evening hotspots includes some of the most popular with the young and the young at heart. Check them all out or find the one that suits you best.
Best New Animal Conservation Group: Guacamayas Siempre: Guacamayas are as emblematic in Mexico as bald eagles are in the United States. Can you imagine Mexico without the guacamayas (Military Macaw)? Well, neither can Bob Price, founder of the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, or any of the other members of the newly formed conservation group Guacamayas Siempre (Guacamayas Forever).
Best People to Thank When We're Out and About: Our Waiters: Vallarta restaurateurs take wait staff training quite seriously. And they should! After all, even the finest culinary creation can be marred by uneven service at the table. Sometimes we fail to take notice, but all it takes is a trip to other tourist destinations to appreciate the unparalleled service we receive at Vallarta restaurants.
Best Way to Blow Your Diet: Paris Café Pâtisserie: In the dictionary, “temptation” is a 10-letter word, but at the Paris Café Pâtisserie it is only six letters: p-a-s-t-r-y. Eric Lenoir, cafe owner and pastry chef, learned the art of pastry making as a youth, while baking at his mother’s side in Paris, France. He has worked worldwide, including being a chef in Las Vegas and Ecuador, and starring in his own TV cooking show in California.
Best Scones: The Deli: Scones, a traditional Scottish quick bread, are now available at The Deli. Boasting flavors like Grand Marnier-marinated apricot or infused with locally crafted jams, these scones are a gastronomic delight. Baked fresh every morning, scones and other breakfast treats often sell out by 1:00 pm.
Best Refreshing Mexican Treat: Raspados Carmen Tucán: Nothing beats the heat like a refreshing “raspado,” or snow cone, and the finest selection in town comes from Raspados Carmen Tucán. In operation for the past seven years, they offer 25 fruit-based syrups, all prepared with the highest hygienic standards, not to mention flavors that will bring a smile to the most discerning palate.
Best Unexpected Malecon Treat: Crepe Stands: The night air on the Malecon is filled with a smorgasbord of delicious smells emanating from numerous food vending stands. An unexpected and newly popular option is made-to-order French-style crepes. Nightly between about 6:00 pm and midnight, talented crepe makers pour thin batter onto their steaming griddles, and in no time.
Best Way to Promote Culinary Arts: Trofeo Thierry Blouet: Now on its third year, the Trofeo Thierry Blouet culinary competition has clearly established itself as a successful vehicle to showcase up-and-coming chefs, both locally and statewide. The competition was established by Thierry Blouet, owner of the prestigious Café des Artistes and well-known pioneer of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene, the finest in Mexico next to that of Mexico City.
Best Tacos al Pastor: Missing out on this popular Mexican dish, a distant relative to the Lebanese shawarma or perhaps the Greek gyros, would be like having the brûlée removed from your crème! Here are some choice locations around the bay to tantalize your taste buds.
Best Free Nighttime Entertainment: The Malecón: Here in Vallarta, some of the best things in life truly are free! Visit the Malecon at night and immerse yourself in a beehive of activity and entertainment without needing to spend a peso. Experience a romantic sunset with a magnificent unobstructed view of the western sky. Nightly entertainment at Los Arcos Amphitheater includes hilarious clown shows and, from time to time.
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