Puerto Vallarta is one of those destinations that keeps visitors coming back for more. Those who have the chance to visit find it difficult to prolong a return, with it becoming an annual trek for the luckiest of the bunch. So what is it that attracts them? The shopping, the boardwalks, the beaches? Of course! But it’s also the food.

The culinary scene in Puerto Vallarta has been creating a buzz for a long time. No matter what kind of cuisine excites your taste buds most, it’s highly likely that you’ll find it in this vibrant Mexican city. Here are just 4 of the dozens of excellent restaurants you won’t want to miss while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta:

La Palapa

Oceanfront dining that manages to feel both upscale and casual at the same time…what’s not to love!? Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can’t go wrong with a visit any time of day to this longtime staple at Playa Los Muertos. If you’re all dressed up, you can always stick to the lovely tables-for-two near the bar, but why not dine outside where you can stick your toes right in the sand? There’s always lots to see here, whether it’s the sun rising or setting, people passing by on the boardwalk, or boats speeding around on the water.

Fredy’s Tucán

At Fredy’s Tucán, hearty breakfast platters are served until 2:30pm every day–perfect for the morning after a night out on the town. American standards, like eggs and bacon, are accompanied by traditional Mexican favorites like red and green salsas. If you have a sweet tooth, you will enjoy the massive selection of pancakes, waffles, and crepes. There’s even steak on the menu for those in your party who need a serious dose of protein to start their day.

116 Pulpito Gastro Bar

It’s hard to say what the main attraction is at this trendy restaurant…the delightful drinks, stunning presentation, and innovative fusion of flavors all vie for diners’ attention. Fortunately, everything not only looks great but tastes phenomenal, too. If you find yourself aching for a gourmet pizza, this place will deliver; and those who enjoy sampling their way through the menu won’t want to miss Tapas Night on Mondays.

El Barracuda

You are certainly not alone if you think that no trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete with some fish tacos, and this beachfront hot spot is the perfect place to get them. Ceviches, salads, aguachiles, shrimp burgers, and other perfect-for-hot-weather favorites round out the menu. Come to relax, enjoy a few cold drinks, and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean in this delightfully casual restaurant–you’ll be glad you did.

Your trip to Puerto Vallarta will be so much more rewarding if you’re able to speak with the locals and get insight on their culture and way of life. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about private and small group Spanish lessons. You may be surprised at just how rewarding learning Spanish can be!

The Dish: Tuna Cebiche

Even in a city where fresh seafood appears abundant on most menus, the Tuna Cebiche at Barcelona Tapas and Antonio’s manages to shine. Perhaps it's the spectacular views of the ocean below that really sells the dish. But, our money is on the perfect balance struck between the meaty chunks of locally-caught yellow fin tuna, the acidic zip of lime juice and the nutty notes of sesame.

“This dish was inspired from our trips to Lima, Peru,” noted William Carballo, chef/owner of Barcelona Tapas. “There it is called cebiche Nikkei, a fusion of the Japanese and Peruvian cultures and foods. Cebiches - and you’ll notice we are using the Peruvian spelling, different from ceviche used elsewhere in Latin America - always need to be made with fresh fish.”

In 1987, a young Carballo left his native Chicago and traveled to Spain to study both its language and its cuisine. Immediately taken with tapas, he headed back home to work with two Spanish chefs and further master this style of cooking before setting off to Puerto Vallarta in 2000 to open Barcelona Tapas (and, more recently, Antonio's), one of the city’s most successful establishments, serving more than 40,000 guests each year.

What’s in it

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- In case you had any doubts about our destination, we want to share with you the latest travel and lifestyle news that we’re sure will motivate you to visit: the very exclusive hotel chain, One&Only, is investing in the Riviera Nayarit.

The official name of the resort will be One&Only Mandarina, and it will include 145 luxury villas, private residential estates and world-class farm-to-table dining options.

The resort will, of course, maximize the dramatic cliffs, the beautiful views extending towards the ocean and the magnificent mountain vistas with their Ocean Cliff Villas, Tree House Villas and Mountain Villas, where perfection and luxury will be present to offer exactly what you’ve come to expect from One&Only.

Among the many amenities there will be an adults-only pool, private cabanas, a poolside café and a lounge, as well as a specialty restaurant.

There’s no doubt the experience and style offered by One&Only will be one more reason for you to set your sights on Mexico’s youngest and hottest beach destination, in addition to it’s natural surroundings, its dramatic sunsets, fantastic infrastructure and award-winning hotels, not to mention the many sustainability certifications it has received.

Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal/Creative Commons

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- Atlas Obscura on Slate is a blog about the world’s hidden wonders. Like us on Facebook and Tumblr, or follow us on Twitter.

A gaping hole in the surface of this lush green Mexican island exposes a secret beach, with ample shade, sun, and crystal-clear water.

The Marieta Islands are an archipelago, a chain of islands that exist as a result of volcanic eruption. The islands themselves are natural wonders, but it was something else that caused the burrowed beach to be shown the light.

Playa Del Amor, more commonly known as the Hidden Beach, is a structure of one of the Marieta Islands, located west of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at the mouth of Banderas Bay. It is rumored that the hole revealing the Hidden Beach was a result of deliberate bombings. In the early 1900s, the government began using the uninhabited islands as military testing sites. Test bombs are the known cause for many caves and rock formations on the island, possibly including the Hidden Beach.

In the 1960s, scientist Jacques Cousteau led a protest against harmful human activity on the islands. In 2005 the islands were finally named a national park, Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, making swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing the only legal human activities. Extensive military testing damaged flora and fauna on the island for decades, but many years of peace have replenished the islands' pristine waters and marine life.

The Hidden Beach is invisible from the outside, and is accessible only through a long water tunnel that links the beach to the Pacific Ocean. There is approximately 6feet of space above water level, so visitors can arrive at the beach by swimming or kayaking. The islands are still uninhabited, but are frequently visited by tourists who come to enjoy the diverse marine wildlife and the unique tropical Eden of Playa Del Amor.

Other intriguing beaches worth a detour:

Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal/Creative Commons

Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal/Creative Commons

Photo: Christian Frausto Bernal/Creative Commons

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- Vallarta Cultural Institute invites everyone to the “De Agua, Sol y Sal” (From Water, Sun and Salt) exhibit of the well known engraver artist Ireri Topete, at the Omar Alonso Gallery, this February 27 at 7:00 pm.

Nine books of the artist who are part of the series “Sobre la naturaleza y sus cambios” (About Nature and its Changes), and seven others “Sobre los testimonios del ayer” (About Evidence of the Past), both are part of “De sol, agua y sal” (Sun, Water and Salt) project. These are art pieces made out of images, drawings, photos and notes, in which the author reflects the transformation of Puerto Vallarta in time.

In the book series “Sobre la naturaleza y sus cambios”, Ireri Topete shows Puerto Vallarta’s different stages all through the rainy and windy season.
“I am interested on presenting my artistic work with different readings and I like my art to be presented to the spectators in free style. My intention, for example, is to put forward visual interpretations; same as Safir Simpson, who with his art, classifies the terrorization of hurricanes. I think nature and life itself is in a constant change and continuous movement”, Topete points out.

“Sobre los testimonies de ayer” series was done with images from the Historic Photo Archives of the onetime Puerto Vallarta’s chronicler Carlos Munguia Fregoso. Images are combined with lithographic and xylographic conveyances.

The Project is part of the work developed by Ireri Topete as member of the National Foundation of Culture and Arts (FONCA) and the National Committee of Culture and Arts (CONACULTA).

Ireri Topete is from Puerto Vallarta and a graduate from the School of Plastic Arts of Guadalajara University; her art has been displayed in 17 individual exhibits and in more than 80 group exhibits in Mexico, United States, Canada, Holland and Japan. Topete is also the Director of the engraving workshop at the Cuale Cultural Center.
The exhibit will remain open until March 27.

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- The main purpose of 2015 First National Health Week is to prevent illness in every possible aspect; above all to detect diabetes and hypertension at the right moment to avoid serious complications. “Chronic degenerative illnesses have collateral effects that need to be detected on time, otherwise it can produce a heart attack, or it can turn into cardiovascular disease and hypertension; it could even produce a stroke and aneurism. To cure all these illness requires a lot of money. That is why Health authorities are taking preventive measures concerning the health of all Nayarit’s residents. The First Health Weeks started on February 23, ending on the 27… ” said Pavel Plata Jarero, Minister of Health.

Governor Sandoval Castañeda also informed that five million six hundred fifty three thousand pesos (about US $ 389,862) will be invested in Nayarit’s 2015 First National Health Week, where actions will be taken to prevent illness and spread good health in the area.

Poliomyelitis vaccines will be given to everyone under five years of age, as well as the reinforcement of BCG, hepatitis B, triple viral, measles, German measles, mumps, rotavirus and DPT vaccines will be applied to children during this week.

Mothers will also receive oral saline solution; folic acid will be provided to all women of fertile age. There are five different support locations: Nayarit’s University, Tepic Institute of Technology, downtown Tepic, and in the area Governadores and Agosto 2

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta, Jal. - Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty and people’s enthusiasm have been the inspiration of poets, musicians, writers and film makers throughout the years. All their artistic work, portraying our city in a graphic or sentimental way, has been piling up for several years and has contributed to our collective heritage; now it is the time to share this artistic work.

To this purpose, Vallarta Cultural Institute is inviting everyone to go to La Plaza de la Hermandad today, Wednesday at 7:30 pm. for the first session of “Miercoles de las Letras”; a program which will be taking place every other Wednesday with the purpose of sharing the artistic work that is now part of our heritage.

“Noche de Bablazos” is the name of this first meeting. Historians, chroniclers, poets and story tellers will be participating in this event and they will challenge each other with stories and accounts which they will be answering back and forth.
This cultural event is taking place thanks to the Vallarta Cultural Institute, together with Hotel Villa Premier, Colonia 5 de Diciembre Neighborhood Association, Control Development Center and Downtown Puerto Vallarta Real State Association.

It is anticipated that this program will be taking place every other Wednesday; although with time, it might become part of “Pueblo es Cultura” or “Talleres Itinerantes” (People is Culture and the Mobile Workshops) , in which case, “Miercoles Literarios” will join these programs at Plaza Hidalgo and Lazaros Cardenas.

[readon1 url="index.php?option=com_sobipro&pid=1&sid=703:mar&Itemid=212"]Source:www.VallartaToday.com-by MAR Translation Services[/readon1]

Several elements including tourist safety, Mexican hospitality and availability of information were ranked at the top; rest and relaxation were the main reasons for their visit, followed by conventions, weddings and sporting events.
The Riviera Nayarit had many satisfied visitors in 2014 that classified their overall travel experience with a 9.5 out of 10.

Mexicans gave the destination a 9.5, residents of the United States offered up a 9.5, Canadians registered with a 9.4 and the balance of the visitors gave the destination a 9.6. These evaluations were posted in the 2014 Annual Visitor Research Report published by the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The top attributes included safety with a score of 9.7, hospitality with 9.6 and availability of information with 9.5.

Rest and relaxation were the top motivators for visitors, scoring 94.3%; conventions followed at a distant 2.1% with sporting activities having grown to 0.9%, as well as weddings and business trips, which brought in 0.6% of visitors.

Mexican culture, golf courses and land and sea tours were the top attractions enjoyed by visitors during the last year.

The destination’s price/quality relationship was rated by 63% of those polled as just or adequate, which points to the fact that the Riviera Nayarit is worth what it costs.

38% of the visitors polled were 50 years or older; 37% were between 35 and 49; 22% were between 25 and 34; with the remainder were between 18 and 24 years old.

The Annual Visitor Research Report published by the Riviera Nayarit CVB was created to help all those involved in tourism make better decisions, thus increasing economic development and benefitting the region.

Puerto Vallarta, Jal- The Our House "Love Boat"-themed Annual Gala Auction raised over $500,000 Saturday night at the Portland Art Museum. 

With over 420 guests in attendance the generosity over flowed.

Love Boat emcee Dale Johannes and auctioneer Johnna Wells presented 16 live auction items that included vacation packages to Bali, Puerto Vallarta, Provence, Dubai, Tuscany and a special 15-course dinner prepared by "Top Chef Boston" finalist, recent James Beard Award nominee and Executive Chef of Departure, Gregory Gourdet.
Guests began the evening with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by the live auction, dinner, and it all wrapped up with a very lively "Disco on The Lido Deck" after party.

Love Boat entertainment included dinner hostess "Yolanda" aka Jill Westerby backed up by a three-piece band lead by Denny Bixby and a special performance by Scott Nevins, star of Bravo TV's "The People's Couch."

Event Chairs Bob Speltz (Our House Board Member and Director of Public Affairs at The Standard) and his partner Dwight Adkins co-chaired the event. The Standard was the presenting sponsor and Wells Fargo offered a $25,000 matching donation for the night's special appeal. Funds raised at the gala will support the programs and services Our House provides to people in our community living with HIV/AIDS. Since 1988, Our House has offered vital services including housing, specialized nursing care, supplemental food and more.

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake 243 Km From Cihuatlán, Jalisco, Mexico

UTC time: Sunday, February 22, 2015 14:23 PM
Your time: Sunday, February 22 2015 6:23 AM
Magnitude Type: mwb
USGS page: M 6.2 - 211km SW of Tomatlan, Mexico

A strong 6.2-magnitude earthquake off Mexico's Pacific coast state of Jalisco produced no immediate reports of damage or injuries, civil protection authorities said Sunday.

Santos Munoz, a spokesman for the Jalisco State civil protection agency, said that an early survey of the coast turned up no problems. The agency's Twitter account reported that the quake was felt slightly in some Jalisco communities, but no damage was reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at around 8:23 a.m. local time (1423 GMT) Sunday.

It was registered at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), about 211 kilometers (131 miles) southwest of the community of Tomatlan, and 811 kilometers (503 miles) west of Mexico City

Puerto Vallarta, Jal- Ricky Martin is in hot hot hot demand.

How hot, you ask?

So hot that even the mega-picky, fork-tongued music mogul Simon Cowell has come calling for the actor-singer.

Cowell has picked Martin, 43, to be the executive producer and one of the judges for a new competition show aimed at recruiting the best Spanish-speaking talents and to form a boys-only "superband."

A press release announcing Martin’s selection said that show, titled “La Banda,” will seek "the ultimate Latino boy band through the largest talent search in U.S. history.”

In the statement, Cowell heaped praise on Martin, who recently debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums as his latest studio set, “A Quien Quiera Escuchar,” opening with 25,000 copies sold in the week ending Feb. 15. That was his sixth chart-topping set, Billboard said.

"We are on a search for a world class band and we needed a world class judge,” Cowell said. "I know Ricky and he is as excited and passionate as me about the show and I know he's going to do an amazing job."

“La Banda” has a scheduled September premiere. Auditions are planned to begin March 7 in Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Houston, Chicago, New York City and Miami. Contestants must speak Spanish and be at least 14 years old.

Martin said he was beside himself when Cowell called him with the offer.

"The phone rings, and Simon Cowell calls and he says, 'Ricky, I would like to meet with you,' " Martin said, according to People Magazine. “We started throwing ideas and I was fascinated by this concept. I was fascinated by this show. I said, 'Of course I want to be a part of this! Thank you for inviting me.' "

Winners will be part of a five-member group that the Grammy-winning singer will manage. They'll sign with Sony Music and Cowell's production company Syco Entertainment.

"It's an amazing platform that I wish I had when I was starting in my career," said Martin.

He promises to be a kinder and gentler judge than Cowell.

"Simon is a brutally honest judge, which is very important," Martin said. "[But] I'm a little bit more nurturing."

Puerto Vallarta, Jal- What is Taco? Most people know it as a a simple tortilla filled with different ingredients. But it is not so simple anymore. From Mexico to USA and China we can enjoy Tacos in endless ways and forms of preparations, at times they are called wraps or carnitas, but one thing is certain – they have become chef’s favorites dish to play with.

In Mexico tacos are generally know as a fast food , a snack you buy from street vendors. However there is more to this simple taco than you may think, it all depends on the ingredients, the right tortilla, filling, salsa and seasoning and combination of flavors. There are endless ways of preparations of taco, from very traditional styles like : Al Pastor which slowly roasted adobo pork meat, served with fresh pineapple and cilantro. Carne Asada : seared flan steak with grilled onions or Cochinita Pibil, a slowly cooked pork meat with chilies and spices (traditional Yucatan style). Even tortillas are getting new flavors and even more gourmet twist – our favorite so far is corn tortilla with Huitlacoche (a corn mushroom) or cactus, fill this up with your favorite ingredients and you get yourself a real gourmet treat!

One of the new trends in Tacos is what we like to call Latin – Asian Fusion. Chefs are competing to bring original flavors and add a twist to their recipes to assure a perfect harmony and incredible experiences to the clients. Top on our list are Tacos from Sonora Prime Grill in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico : Jicama tortilla filled with panco crusted calamari, topped with white cabbage and chili-hoisin sauce. Need we say more? “Coreanos” in Austin, Texas Food Truck try their combination of marinated meats with kimchi and sesame oil vinaigrette from the Korean ( Asian palate) and onions, cilantro and pico de gallo from the Mexican one. So as you see creativity is endless and you cant go wrong when making your very own recipe.

So for your next dinner or get together do your own Taco Teka Party,use your imagination and create endless variety of fillings: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp and tortillas / flower or corn or even fresh lettuce leaves for those who check their daily dose of calories. Make some cilantro dips or salsas that you like: tomato, mint, chimichurri or Asian everything goes. Be sure to always have additional condiments like: fresh cilantro, onion, cucumber cubes, radish, pineapple or mango. Oh …and of course do not forget about the infused margaritas.. we will share some of our secrets from top mixologists soon.

Tips for the best and easy Mexican Salsa:

Grill tomatoes (red or green), onion and garlic. If you do not have a grill use simple frying pan. The idea is for vegetables to get this slight charcoal flavor and crust. Put the ingredient to the blender; add a tiny doze of salt and pepper, small amount of Chile de Arbol ( or any other kind you like , jalapeno or other ) and add some water. Blend all ingredients to reach a thick consistency of the salsa not too thin. Place it in a saucer and top with chopped Fresh Cilantro. Enjoy

Dorota Antoszkiewicz