This is my first posting for a restaurant review! It´s exciting to try to transmit what i see, feel and taste with my words and some images. So here we go!
Porto Bello is situated in one of my favorite spots in Vallarta, the Marina. The visit was programmed for a sunny afternoon. It was very busy when we arrived with the fishermen coming back in their boats and some yachts that were entering from a day out in Banderas Bay.
This restaurant belongs to Mario Nunez and Maurizio Pellegrini; they came from Canada for vacations and they fell in love with the destination, so 2 years later they were opening one of the first restaurants in the Marina.
From the terrace i could see the mountains of Vallarta from the far, many yachts, people enjoying an afternoon walk, the art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. The tables and chairs are white, making it a clean, relaxing place to sip a glass of wine waiting for the sun to fall into the horizon.
Their Sommelier, Filiberto Lepe has a vast knowledge of wine and with his usual smile recommended me a glass of Pinot Grigio to enjoy with a plate of Calamari Fritti; this was a very good choice, the freshness and the touch of acidity of the wine is great for the warm, humid weather of the bay and it matched perfectly with the crispyness and flavor of the Calamari.
The second course was my all time favorite dish in this restaurant, the Fusilli Porto Bello, one of their signature dishes.
It arrived with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Viña Kristel from Monte Xanic. An excellent wine, golden yellow colour, with citrus fruits, pineapple and toast aromas, a bit of acidity and medium body and a beautiful harmony between the fruity and fine oak notes tastes.
It paired nicely with the ingredients of my Fusilli Porto Bello: Pasta, Artichokes, Black Olives, Garlic, Basil leaves, Olive Oil and Lemon.
For dessert i had a delicious Tiramisu, with a very good Espresso. A great way to finish the evening.
The conversation with Mario and Maurizio is always fun and they make sure that next time you visit Porto Bello, you will feel comfortable and will enjoy the same taste, quality and service you enjoyed the first time you were there.
This was (of course) not the first time i went to Porto Bello, i am a regular because i like the lively ambience of the terrace, the contemporary setting of the interior dinning room, the spectacular view of the Marina, their traditional Italian cuisine in the generous portions, the affordable prices and their great service.
If you add to all this a great Wine list and the always good recommendations of Filiberto the Sommelier, you have the perfect evening, specially if you go with a fun group of friends or even better, with someone special to get in the romantic mood in this place that invites to relaxation, conversation and connection.
www.portobellovallarta.com
