Postcard from Puerto Vallarta: Cuisine, Adventure & Paradise Dawn Richards - DMR Fine Foods
go to original December 8, 2013

From the first moments of my arrival in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - blanketed with the warm and balmy weather that served as the perfect haven from the wind and cold storm I had barely escaped back home - until my departure several days later, I was enthralled in a state of perpetual discovery and delight that cemented this tropical paradise as a destination that is brimming with life, luxury, adventure, and its own special charm that is not to be missed.  

Each day brought unique flavor, discovery and the occasional element of surprise, as the people, places, sights and tastes of Puerto Vallarta were uncovered. And every passing moment seemed to build on the beauty, wonder and grandness of the previous, culminating into an epic journey that is best shared as it unfolded: day by day.

Day 1

My stay began with a relaxed afternoon at my home away from home, the Fiesta Americana Hotel, getting comfortably settled into my digs, which included taking in the sweeping views from my balcony, followed by a late lunch on the beach and an amazingly gorgeous sunset.

From there, I indulged in a bit of pampering at the hotel spa before preparing for dinner. The evening was capped with a stellar six-course menu served in one of the beautiful private dining areas within the hotel.

Those first hours within Puerto Vallarta’s corridors were a welcomed introduction to its relaxing, yet sophisticated, offerings and proved to be the perfect harbinger of all the exquisite tastes, sights and scenes that awaited my discovery.  

Day 2

A relatively early start the next morning gave way to taking in more of the scenic beach, replete with a gorgeous, mountainous backdrop, as well as a breakfast buffet that dished up popular Mexican fare, like my favorite chilaquiles, along with more traditional dishes, providing something for everyone.

As the afternoon rolled around, I was off to the CasaMagna Marriot Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa for a delightful lunch and more of the beach scene.  

I had already begun chatting up the locals the day before for tips and recommendations on where to go to experience the heart of Puerto Vallarta and the overwhelming response was the fabulous Malecon Boardwalk.

With a few hours available to explore before the evening festivities began, I eagerly headed to the highly touted Malecon and immediately understood why the locals regarded it. Flanked by the ocean, and dotted with restaurants, shops, breathtaking sculpture art, and the buzz of its people, the Malecon seemed to embody the heart of the culture of Puerto Vallarta in an exciting, yet equally relaxed, way. If I lived there, I could see myself spending untold hours in this hub of beauty, energy, culture and cuisine. My few hours of exploration were simply not enough, and I left desiring more.

Back at the hotel, it was time to “clean up” in anticipation of the evening’s World Chef’s Welcome Party, the kickoff event of the 19th annual Festival Gourmet International. Dressed and ready to indulge in the excitement of the things to come, I took the short walk down to my hotel’s beach, which had been beautifully transformed to welcome the festival’s premier chefs and guests. From there, an unforgettably special evening unfolded before me.   

Gorgeously dressed tables lined the sand, while live entertainment serenaded the crowd, and a tangible pulse rippled through the air.  And just when I thought it couldn't get any grander, celebrated chefs from throughout Mexico - and beyond - arrived in high style via small sailboats.

Attentions then turned to a Mexican feast that was served buffet style, highlighting each chef's offerings. The good times lasted into the wee hours of the night, replete with fireworks, celebration, laughter, music, more food, and dancing. It was a welcome party to trump all others and the perfect ending to another exceptional day.

Read the entire story with great accompanying photos at DMR Fine Foods.