The New Porto Bello Bistro & Lounge in Nuevo Vallarta
We enjoyed a sensational evening in a modern atmosphere, elegantly designed by Ana Goldman, and took delight in the exquisite meals from the Italian cuisine, prepared by young chef Alejandro Herrerias, a third-generation chef in a family of restaurateurs..
Last Monday we dined at the new Porto Bello Bistro & Lounge in Nuevo Vallarta. We enjoyed a sensational evening in a modern atmosphere, elegantly designed by Ana Goldman, and took delight in the exquisite meals from the Italian cuisine, prepared by young chef Alejandro Herrerias, a third-generation chef in a family of restaurateurs.
Italian cuisine is one of my two greatest favorites. To me, the prospect of dinner at Porto Bello raised a lot of expectation.
The new Porto Bello Bistro & Lounge opened its doors on December 12, 2009, precisely on the 20th anniversary of the opening of the original Porto Bello in Marina Vallarta. It is located in the Nuevo Vallarta Plaza and Business Center, facing the channel, with the view to the yachts. It offers three different dinner settings, the waterfront terrace, the bistro area and the VIP zone. There is also a lounge by the bar.
It was a cool evening, and we could feel the breeze as we were shown to our table on the terrace by the water.
Porto Bello’s menu is a profusion of delicacies, there is a broad range of choices. Tomato is an ever present ingredient in Italian cuisine; it is surprising because of its simplicity, but in the hands of Chef Herrerias it takes on a sense of grandeur. From the soups I chose the Gazpacho cold tomato and shrimp soup, artistically presented and delicious with the surprising simplicity of tomato.
Letty loves salads. She had the Bistro salad with honey glazed pecans, baby green lettuce, feta cheese, mandarine clusters and strawberries. She found it delicious.
At main courses I could not resist lasagna. A true art work. Baked, as it should be, with gratin cheese and a robust meat tomato sauce. It was phenomenal!
Letty, in a health oriented spirit, decided to try the fresh fish fillet in a bread and olive crust, wine citrus sauce seasoned with garlic and parsley, served on a veggie ratatouille-style bed.
Porto Bello’s wine cellar houses a large selection of wines from around the world. I found an excellent Merlot to accompany my lasagna.
To make our experience whole, a cup of coffee was the perfect complement.
We really celebrate the opening of this new restaurant, which is rapidly positioning itself in the preferences of residents and visitors to the Nuevo Vallarta area.
Porto Bello now hosts Martini Night every Thrusday, with free cosmpolitans to ladies and 2x1 martinis at the lounge.
Also, we learned that soon, a new menu will be offered in the bar, with a fabulous selection of panini and pizza, as well as appetizing tapas and Strisciate.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, at Nuevo Vallarta Plaza & Business Center, local 4, Tel. 297 6719. email: porto@prodigy.net.mx
www.portobellovallarta.com