RESTAURANT REVIEW |
Esquina de los Caprichos- A Spanish corner with a very local Vallarta flair.
By Jesús de Avila - The Editor - June 2006
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At the corner of cobblestone streets of the hill area downtown in a small building whose facade is that of a typical local Vallarta home, there is a restaurant whose principal enchantment ―in my opinion― is that it almost goes by unnoticed as a nook of Spanish cuisine with a very typical local Vallarta atmosphere.
I found the place while I was driving looking for colorful facades, doors and windows in order to take pictures of them. When passing by that corner I saw Ada Colorina ―a famous Vallarta painter― sitting inside accompanied by Silvano, who is an excellent friend. I stopped to talk to them and I discovered the very pleasant atmosphere that is breathed in this peculiar small little restaurant serving “tapas” and which is called “Esquina de los Caprichos” (Corner of Whims). That day I only tried a little bit of some very delicious garlic bread, that by the way was enough to decide that I would return promptly accompanied by Claudia.
Very soon I came back with Claudia and the experience of having dinner there was pleasantly casual and exquisite. As a starter ―acting as a gourmet wanting to impress Claudia― I ordered the garlic bread with cheese that in my opinion has a strong flavor and which I love. We continued with salmon Carpaccio. Spread onto the garlic bread it is a  sensual delight for the taste buds. This was followed by ajillo squid which kept us very quiet and we finished by savoring several huge and juicy mushrooms impregnated with an inimitable flavor created by its freshness and the ingredients used to cook them. We accompanied our dinner with a fresh and flavorful water melon drink. When I heard that one of the desserts was coffee caramel pudding, my eyes got big and I ordered it. I had never tried anything like it. Coffee lovers should not leave the place without having tried this.
The most spectacular fact of everything was that the prices are truly reasonable. That night we paid a bill of approximately three hundred pesos!....this restaurant should also be called "the corner of miracles"!
Before fifteen days had gone by, I already returned to the restaurant, this time with my mother and my sister who was visiting us from Los Cabos. And again everybody was simply fascinated! Until now everything what we have tried has been excellent and delicious. I have the impression that the secret lies in the simplicity with which each dish is prepared.
I am very happy of having found this “Esquina de los Caprichos” because besides eating like the king of Spain (I exaggerate just a tiny bit) the owner Octavio de Neira ―known as "Chapis"― takes personal care of his clients. With his joyous attitude and his spirit to serve he makes everyone feel as if at home. That is the essence of a local place in Valllarta and for that reason I widely recommend a visit of the “Esquina de los Caprichos”.
Esquina de los Caprichos
402 Miramar Street conrner with Inturbide Street
Openning hours: Monday to Saturday from 1:00 to 10:p.m.
Phone: 222-0911 • E-mail: esquinaadeloscaprichos@yahoo.com.mx
• Cash Only!
Jesús de Avila – The Editor
E-mail: editor@pvmirror.com
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