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| Enchantment at Encanto
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| May 25, 2003 |
 I
had never heard of the place until I read a little note
alluding to its existence. No one knew where it was,
just that it was on Aquiles Serdan, the street that
runs along the Cuale River on the south side. They told
us to walk along and keep going, just a few blocks inland
from the Ciné Bahía, they told us it would
be worth it. They were right.
We arrived at Encanto in no time
at all, between Naranjo and Camichin streets. Along
the way, we got smiles and greetings from the folks
sitting outside their homes, trying to keep cool. Encanto
was obviously home to someone before it was turned into
one of the most delightful little restaurants I’ve
seen in a long time …and I mean tiny.  I
don’t think that there are more than five or six
tables in all and I’m truly worried that once
you read this, they will have to start operating by
reservation only. That’s how good the food is!
Encanto can be translated into English as either “enchantment”
or “spell”. Both apply. You will be enchanted,
you will fall under its spell. Surely.
The overall color is a cool, calm,
pale yellow that spreads all the way to the underside
of the tile roof and wood beams that also serve as ceiling
throughout this establishment. Chairs and tables are
painted in a pale green that is just as cool and calming
as the ceiling. The tasteful décor juxtaposes
French posters with Mexican talavera and fresh plants
for a most welcoming, homey feeling. 
Because of the décor, I was
reminded of New Orleans even before we were given the
menus. I think that the owners must have had Louisiana
on their mind -or at least Cajun cuisine- when they
started out, even though they also offer some succulent
international dishes, probably added in so as not to
limit the selection. Wait till you see that menu! As
a matter of fact, wait till you taste their little fresh
breads, straight out of the oven! Wait till you try
their corn fritters! We really didn’t know where
to start and I can’t remember all the incredible
dishes on the menu, but I can tell you that the fish
in banana leaf is out of this world! I will surely go
back, often, and then I’ll tell you more about
the other dishes.
Prices are extremely reasonable,
service is excellent (Jaime -formerly with Karpathos
for over 7 years- is there now), and Encanto is open
every day except Sundays, from 5 to 11 p.m. and later
if you’re not finished dining. Tel.: 222-5785.
La Fuente del
Puente
May 25, 2003
Here, you are surrounded by nature,
right on the banks of the most important river in Puerto
Vallarta, the Rio Cuale. That in itself may not qualify
as unique characteristics, what makes La Fuente del
Puente unique is its location right in the center of
town, at the foot of the northbound bridge. Personally,
I have always considered it among the prime people-watching
spots in town.
 Adding
to the magic of the environment is the pleasant service
you will receive from the staff here. Since it was entirely
remodeled a few months ago, this innovative restaurant
offers marimba music in the daytime to add an even more
traditionally Mexican touch to your lunch. Moreover,
there is a brand new menu filled with exquisite dishes
specially conceived for this summer season, where you
will find an extensive variety of snacks, seafood and
meat.
At the entrance -where you will
be greeted by a very kitsch statue of Richard Burton
and Elizabeth Taylor, that has become very famous with
time- there is also a bar where you may choose to enjoy
a cold beer or other refreshing drink along with your
choice of the many snack foods at your disposal. That
too is one of the restaurant’s newer features.
In the evening, La Fuente del Puente
turns into a totally different place. Gone is the continuous
flow of tourists and residents passing by, the noise
of the traffic and the accompanying hustle and bustle
in general seems to dim. The song of the river appears
to be calmer, more soothing, and a romantic ambiance
settles in. Now you can truly appreciate the items on
the dinner menu and the “specials prepared at
your table”. This is the challenging part. What
to choose? The appetizers include tempting titles such
as empanadas with pumpkin and crab, a salad of seafood
sautéed in olive oil, a hot spinach salad for
two and the “Scallops La Fuente” that sound
fabulous. Among the soups, one of my companions ordered
the cream of bean Michoacan-style and I ordered my always-favorite-wherever-I-go,
the tortilla soup. Both plates were wiped clean. (By
the way, the presentation of all the dishes we ordered
was superb.)
The main courses cover everything
from seafood to meat, and fish to fowl, as well as vegetarian.
The three of us opted for the Tampiqueña Tamaulipas-style,
the chicken fajitas norteña-style and the seafood
Tabasco. All very different, all very good, tasty and
well prepared. Obviously, you must have guessed by now
that there are specialties from many of the states in
this country of rich culinary traditions.
Make sure that you leave room for
the desserts when you dine at La Fuente. Not only are
they unusual, but they are a real treat. For the “Turrón
de Vainilla”, the chef goes wild with fresh fruit
of the season, cut into tiny cubes, mixed together and
stuffed into a crispy, crunchy, paper-thin almond cannelloni-looking
thing, the whole served with a sumptuous creamy vanilla
“turrón”. The “Mousse de Nopal”
was just as delicious. It was so light that you could
just let it melt in your mouth, and the accompanying
kiwi and mango sauces enhanced both desserts.
Luigi Capasso is the owner of this
restaurant as well as another prestigious establishment
in this town, La Nube, which specializes in Italian
Alta Cocina. Now that La Nube is closed for the rainy
season, Luigi is always there to ensure your satisfaction,
whatever your selection.
An average 3-course dinner will at
La Fuente del Puente will cost you approximately $225.
pesos, not including drinks or tips. The restaurant
is located at the foot of the northbound bridge, at
107 Insurgentes, right in front of the Market and it
is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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