Felipe's | | by
Anna Reisman - december 1, 2002. |
 Over
the years, most of us who live here have acquired some "favorite places"
among the hundreds of restaurants in this town. Some we prefer for quiet little
get-togethers among friends, others for special events or for the special foods
they offer, others for romantic encounters, etc. When it comes to a restaurant
with the most all-encompassing view in town, Felipe's has been my personal choice
since I discovered it years ago. Though others also have breathtaking views -
of the bay or of downtown, I always return to Felipe's because it offers an unobstructed
view of both, including our world-famous landmark - the Church. It is spectacular
at any time of day and of course, at sunset time, it is especially glorious... Felipe's
belongs to a Vallartan family whose children grew up in the house on the property
where the restaurant is now located. The decision to turn the place into a restaurant
and give visitors a chance to admire its unique setting is a relatively recent
one - it was taken only 18 years ago. Today, the restaurant is run mostly by one
of the four Palacios children: Juan Pablo, Felipe Jr., Gloria and Liliana. Obviously
the important point here, other than the view, is the food. Though the prices
have risen over the years, it is still worth every peso. The menu may be simple
and unpretentious, but we can see that each item was carefully selected to ensure
that customers would have a full selection from which to choose their favorite.
There are appetizers and soups, salads, meats and seafood, and desserts. The Caesar
salad is prepared at your table and rates among the top three in my books. When
we went there last week, I ordered the Mushrooms Florentine as an appetizer. Delicious.
That's all I can say. The cuts of meat are excellent at Felipe's. I mention that
because I would love to find out where they come from… Once I had cleaned
my plate of mushrooms to a perfect gleam with the deliciously fresh bread, I ordered
the Filet Roquefort smothered with …more mushrooms. It was like cutting through
butter! Large, perfectly broiled - medium rare for me - and more flavorful than
any steak I've had in a long time. The baked potatoes come with healthy dollops
of sour cream, the side dishes of julienne vegetables were sautéed just
right and the mixtures were plentiful. I couldn't finish mine. My
girlfriend had ordered the sea bass served with a sauce of mussels, cilantro and
white wine. She gave me some of hers in exchange for some of mine, so I can attest
to the fact that her selection too was succulent. While we sat and talked, having
already enjoyed one of Vallarta's typically magnificent sunsets from this wonderful
viewpoint, listening to pleasant background music, and now watching the Marigalante's
fireworks against the myriad glittering lights of the bay's skyline, the waiter
came over to get our dessert order. Now I have known about Felipe's cheesecake
for a long time. After all, this was the only place in town (according to a former
business partner of mine, a really picky fellow) that served true cheese cake.
My girlfriend ordered that while I opted for the chocolate cake. At this point
I should mention that Sra. Palacios, the family's matriarch, makes all the cakes
herself, lusciously fresh every day. There are also flambéed desserts such
as bananas, peaches or mangoes, and Crêpes Suzettes - all prepared at your
table. I know that they're all delicious, because I've enjoyed them all at one
time or another, but not this time. I was just too full. The
service at Felipe's is casual, friendly, bilingual and extremely attentive. If
you're really, really ravenous, an average three-course meal at Felipe's will
cost approximately $300. pesos not including drinks or tips. The restaurant is
located up above the gas station and the Medasist Hospital at the south end of
town. All the taxis know where it is. Reservations: 222-1434 or 222-3820. pvmomto3@hotmail.com |
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