Café Frankfurt | | by
Anna Reisman - May 28, 2001. |
Every once in a while, things happen
to us to remind us why we love Puerto Vallarta so much.
In this one particular case, it was the truly serendipitous
discovery (a couple of years ago) of a place very close
to my house, which I had heard about but had never visited:
Café Frankfurt.
Every day, for one reason or another,
I walk or drive along Basilio Badillo - otherwise known
as the Street of the Cafés or Restaurant Row,
depending on what you're reading. There is a sign hanging
on the front of the building located between Tapas and
Roberto's Puerto Nuevo that says "Café Frankfurt",
but when you look in, there is nothing to entice you
to venture further. Façades can be truly deceiving!
One day, I decided to ask my German
girlfriend if she wanted to come with me to this German
restaurant I had heard so much about. I wanted someone
with me who would give me an "connaisseur"'s
opinion of the food... while I could write about the
place itself.
We followed the direction indicated
by the arrow in the lobby of what appeared to be a small
hotel. What a surprise awaited us! The path is lined
with palms that form an enchanting arch over one's head,
and leads to an open-air garden setting that is nothing
short of unbelievable. Here you are, a few feet from
Basilio Badillo street and all its hubbub, in absolute
quiet. There is no noise, just sweet, low music from
some hidden source. There are old-fashioned lamposts
all around, and little tables set with bright tablecloths
all over an immaculately clean patio floor.
We've gone back to Café Frankfurt
dozens of times since then. We've been there for lunch,
fund-raising events, and many, many dinners. Never have
we been disappointed.
The menu is very simple, nothing
ostentatious, just good hearty fare at most reasonable
prices. There are soups and appetizers but for us, the
main dishes always take precedence. I think I've sampled
just about all of them over the past couple of years.
The last time we were there, my friend ordered the herring
in sour cream to start with, followed by the classic
Wienerschnitzel (made with veal, not pork) with "house"
potatoes, and I asked for the veal Bratwurst with spaetzle.
There's always a basket of freshly
baked bread to sop up the various sauces (in this case,
it was the sour cream and onions that came with the
herring...), along with a small tub of seasoned butter
and a bowl of cooked red cabbage that is just delicious.
Service is very prompt, friendly
and courteous at Café Frankfurt. My friend (who
had never eaten there before) cut into her Wienerschnitzel,
took a bite, and smiled. Enough said. My veal sausage
was as always: lovely, delicate, tasty and grilled just
right. If you like hot mustard as I do, it elevates
the wurst (sausage) to the level of perfection.
The spaetzle are well-seasoned and delicious.
Everyone is always amazed at the utter peace and quiet
that reigns in the garden. So close to the street, and
yet a little world apart...
The dessert list is short and sweet,
and the portions are most generous. The Apfelstrudel
(apple strudel) is loaded with apples and raisins, all
wrapped in a light, flaky pastry (which the Greeks call
filo and the French Millefeuilles) dusted with icing
sugar. Café Frankfurt scores an "A"
there. And I'm always a happy camper when the expresso
is real - which it is there. For those who enjoy a drink
before, with or after their meal, the Café's
bar is fully stocked, including many hard-to-find European
liqueurs and even some that are endowed with special
powers to kill cold and flu viruses in their tracks!
Prices have been maintained low.
Owner Mike Pohl reminded us that
there are also hotel rooms within the property. Like
the restaurant, they are spacious, comfortable, quiet
and cheap, overlooking the garden! Contented repeat
guests are ensuring that it remains a well-kept secret...
I highly recommend Café Frankfurt
to anyone seeking hearty, authentic German fare in an
unexpectedly delightful little tropical oasis of peace
and serenity, right on Restaurant Row: 300 Basilio Badillo.
Average 3-course meal, not including drinks or tips:
less than $200. pesos. Tel.: 222-3403. pvmomto3@hotmail.com |
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