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| Maria Bonita
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| June 1st, 2003 |
 Sometimes,
when a particular locale changes what was it’s
“raison d’être” for many years,
it can be somewhat difficult to get used to its new
face, or in this case, its new décor, new menu
and new atmosphere.
This is what I felt when some friends
and I went to dine for the first time at Maria Bonita.
This restaurant is located in the beautiful Gran Turismo
category hotel, the Camino Real, located on its own
lovely little cove just south of town. The restaurant
used to be called La Perla and it was known for being
what was probably the most elegant dining room in town
- for some 30 years.
When La Perla was damaged by Hurricane
Kenna’s brief, though unwelcome, visit on October
25th of last year, the hotel’s management decided
to rip out the richly-colored carpet, discard the comfortable
armchairs, cover the beautiful blue “sky”
painted on the huge domed roof with matte black paint,
and change the concept altogether. Today, the place
is called the “Maria Bonita”.
We found out that the concept comes
from Cancún where the Camino Real Hotel there
opened the original Maria Bonita restaurant. Due to
its great success, it was decided to duplicate the concept
here in Vallarta, but there are differences. In Cancun,
the restaurant has direct access to the street, enabling
passers by to see inside and walk in for a table. Here,
folks have to drive onto the hotel’s property,
convince the security guard to let them in, then walk
through the hotel itself in order to reach the restaurant.
 We
also learned that the idea was to introduce diners to
specialties from various parts of the country. Considering
the richness of Mexico’s culinary traditions,
I was surprised to find that the décor of the
premises highlighted only two of this country’s
31 states: Michoacan and Oaxaca.
The large dining hall with the vaulted
ceiling is decorated in a Michoacan style, enhanced
by the famous chairs for which that colorful state is
known and bright red plastic bouganviliae around the
base of the black, invisible dome overhead. A smaller
room, elegantly decorated in the strong yet subdued
primary colors of the state for which it was named is
the Oaxaca. The center part of the Michoacan dining
room has been turned into a “stage” for
the Mariachi band. From the large, airy and beautiful
bar area we find ourselves in upon entering the restaurant,
we can see into both the Oaxaca and the Michoacan areas.
Through lovely arches, we can see every area from every
other.
The beautiful floor-to-ceiling glass
partition separating the hall from the landscaped gardens,
the beach and the ocean on the other side, is still
there. And the superb service for which this locale
was always known is still intact.
 The
menu of the Maria Bonita is extensive, starting with
“Snacks to Share” and “Soups and Broths”.
The former includes various cheese appetizers as well
as shrimp and pork items, and I can assure you that
the Cream of Pumpkin soup is excellent.
The list of salads presents four
very different, very fresh and very original options
to choose from, while the “Doña’s
Specials” offer a choice between chicken, beef,
shrimp, tuna and seafood.
The section entitled “Maria’s
Loves” consists of stuffed chilies, baked baby
goat, lobster tacos and chicken enchiladas, while the
one entitled “Tex Mex and the Grill” features
items such as fajitas, ribs, burritas, etc. There is
also a very tempting dessert menu …if you still
have room! The portions are truly generous.
A three-course meal at Maria Bonita’s
will average approximately $270. pesos not including
drinks or tips. For reservations, please call 221-5000.
It is always recommendable to reserve as the hotel is
a favorite, traditional venue for large groups and conventions.
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