VALLARTA PEOPLE
Roberto’s
- the Original Puerto Nuevo
Text by Anna Reisman and Jesus de Avila
Photos by Anna Reisman
August 31, 2003
 Not
so very long ago, on today’s “Restaurant
Row” (Basilio Badillo Street), there was no public
lighting and the street was not yet completely paved
with cobblestones. Consequently, not many tourists passed
by there. At that time (1987-88), when probably nobody
even imagined what this street might become, someone
whose only desire was to start a good business by delighting
the most demanding palates and providing good service,
ventured to set up what would be the very first restaurant
in the area …in a space no bigger than some 350
sq. ft.
For several years, the restaurant
was the only one on the street, with four tables on
a concrete floor. Little by little, thanks to his exquisite
seafood dishes and excellent personal attention - besides
bringing tourists to the area (some of whom were a little
scared because there were no street light back then),
the owner started creating a clientele among both locals
and vacationers. By the time the authorities finally
installed the lighting and paved the street, Roberto
Castellon’s restaurant was already recognized
as one of the best places in Vallarta to enjoy seafood
…and exceptional service.
Roberto had come from northern Mexico
ten years earlier, on a one-week vacation. (He’s
been here ever since, over 25 years...) When he and
two friends opened the restaurant, he called it “Puerto
Nuevo”, alluding to the fact that Vallarta
had become his new home.
Although it had grown considerably
over time, “Roberto’s
- Original Puerto Nuevo” had to move across
the street to a larger venue last year, and Roberto
opened another successful eating establishment - Las
Margaritas - in the location where Puerto Nuevo
used to be. The restaurant has earned numerous awards
and commendations over the years, confirming it as one
of the best seafood restaurants in town.
When we dined there last week, we
noted with pleasure that the prices had not changed.
And besides all the fabulous seafood dishes on the menu,
you can still order just about anything you want - soups
and salads, finger-lickin’ good appetizers, USDA
choice cuts of meat done to perfection, pastas, Mexican
favorites, vegetarian, combos, desserts, etc. For espresso
freaks like me: the espressos and cappuccino are excellent!
Also, just like in the old location, you may choose
a table either inside or out on the terrace, and you’ll
love the décor throughout… reminiscent
of Italy.
An average deliciously filling three-course
meal will run about $200. Pesos not including drinks
or tips. Roberto’s is located at 283 Basilio Badillo
Street. (Las Margaritas is right across the street.)
Tel.: 222-4959 and 222-6210.
Did You Know…
the difference between ice cream,
gelato, sorbet, sherbet, and frozen yogurt?
 Frozen
treats are a good way to cool down and it helps to know
the differences between them all. Ice cream is basically
a frozen custard that is made from eggs, dairy, and
sugar. It contains at least 8 percent milk fat and depending
on how much air is whipped into it, can be fairly soft
to very firm.
Gelati are similar to ice cream except
that they contain more egg yolks and less air. They
are a much denser product and contain more fat.
On the lighter side, sorbets contain
no dairy. They are made from a simple syrup that is
flavored, usually with fruit and a few spices and herbs.
Basically, sorbet is a creamy ice because it is churned
until smooth.
Sherbet is basically an ice milk
(or sorbet with milk) and is a cross between ice cream
and sorbet. It has a creamy and smooth consistency.
Frozen yogurt is widely found in
soft-serve or hard form. It's a healthier alternative
to ice cream, containing vitamins, protein, calcium,
and less fat.
At “Once Upon A Time…”
you’ll find the most delicious flavors of sorbets
and ice creams in town, all made fresh right there on
the spot. You will also find paletas made from frozen
fresh fruit, and the best espressos, cappuccinos and
frappés in the area. The shop is located at 101
Morelos, next to the Santander-Serfin bank, where the
street curves towards the southbound bridge. Usually
open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel.: 223-4169.
 Weddings
at Villa Bella.
Celebrate the most special day of
your life and spend you honeymoon surrounded by nature's
beauty on an environment of privacy and relaxation.
The north coast of Banderas Bay is one of those magical
spots of the world considered natural paradises. Exchange
vows in Villa Bella's grounds, with the best view of
the Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. Our
gardens, suites and views are simply breathtaking. WEDDING
CONSULTANTS WELCOME!
Visit: http://www.villabella-lacruz.com/
E-mail: info@villabella-lacruz.com
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