| | |  Entertainment | Restaurants & Dining | April 2009 
An Undiscovered Treasure Here in the City
 Larry Sheldon - PVNN
| | Open daily from 11 am until 9 pm, Mauricio's Restaurant is located at Pulpito 127 in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. | |
Long known as one of the best seafood restaurants in the region, frequented by scores of Mexican Nationals to celebrate birthdays, holidays or just a good night out, Mauricio's from the local suburb of Ixtapa has now quietly opened a branch right in the Zona Romantica.
On what was once the parking lot for the San Marino hotel, Mauricio's now has a location in the same block as Banana Cantina, Kit Kat and Barrio Sur. It's picturesque, but certainly not fancy, with comfortable enough furniture from the Sol beer people. What's notable and memorable is the food. Certainly some of the best grilled seafood platters and pork ribs to be found anywhere in the Bahía de Banderas area.
The story of these excellent restaurants begins many years ago when a very young Mauricio dreamed of succeeding at whatever he set out to do. At age 7, he was already selling fruits and vegetables on the street to help sustain his family.
Mauricio was also an excellent student, applying himself diligently to the knowledge that was necessary to run a business. This led to his success selling shrimp tacos and tamales in the City of Tepic, where he was born. As a youth, he loved cooking and the concept of tourism more than anything he could imagine.
He was very happy when his family decided to move to Puerto Vallarta in 1989, for he saw in our city many opportunities in the big hotels and noted restaurants. By the age of 18, he had passed from waiter to maitre d' to chef. This, along with his expertise in tourism, soon gained him the position of general manager of a prestigious hotel.
Remembering his mother's words about pursuing your greatest passion, he invited his family to help him open his first restaurant in Ixtapa in May 2001. Soon and in all the years since, the restaurant has gained a great reputation for its wonderful food and its friendly atmosphere. Now Mauricio has brought that native Mexican gastronomical excellence and that charm to Puerto Vallarta.
I have been to the Vallarta location at least 5 times. I've taken my in-laws, my local friends and my out of town visitors. No one has had anything to say but, "great!"
A favorite specialty of the house is Camarones Cuchi Cuchi. These shrimp with grilled poblano chiles, corn, cream and cheese are a delight. My favorites among the seafood dishes, however, are the combination platters. The fish filet and shrimp in garlic sauce a la diabla is delicious. One even offers Pacific lobster, fish filet and shrimp. I've also enjoyed the platter of all shrimp, but in three different varieties: grilled in butter sauce, breaded and spicy diabla.
I like seafood a lot, but I must admit that my favorite dish at Mauricio's is the ribs. They advise you on the menu that the ribs will take 25 minutes to grill, meaning they are very, very fresh. They are large ribs, each one ranging from 5 to 9 inches in length. They are smothered in the most delicious sauce attributed to Mauricio's grandmother. And the plate is piled high. Depending on your appetite, you can eat them all, ending up really full, or you can take half of them home and have a great lunch the next day. I must say that they are the best ribs I've ever had, not just in Vallarta, but anywhere I have ever been.
What's amazing, too, about Mauricio's is how much food you get for the very reasonable prices. It's easy to stuff yourself, accompanied by a large Margarita, and leave for only two-hundred-something pesos. And every meal is accompanied by a number of accoutrements, on the house - free. They start you off with a delicious Mahi Mahi ensalada on a crisp tortilla. This is followed by a cup of excellent shrimp soup, before the meal you ordered ever begins. Then at the end, they offer you a small cup of their home-made Kahlua, again gratis. And, finally, they come around to ask if you would like a free shot of their Reposada Tequila.
The new Mauricio's in Vallarta's Zona Romantica is truly a treasure not yet uncovered by many people. It is never crowded, but I wouldn't expect that to last, as the word gets out about how good it is. So venture soon to delight in the flavors at Mauricio's, Pulpito 127, open from 11 am until 9 pm. |
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