Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The eighth annual edition of Vallarta Restaurant Week, to take place May 15-31, was officially announced to local members of the press through a conference held at Lobo Lui’s BBQ Shack, one of this year’s participating restaurants.

As in years past, Restaurant Week’s goal is to promote our destination’s broad gastronomic variety through participating restaurants, each of which offers three-course menus with three options per course, at $189 or $299 pesos per person (tips and drinks not included.)

45 restaurants are participating in this year's event, with an unprecedented 13 restaurants participating for the first time. Among them, Lobo Lui’s BBQ Shack, who graciously hosted the press conference, offering attendees a taste of their unique and affordable Texas-style offerings. "We’ve been open for less than a year, but are very excited to participate in an event that will undoubtedly get many visitors and locals to sample our menu," commented owner Doug Roche who, along with his wife Ruth, oversees the eatery.

Also present at the press conference were representatives of the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club. The recently formed non-profit has been pivotal in the city-wide transformation of planters located in public places, primarily along Basilio Badillo, Insurgentes & Ave. México.

Next year, the organization will hold the first-ever Bougainvillea Festival in Puerto Vallarta, to take place alongside Restaurant Week 2013. "Cities like Washington, DC have thrived thanks to cultural festivals such as the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival," commented PVGC President, Suzanne Kirkpatrick who, along with Vice-President Bob Price and Treasurer Carlos Mendoza, attended the press conference. "By partnering with Restaurant Week and creating a brand-new cultural event for Puerto Vallarta that focuses on a beautiful, native flower, we hope to turn the month of May into an increasingly appealing month for tourists and locals to visit and enjoy Puerto Vallarta."

Restaurant Week is proudly sponsored by Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Bureau (FIDETUR), Riviera Nayarit and local newspaper, Vallarta Opina.

2012 Vallarta Restaurant Week Participants

In Puerto Vallarta:

Archie's Wok • Barcelona Tapas • Bistro Teresa • Blanca Blue at Garza Blanca Resort • Bombay Brasserie • Café des Artistes • Boca DOS Stk • Casa Isabel, Madison South • Coco Tropical • Coco's Kitchen • De Santos • El Palmar • Daiquiri Dick's • El Arrayán • Hacienda San Angel Gourmet • Kaiser Maximilian • India Gate • La Albufera • La Leche • La Bodeguita del Medio • Le Kliff • La Cigale French Bistro • Las Casitas at Casamagna Marriott • Lobo Luis BBQ Shack • Mango's Beach Club • No Way José! • Peking • Porto Bello • The River Café • Taste Restaurant at Casa Cupula • Punto V • Sí Señor • The Blue Shrimp • The View Restaurant at Landmark Hotel • Trio • Thierry's Prime • Trattoria Michel • Vitea

In Riviera Nayarit:

Café des Artistes, Punta Mita • El Violli, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle • Frascati, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle • Ginger Garden Lounge, Nuevo Vallarta • Peppers Rancho Banderas, North Shore • Nicksan, Nuevo Vallarta • Prime 159, Nuevo Vallarta • Porto Bello, Nuevo Vallarta • Tortuga Beach, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

Restaurant Week 2012 runs from May 15-31 at some of the most recognized restaurants around Banderas Bay. Don't miss the chance to dine at your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants - and save a bundle! Keep checking BanderasNews.com for further information. For participating restaurant menus, visit VirtualVallarta.com.