Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The mere mention of Italian food conjures up very specific images, dishes and aromas. While the stereotypical Italian restaurant in America and pretty much any country outside of Italy, usually serves up plates of hot pasta with tomato or cream-based sauces or a big slice of pizza, this is far from true Italian cuisine, which encompasses a wide variety of cooking styles, flavors and tastes.

The differences in Italian cooking really shows up between the northern and southern parts of the country. Each region has its own traditions that reflect the deep history and culture of that area, but to get a taste of it all, you'll have to do a lot of traveling.

Unless you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where, through November 16th, you can sample a wide variety of Italian dishes during the Fall/Winter Weekly Specials Menu at Daiquiri Dick's Restaurant on Playa de Los Muertos.

Executive Chef, Ignacio Uribe, Chef de Cuisine, Hugo Mejia and Sous Chef Rogelio Garcia have come up with some great dishes. This is an a la carte menu and dinner is served from 5 to 11 pm. The regular a la carte menu is also available.

The Flavors of Italy

Starters

• Grilled Broccoli and Arugula Salad with anchovy aioli and dijon dressing
• Chunky White Bean Soup with pan-fried salami
• Grilled Red Bell Pepper and Eggplant Bruschetta with whipped goat cheese

Entrées

• Grilled Thick Cut Pork Chop in a Honey-Rosemary marinade with mashed potatoes and onion marmalade

• Grilled White Fish with Tapenade, served over grilled ratatouille

• Penne with Shrimp and Roasted Cauliflower, almonds and capers

Dessert

• Pear Tarte Tatin with red wine caramel

The staff at Daiquiri Dick's will uphold the Italian tradition of enjoying prolonged, multi-course meals that celebrate life and cuisine as equal partners at the table. The restaurant has a new wine list, please ask your waiter for recommendations.

Buon Pasto!

Open daily from 10 am to 11:00 pm, Daiquiri Dick's offers elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Visa, MasterCard and Banamex accepted. Reservations are recommended and can be made online at ddpv.com.