Sunday, July 13, 2008

Puerto Vallarta Beckons

Off on a return to PV in 2 weeks but only for 2.5 weeks and then back sometime in Oct./Nov. for a good stay. Anyone else? Anybody wish a quiet one bedroom condo for a few weeks or more? Check this out:


Bahía Bonita condo on Jacarandas, corner Manuel Diéguez
SouthSide Alta Vista, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Write for rates as these blogs do not allow copy and paste for whatever reason! Rentals for 2, 3 or 4 weeks only. garyrbeck1@yahoo.com

Policy for distant rentals is 25% deposit on booking, 25% 6 months after and then 50% 90 days before arrival. If it is soon, all 100% is due upon reservation. Methods of payment are bank check, cashier's check, money order [all sent directly to me] or PayPal to my email address. The latter method must include a 5% fee since this is what PayPal charges deposits to my account. Payments up to 90 days prior are refundable if place becomes rented; within 90 days, cancellation results in all money paid becoming a credit for a future rental, nonrefundable. Please reserve very early as my place books far in advance during high season. Rates vary by number of weeks and month and time of the year. Discounts may be arranged, as for prior guests and length of stay. Ask me for pix available of my one bedroom condo with pool, garden, cable TV, DSL Internet or try:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/551954601WhdoNU
or
www.flickr.com/photos/71658694@N00


Here is info for your consideration:
Location: Alta Vista, SouthSide, one block south of Basilio Badillo [Restaurant Row.] Property Details: This charming quiet 1 King size bedroom sleeps 1-2, 1 bath, view, up one short flight of steps, pool, well-maintained, cable TV and DSL Internet, warm and wonderful vacation condo is ideally located centrally to everywhere in Old Town Puerto Vallarta. This homeowner has gone the extra mile to make this a comfortable and enjoyable home. This nonsmoking (outside on deck only, please) condo home enjoys a partial view of the city and the Bay of Banderas. There is a great deck overlooking the pool for early morning coffee or a drink in the evenings for sunset and later fireworks. The home is fully equipped with all the amenities of your own home. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the tools for an excellent meal. Appliances are new. This is a great find in the heart of Vallarta. Features:
Patio Deck with table for four, Pool, Street Parking (ample), Air Conditioning, Furnished, Smoking (only on deck, please), Partial Bay and City Views, Stove, Oven,Microwave, Toaster Oven, Refrigerator/Freezer, Coffee Maker and Grinder, Blender, Bottled Water, Ceiling Fans, Floor Fans,
Cable TV, DSL Internet Access,
CD Player, Alarm Clock, Linens/Towels, Kids Allowed, Bedding, Pets allowed if well-behaved and on leash in common areas
Housekeeper Services: Friday, Once per week. Before you visit if one week only. Extra laundry services available; ask keeper for costs.

Local Information: Restaurants within 1 Min. Walk
Shops within 1 Min. Walk Beach: Playa Los Muertos within 5 Min. WalkLaundry within 1 Min. WalkHospital within 2 Min. WalkTaxi within 1 Min. Walk (front door)Buses within 1 Min. Walk one block: north to Mega, Soriana, Hotel Zone, El Pitillal, Sam's and WalMart 5 pesos; or across Highway 200 [Barra de Navidad] past Pemex south to Boca, Mismaloya and El Tuito. Rental Rate Notes:Rates do not apply to Christmas/New Year's holiday period, unless you are in the condo for an extended period before/after the holidays. Discounts may be arranged according to length of stay and if money check sent directly. There will be no refunds due to acts of God, nature, weather or weather related situations, mechanical failure, earthquake, etc. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. The property owner or any of his agents shall not be held responsible for any injury, loss, illness or damage to any person or property of persons occupying rental property. The rights, if any, of a person occupying the rental property to seek recourse against the property owner or agents for any injury to the person or property of the person shall be governed by the laws of Mexico and determined exclusively by the courts of Mexico having proper jurisdiction. The property owner or agents shall under no circumstance be responsible for any disturbance or inconvenience to guests occupying his rental property for the actions of its neighbors or the surrounding area.

Gary
San Francisco, CA./Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

garyrbeck1@yahoo.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puerto_Vallarta_OldTown_SouthSide

http://www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide
http://www.lulu.com/content/132501

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Puerto Vallarta Bruce's Back Alley

Been here almost a month and tooling all around the bay area here. Returned to one of my fave restaurants. Read on...

Rarely does a restaurant change ownership and maintain the same quality of food and service as its predecessor. This has occurred with the famed Bruce's Back Alley in South Side. Bruce sold his chic steakhouse to Jason and stayed for a couple months to assist, advise and assure that the recipes used were identical to the originals. A vast majority of owners depart after the transaction is made but Bruce stayed to implement a smooth transition. The results are beautifully presented plates of chops, chicken, steaks and fish with the same care and dedication as before.

The dining room is subdued yet colorful with proper lighting. Artwork compliments the air of the space, with tables far enough apart to allow quiet conversation. The temperature is set at a comfortable level.

A group of us had the pleasure of dining there recently. We started with Bruce Ketta, a whimsical name for the classic bruschetta. The topping is made of diced fresh tomato with Italian seasoning and a slight tang. It rests on thick slices of crispy toast perfect for drippy finger food while deciding on a choice from the tempting entrées.

It took all my strength not to order my customary main course, double-wide bone-in pork chop forestière, a sauce of spinach, rosemary, garlic and mushrooms, served over a huge bed of garlic mashed potatoes made fresh daily. Instead of opting for his terrific grilled rib eye, filet mignon or New York with compound butter, I decided upon Jason's recommended butter maple wild salmon fillet grilled and topped with a silky maple clove butter reduction. The fish was thick, large portioned and very moist. The maple and sweetness complimented but did not overwhelm the meat. Each forkful was a delight. The dish was finished with the same potatoes and chunky al dente vegetables. Steaks may be ordered with a red wine mushroom sauce, chantilly peppercorn or Roquefort.

Another specialty is the tropical tangy citrus sauce made with apple, pear, pineapple juice and garlic. It is presented on the pork chop or juicy chicken breast. Roasted baby potatoes are available. For lovers of delicate fish, an herb encrusted white fish is offered.

But for dessert lovers, aim for the classic brownie accented with vanilla ice cream drizzled with smooth caramel. One cannot go wrong when you finish your meal here.


Gary San Francisco, CA./Puerto Vallarta, JAL.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puerto_Vallarta_OldTown_SouthSide
www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide