The Citiblog

Vallarta Tropical Brings Puerto Vallarta Vibes to the LES
November 27, 2024, 5:36.15 pm ET

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Photo: Vallarta Tropical

The team behind La Contenta LES—Alex Valencia and brothers Rigoberto and Rafael Cervantes—has unveiled Vallarta Tropical, a Mexican Tiki bar and restaurant at 106 Norfolk Street. Drawing inspiration from the laid-back allure of Puerto Vallarta and the festive Tiki bar culture of 1950s Mexico, this new venture marries bold flavors, inventive cocktails, and an inviting ambiance.

Valencia, an acclaimed mixologist, joins forces with Rigoberto, a hospitality veteran and tequila aficionado, and Rafael, whose warmth and dedication elevate every guest’s experience. Together, they aim to inspire immigrants to pursue their dreams through hard work, passion, and community support.

The menu, helmed by Executive Chef Manuel Quintero, highlights the vibrant flavors of Puerto Vallarta’s coastal cuisine. Start with Aguachile de Mango, featuring shrimp marinated in citrus and topped with a chili-infused mango sauce, or the Tostada de Tinga, showcasing flounder and black bean purée on a crispy tostada. Signature entrées include the Seabass a la Jardinera, served with a cauliflower mousse and colorful vegetables, and the indulgent Chile Relleno de Seafood, stuffed with shrimp, crab, and octopus over a bed of crisp masa dough and black bean purée topped woth cotija cheese.

Vallarta Tropical’s bar leans into ancestral Mexican techniques, using fermented fruits and indigenous ingredients. Standout cocktails include Tiki Tepache, a refreshing mix of house-fermented pineapple tepache, Jalisco rum, and citrus, served in a copper owl mug; Pulque Tropical, a tribute to agave’s heritage, blending pulque, mezcal, guava purée, and vanilla in a ceramic mug handcrafted in Mexico; and Bartender Breakfast, a playful mix of Mexican whiskey, rum, Earl Grey tea, and ube syrup, garnished with a spoonful of Froot Loops.

The interior design evokes Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant culture, with a thatched ceiling, tiled walls, and a cozy 10-seat bar. It’s a destination as much for its ambiance as for its culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking an escape to the tropics or a bold new take on Mexican cuisine, Vallarta Tropical promises a unique dining experience filled with heart, culture, and unforgettable flavors.



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