Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta

 Someone wrote:
>Sharon F. wrote:
>>I am vacationing in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta the end of June.  I will
>>be staying at the Sheraton Hotels in both places.  Since I've never been to
>>Mexico before, I'd like to know what the "pluses" and "minuses" (besides the
>>water) are especially in the above places.  I was told that the hotels have
>>"filtered" water.  Can I trust this?  Where should, or should not, dine?
>>Is there sightseeing that I should plan on doing and what would be a waste of
>>time and money?  Would Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta be better for purchasing
>>silver, pottery, etc.? >Any info will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in
>advance. >Sharon>:wq
>

I've never been to Mexico City, so I can't tell you anything about it. However, I have been to Mexico four times over the last 7 years, in fact, we just got home from Puerto Vallerta a month ago.

My husband and I have never gotten sick from the food or water in Mexico, although we've always vacationed in resort areas where there is filtered water. Basically we don't eat from street vendors (no matter how tempting the food may look!), but that's about the only precaution we take.

In the two times we've been to Puerto Vallerta (which we love by the way!), we have learned to stay away from the new marina area (very touristy and americanized) and stick to the many restuarants & shops in town. The Sheraton is practically walking distance to the malecon (their version of a boardwalk), where there's a lot of places to go out and shop. We found that prices of silver were okay, but no huge bargain. Prices of leather goods were great this time, however. There are some nice stores with hand-crafted art and household goods.

The people in the market expect you to bargain, take their first price, cut it in half and start your bargaining from there. Unlike the market, most stores expect you to pay the marked price, although occasionally they'll offer you a better price without you having to ask.

The restaurants I'd recommend are the following:

Daiquiri Dick's (medium prices, great food, excellent location)

Cafe des Artistes (high prices, excellent food, really cool decor)

Adobe Cafe (medium prices, great food, also cool decor)

There are lots of others, but I'd avoid the tempatation to go to the places along the malecon, they are mostly mediocre and catering to tourists.

You'll have a great time.
Tracy

Sharon F. wrote:
>I am vacationing in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta the end of June.  I will

 I vacation in Puerto Vallarta regularly. No help with Mexico City.
 SEAFOOD- Balam's (reservations advised). Owner was a fisherman. Serves only
 seafood and only what's available fresh that day. Beautifully prepared.
 Excellent watercress salads, too.
 BEEF/LAMB- Los Pibes (reservations advised). Argentinian owners and the
 finest beef and lamb ever. Cooked over chunks of real wood coals (not that
 pressed stuff). The best restaurant service I've ever experienced.
 (These places are my faves, dinner only, after 8:30PM)
 BREAKFAST- El Toucan located next door to the Hotel Roger (my favorite
 hotel in PV). Great patio, super food and good prices.  Chow down on fresh
 beans, tortillas and a big platter of fruit for $3.00.
 (All of the above places are on Basillio Badillo, just south of the river.)
 COFFEE- Cafe San Cristobal. They roast their own beans, provide coffee for
 the best restaurants in town. They also serve great bakery goods, fruit/cheese  plates, etc. Say "Hi" to Wen and Kathleen for me.  Located about mid-malecon
 and a couple blocks east.
 TACOS/ENCHILADAS- Don't know the name of the place but its in town, on the
 main road, north of the malecon, right across the street from the PEMEX
 station. Busses run right past it. Try their lamb tacos.
 GRILLED PRAWNS- From any of the beach vendors. They're fresh, grilled on a
 stick, served with a lime and wedge and picante. Great way to kill an after-
 noon with buckets of beers.

 I've also had good dinners at the Hotel Rio Posada. Avoid the big hotel
 restaurants. They try to cater to gringo appetites and are generally boring.
 Water and ice are safe in any PV restaurants. As for the street vendors, let
 your nose be your guide. I've been vacationing in Mexico for nearly 40 years
 and have never been sick. Stick with bottled water. The local brands are fine,  no need to waste $$$ on Evian. In case you didn't know, you're going during
 the rainy season. Be prepared for daily rains, heat, high humidity and
 mosquitoes. Take along the best bug-off you can find and have a blast!

Hi Sharon,

There is a local restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, named Cuetos. It is within walking distance of the Sheraton. You can probably obtain the exact location from the concierge. It has been around for many years and is going strong. The prices are reasonable and the food authentic and tasty.

You will find many good restaurants in PV but many of them do cater to the tourists. You should enjoy at least one meal in a mexican restaurant. You should also definately have a meal or two on the Malecon (sp?) as it is a unique location.

The Sheraton is a nice hotel --- especially the pools. It is a pleasant walk from the hotel to downtown PV.

I always drink bottled water as it is not worth taking a chance. I have been four times and have never had a problem.

Have a great trip.

Regards

Someone wrote:
: >I am vacationing in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta the end of June.  I will

: >"filtered" water.  Can I trust this?  Where should, or should not, dine?

I've been to Mexico City several times, and I always go back to Milomita, which is in the Polonco District (a short taxi ride from the Sheraton). It is an Argentinean restaurant with the best steak in the world. Order the Milomita, which is the tenderest, leanest, steak you've ever had.  It is one piece that you cut at the table, and it feeds 4, but they also have it in smaller cuts.  Just seeing them bring it out is worth the extra price, though, if you're a red meat fan.  It's about $20-$30 per person.  There are 2 Milomita's, but I've only been to the one on President Mazaryk.

Order a caesar salad in Mexico City.  The waiters will bring out all the ingredients and make it in front of you.

Harvey Yen Lee