Rarely do you have a meal that sticks with you, body and soul. La Fina Cocina de Barrio is that type of restaurant. Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of El Caloso just West of the Zona Romantica, this gem is the essence of Mexican home cooking that is elevated to something otherworldly.
As you cross the Rio Cuale on a winding road, you see a glow just off of the neighborhood square which beckons you to something special. A warm greeting lets you know that are entering someone’s home and are about to experience authentic Mexican hospitality. The small, two-level boîte is colorfully decorated with modern, local touches and filled with music and laughter.
An extensive cocktail and wine list get you started; we elect to begin with a mango, passion fruit mezcalita that is equal parts, sweet, tangy, smokey and a touch of spice that awakens the palate and is served with fresh made rolls with herb butter. We begin to peruse the menu where everything looks exceptional and choosing proves to be quite a challenge – however we are up to the mission.
We elect to order the lamb birria quesadilla and the tuna tostada. Simply put – the lamb quesadilla is my ‘final meal’ dish. The beautifully presented plate is filled with succulent pulled lamb and creamy cheese wrapped in a lightly toasted flour tortilla and bathed in a birria consommé (Tip, save your roll to sop up all that delicious sauce). The tuna tostada is the perfect complement to the quesadilla, large chucks of the freshest tuna tossed with avocado and a bright citrus glaze that sits atop crispy tostadas – pure heaven.
Although full, we have to the duck flautas. These are not your run-of-the-mill flautas. The flavorful duck confit filling is offset by the tart tomatillo salsa slathered over three perfectly crispy tortilla flautas – it did not disappoint. We close our meal with a corn crème Brulé accompanied with a nut ice cream. Underneath the crackled sugar top, lies a creamy corn custard that is perfectly paired with the textured nut ice cream – the perfect ending to a magical meal.
Next time you are in Vallarta, run to La Fina Cocina de Barrio, you’ll be glad you did!
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