Slowing Down for Romance

Rain on the roof, candlelight, and seafood that melts in your mouth… Sometimes slowing down is the most delicious kind of romance.

Are you a foodie?

Not me—give me a green juice, popcorn, and a salted caramel homemade ice cream, and I’m on Cloud 9. But then Puerto Vallarta happened.

You cannot live in Vallarta without becoming a love-craved food obsessor. The city is packed with insanely amazing restaurants: from mouth-watering street tacos to peaceful breakfasts by the ocean at La Palapa; fine dining with mariachi at The Iguana, Liz Taylor’s former home; inspiring experiences at Di Vino Dante, an old hacienda and art gallery; breathtaking views with world-class tastes at Barcelona Tapas; or cozy nights in with delivery from Siam Thai or Bravos. And then there’s the iconic Archie’s Wok (chef for Night of the Iguana director John Huston), Bonito Kitchen’s Asian fusion, Tre Piatti with a three-star Michelin chef, Tintoque, Icu, Café de Olla, Pepe’s Pastor Tacos, Nacho Daddy’s Tex-Mex, and Mezcal y Sal’s creative drinks and appetizers. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

A Romantic Evening in Vallarta: Café de Artistes

Hello, sexy romantic dining experience! I surprised my husband with a birthday dinner at Café de Artistes for his 55th. It was raining cats and dogs, so garden seating was closed—but it didn’t matter. The moment we stepped inside, we were transported to a magical world: eclectic elegance, soft lighting, and romantic music that made you feel like a prince and princess for the night.

We were seated on the second level near the garden, where confetti awaited Todd, and the gentle patter of rain on the roof was mesmerizing.

• Mahi mahi with thinly sliced zucchini and tantalizing flavors

• Salmon with sinful textures and flavors

  
  

Dessert arrived with a sparkly birthday firework, followed by two raspberry macaroons as a sweet bonus.

Later, we lingered in the classy, cozy piano bar. Sigh… what an evening. Sometimes life’s hectic pace steals the magic, but slowing down for a romantic moment reminds you what really matters. The Mexican culture embraces this philosophy: it’s okay for things to wait until mañana.

We loved Café de Artistes and can’t wait to return.

Mahi mahi with thinly sliced zucchini and tantalizing flavors

Salmon with sinful textures and flavors

And for my character Larleen’s romance…

We all deserve romance. We all deserve special moments.

Find your inner movie star.

xo, Kathleen Naomi