Editor's Choice - The Best Cheap Meal

Ok, you've guessed correctly - we live in Puerto Vallarta and you've also guessed correctly - we have some secrets that we, for selfish reasons, are reluctant to share. Well, we're not prepared to tell all - you'll still have to hit the streets and find your own hidden jems but each issue we're willing to give away one of our favorite spots. This issue our favorite "comida corrida". Next issue we'll send you on a whirlwind tour of our favorite taco stands.
Our favorite "comida corrida" is a little place called El Fondo Patio, which is located on Calle Francia (in Colonia Versailles, not far from the Plaza Las Glorias in the hotel zone).

It is just a little outdoor patio with a covered fibreglass roof and ceiling fans. But it has some nice touches such as hanging plants and checkered table cloths and it is clean and neat. But, we don't go there for the ambiance. We go there to "pig out" on some really tasty and unbelievably inexpensive food.

Remember, folks, when the taxi driver tells you it's closed down or under construction or whatever you tell him politely but firmly that you would still like to go there - perhaps for sentimental reasons. He may even pretend to get lost - heck, he may even get lost - but persevere. He'll miss out on his finders fee if he doesn't get you to one of "his" restaurants, so he'll be a bit disappointed but when you finally arrive you won't be!

This is obviously a family-run business. Papa stands behind a long open fire grill; a daughter makes home-made tortillas; a son takes your order; another daughter delivers your food -- and the mama is in the back kitchen keeping the supply of materials coming.

The menu is simple; You start with tostadas with guacamole dip, while you peruse the choices of the day (which are always the same). Soup - either garlic with pasta or chicken broth. Main course - beef, chicken or fish -- all grilled with garlic, lime and a touch of oil. The chicken breast is a double breast grilled with white cheese on top. It's delicious. The beef is usually "carne asada" - thin beef strips with a tasty marinade. The fish is usually a filet of either huachinango (red snapper) or dorado, or some other mild white fish. It is also grilled with garlic and limon (lime) and some mysteriously delicious spice. All of the main courses are served on a huge platter with rice, vegetables, and of course, the requisite refried beans or whole beans. Now, if that is not enough, you also have your choice of some tasty dessert, but I've never made it that far. Oh yes, throughout the meal, fresh tortillas are delivered, a few at a time, so they never get cold. You are also served a large pitcher of a water-based juice or "jugo de agua" frosty cold with ice. None of the food is spicey, but there is an array of salsas available if you choose to spice up your meal.

Last time we were there the meal cost less than $35 pesos per person. That is, in US dollars, less than $5.00! The food is fresh, delicious and demands that you bring an appetite!

The El Fondo Patio opens at one o'clock and closes before four in the afternoon. But, get there around 2 or 3 and you'll get a table easier. The lunchtime crowd is waiting there at 1 p.m.