And what about Vista Grill? Wasn't that Sr. Chico's?

Yes, many years ago Chico, Alberto's eldest brother built Sr. Chico's on the hill overlooking the bay. This is the same Chico Perez who created Chico's Paradise located on the drive south past Boca de Tomatlan. A true pioneer in the field of tourism and restaurants, Chico built, owned and operated Sr. Chico's which was known for the view and Vallarta spectacular table side cookery featuring Steak Diane, Bananas Flambe  and specialty coffees....which still entertain with fire and flash under the same roof.  In 2004 a facelift and update was conducted by Alberto Perez, to bring an upscale, jazzy ambiance and an elevated cuisine to match the fabulous view of the bay. Many a romance has been ignited or celebrated at one of the terrace tables which overlook the famous cathedral of Guadalupe, the sunsets over the Banderas Bay and the nightly fireworks show which dazzles from the Marigalante Pirate ship. The menu is a collection of the best recipes from many guest chefs who have left their mark through the Gourmet Festival and has earned many awards including the coveted 5 Star Diamond ranking. Live music nightly creates a mood of romance and jazz, and we know that Chico would have been proud of his little brother and all he has done to carry on the tradition of excellence. Salud!

How it all began....

For those of you who may not know the whole story about La Palapa....here it is, as I have heard it throughout my 28 years of being a part of the Perez family. Alberto is my husband, and he is the 11th of 11 children born to Enrique and Eduarda Perez Gonzalez. One of Alberto's older sisters, Rodelinda was a local native beauty, a very exotic and elegant Mexican girl. She fell in love and married a retired American war veteran from Oregon, Guy Dickey. Puerto Vallarta in the fifties was emerging as a jet setter's paradise, where private jets and wealthy adventure seekers could come and experience a true Mexican tropical culture in an unspoiled, flower filled village of cobblestones and horse drawn carts.  Playa los Muertos,  so named for archeological evidence of turf wars fought by pirates (ok, human bones...) was a beautiful wide beach where families would come to spend the day. Rodelinda and Guy decided to open the first restaurant on the beach in Puerto Vallarta.  Was there a bridge to cross the river to get to their new place? No. Were there cruise ships and tour companies or even airlines to bring tourists? No. But their business thrived as the two taxis in town forged the river to bring guests, to a huge "palapa" or "thatched roof" beach cafe.  In 1959 La Palapa was born, and so was Alberto...Rodelinda's youngest brother and the future caretaker of this family treasure.  Who knew? Story to be continued.....
Saludos de Puerto Vallarta!
Renee

WELCOME TO RENEE'S BLOG! A NEW ERA FOR LA PALAPA/VISTA GRILL

Welcome friends...bienvenidos!
As long standing institutions of Puerto Vallarta, La Palapa and our sister restaurant Vista Grill are thrilled to  become a part of the 21st century by sharing and creating a community with our BLOG! We are excited to be able to share with you what's new in our little paradise, the story behind the scenes, the history, the gossip, the latest news as well as profiles and updates on your favorite staff members. For those of you who live in Vallarta, you will be able to get info on the latest specials and events happening on the beach and on the hill. For those who are regular visitors, coming year after year and letting us be a part of your vacation....we would love to keep you in touch with your La Palapa/Vista Grill family during the year, when you might need a pick me up to remind you of your last vacation and a reminder of the one coming up! For those who are considering visiting us for the first time, we hope to give you some cool tips and a sense of what we have to offer with our outstanding and friendly service, excellent 5 Star award winning menu and our fabulous ambience on the beach, or overlooking the bay. We will keep you posted on our musical artist's performance schedule, give you a bit of history and background and even let you know what the lastest "chisme" is regarding the goings on of Puerto Vallarta!
Thank you for joining us....and check in now and then for an update from...
A Day at the Beach, A View of the Bay!

Salud!

Renee Perez