Foodie Paradise, Found

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, might just be culinary perfection.

- Rick McMillen

EVER SINCE JOHN LENNON’S ICONIC SONG “IMAGINE” WAS RELEASED IN 1971, it’s been entrenched into my consciousness. Granted, the ballad’s lyrics have virtually no mention of food—and you probably know how much I love food—but the metaphor of believing, and then experiencing, all things as perfect is incredibly moving.

Why this reference? Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is perfection. Recently, my wife and I had an opportunity to spend several days in this gorgeous city on Banderas Bay, on the west coast of Mexico, which is bathed in the enormous wonderment of the Pacific. Our goal: to experience the food that has propelled this piece of paradise into one of the most respected culinary scenes in the world.