I have been craving onion rings lately and while I can cook them myself, having a kitchen covered in oil splatters and smelling like a greasy diner is not worth the energy to satisfy my hankering.
Recently someone on Facebook mentioned a new diner that opened in Puerto Vallarta that serves up all the artery clogging delights that I miss from the Great White North and my Cardio doctor says I should eschew.
I am weak. I admit it. I should not give into temptation but oh dear, sometimes a cheeseburger and onion rings are the only two things I need to make my world right.
Last week I had a weak moment and gave into temptation and plummeted myself into the greasy evilness of the best darn onion rings I have ever had this side of the border. Mexico is not known for greasy diner gringo comfort food. Which, when I think about it is a very good thing. Otherwise my lack of will power for finding comfort in comfort food would have me on a fistful of Lypitor, Crestor and Zocor for breakfast every morning. And I thank my lucky stars that Burger King onion rings have no allure for me.
I curse Maria O-C for giving me the head’s up about Pop Diner. I should un-friend her for leading me down a naughty eating path once again. She got me back onto eating burgers with her Best Burger Competition and now she has me waking up at 2:00 AM craving a plate of Pop Diner O-Rings. *sigh*
So, last week, I had a bad day and wanted to find solace in something. While some seek their mate, some seek the bottle, I sought after hot golden rings. Sadly, my husband is not a gringo comfort food lover, in fact, he doesn’t like burgers all that much and *gasp* pizza! But then I am not a big taco, pozole or mole eater. I guess we are even. None-the-less, as a loving and understanding mate, he accompanied to fulfill my dinner wish.
Unfortunately, the address they had on their Facebook page was incorrect and had us wandering around downtown Puerto Vallarta frustrated, hungry and cranky. I even phoned a friend to double check the address on FB (Yes, I need a Blackberry!) and what we had written down was what they had listed but the physical address did not exist. After 20 minutes of trudging around, two friends we ran into pointed us to the correct location.
Upon arrival to Pop Diner, (Right next door to Sr. Frog’s on Morelos #540 -NOT on Hidalgo!) we opened the kitchen styled diner door (complete with port hole) to the delicious smell of what will eventually lead me into coronary hell.
We sat down and our server quicky brought us a menu. We ordered Diet Cokes right away (Go ahead and insert hamburger/ Diet Coke joke here) and checked out the dark interior complete with diner chairs (red of course) and small tables lining a long naugahyde bench . The music was funky as was the “art” on the walls, mainly photoshopped photos of the area and New York. I liked the atmosphere, it “worked”, and for being on a busy street, none of the buses, taxis or dust entered the restaurant.
Our Diet Cokes came and soon after a plate that was artistically drizzled with a balsamic glaze and two steak frites landed in front of us. A nice to touch from the owner after we mildly complained to our waitress about our efforts on trying to find the place.
Not long after we devoured the complimentary steak frites (delish!) our burger came along with the side order of Onion Rings. We decided to split the cheddar cheeseburger with bacon , French fries and onion rings. OMG. Where to start?
The onion rings were thick cut and perfectly battered, golden fried, crunchy, heavenly circles of love. With a side of thick and creamy homemade dill –ranch dipping sauce. Even though they were flaming hot, I could not stop myself from trying to chew and take more bites. Call me a junky- I found my fix!
While the onion rings were my mission, the French fries took a very close second. Hand cut, fried golden crisp with an amazing blend of seasonings, I was hard pressed to decide which was going into my mouth next. As I was going back and forth, happily chewing, my burger tolerating hubby cut the burger in half, gave me my share and proceeded to take his first bite. I can always tell by his eyes if he likes something or not and Halleluiah! His eyes smiled. Being polite, I asked how it was and he gave me a favorable grunt. He asked about the onion rings and I grudgingly gave him one.
His eyes lit up and he proclaimed them “excellente!” much to my dismay, forcing me to share. He then tried the fries and declared them excellent as well. I tried the burger and found it to be very good, nice and juicy with thick cut, perfect cooked, FLAT bacon. The patty was well seasoned and while I prefer my burgers grilled over a flame, this one was one of the best cooked on a plancha (flat grill) that I have had in Puerto Vallarta.
The prices are very reasonable, our bill came to $180 Pesos and the service, atmosphere and location (once you have the correct address) are excellent.
Other items on the menu include a variety of innovative salads, filet mignon, fish and chips, some funky tacos, lobster rolls, specialty hotdogs and appetizers. They also have breakfast and serve a special brunch menu on the weekend,
Highly recommended, great for late night dining, early morning breakfast and a fun place to get your grub on!
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