CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2024

PUERTO VALLARTA Stamford, CT

Owner : Esaul Rodriguez Project Size : 7,500 SF Project Team: QA+M Architecture, Puerto Vallarta Restaurants , PAC Group, LLC, Progressive Engineering, Inc., Warehouse Restaurant Supply A generous bar offers a large stone underlit countertop in a lively space to meet up with friends old and new. The private Fiesta Room with a welcoming fireplace and barrel-vaulted ceiling is a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. A private dining nook for a smaller group of four features a skull design adorning its walls, a familiar theme of Dia de Los Muertos, a popular Mexican holiday. The dated restaurant space was reimagined bringing authentic Mexican flavors and vibrant, contemporary design elements to the Stamford Town Center. The new 7,500 SF Puerto Vallarta is contemporary and modern yet features traditional design and cuisine for a festive dining experience sure to evoke a sense of revelry and celebration. Owner Esaul Rodriguez has built an impressive eight locations in Connecticut after arriving in the United States from Mexico at the age of 16. He wanted to create a place where his guests could truly experience Mexican culture in addition to delicious, well-prepared foods and beverages made from scratch. His vision encompassed the smells, tastes, sounds, colors, flavors and beauty of Mexico. Esaul learned the language, restaurant operations and has perfected the art of creating restaurants which celebrate people and food through his welcoming Mexican culture. This beautifully renovated restaurant is by far the largest of Esual’s seven other locations boasting a total of 7,500 square feet. This full renovation overcame budget and time constraints combined with the challenge of transforming a space that was once lifeless and uninspiring. The newly refurbished Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of dining options nestled within wood ceilings, woven light fixtures and biophilic walls. These natural elements contrast beautifully with saturated colors and bold patterns. Families and patrons of all ages appreciate the seating options and enclaves the space offers. A local artist created dramatic, bold custom murals that further enliven the welcoming space and bring a true sense of hospitality and personality. Glimpses throughout the restaurant are created with a custom candle wall and a dramatic full height tequila wall which create mystique through partially obstructed visual connections.

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