If you spend one evening outside of Puerto Vallarta while visiting Banderas Bay, make it a point to have dinner chez Margarita and Gilles Le Fort.
The show begins at 8 p.m. with you and a few select others sitting at the counter around M. Le Fort's kitchen sipping kir royale and eating housemade paté. You have a sheet of recipes for the evening's meal to reference as Gilles begins to work his magic.
After preparing the three courses for the evening, you adjourn to the dining room to taste the creations. The Le Forts pour two more kinds of wine selected to enhance the meal. (You are welcome to choose a different bottle from the cellar if you would like something more sophisticated, but it is not included.)
After the main course, you will have an opportunity to select from the expansive aperitif cart — Armagnac, Cognac, Port, Madeira, Calvados, many from the mid-twentieth century. If you are not certain what would be best, Gilles is happy to guide you.
The food is remarkable. If you are among the first to reserve your seat (reservations are a must), you will have the opportunity to set the menu. The quiche lorraine is superb. The cassoulet is arguably the best on this side of North America.