Paradisus Punta Cana

Hello Fellow Foodies! I just got back from an incredible week in Punta Cana, Republica Dominicana. Had plenty of sun, music and alcohol...but what totally blew me away were: first the people, who were the warmest and friendliest I've met in a long time, and then THE FOOD! We stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana Resort and there were no less than 12 restaurants to choose from; each one with a different theme. So, instead on posting on a local restaurant today, I thought you'd enjoy some highlights of the amazing pictures I took at the various restaurants we had the pleasure of eating at. It was truly an adventure of culinary proportions! If you're planning a trip to this side of the Caribbean, and want to experience  a cultural infusion for your senses, I highly recommend a stay at Paradisus, where you will find not only traditional Dominican cuisine, but a little Japanese, Italian, New World, and Chinese to appeal to even the most discriminating palates.

Vento at The Reserve featuring contemporary Mediterranean Cuisine

 

Vento is located in The Reserve at Punta Cana. It is included for guests staying at The Reserve, and available to guests of Paradisus staying in rooms outside The Reserve for a nominal fee. The food is exceptional, the presentation exquisite, and as with all the other restaurants in the property, the service is superb. We ordered breaded shrimp and salad for starters, fish and lobster bruschetta for entrees, and several desserts to finish the meal. I totally enjoyed the elegant ambiance found here as well as the tasteful surroundings.

Dolce Vita featuring Italian Cuisine

The best way for me to describe Dolce Vita's ambiance is that of an Italian Trattoria meets Bora Bora. They have regular tables in the main area of the restaurant, with bridges leading up to more intimate ones sitting over a man-made lake, exuding a very tropical feel. Flamingos look up at you while you dine; squawking every once in a while to get your attention. The menu offers an array of pizzas and pastas, as well as tasty desserts such as my all-time favorite Italian one: Tiramisu. We ordered their Caprese Salad, Fried Calamari and Minestrone Soup to start and they were all delicious. While we tried their Gnocchi and Penne a la Carbonara, my favorite dish here was the Lobster Lasagna. It was very flavorful, and prepared with traditional spices.  

 

Sakura featuring Japanese Cuisine

A visit here comes with an early morning rise. This restaurant requires reservations since it features a Teppanyaki grill and it is not very big. Guests make a line outside the main buffet breakfast restaurant, Ciel, starting at around 9:30 a.m. to ensure getting their name on the list. It is a lot of fun, as the chef conducts the usual "show" while preparing the fried rice, meats and seafood. Appetizers include sushi rolls and tempura fried vegetables, and the desserts are very interesting and original; including Rice Croquetas and Fried Ice-Cream.

 

Romantico featuring New World Cuisine

Romantico was one of my favorite restaurants, although I really had several in that category. It served haute cuisine with a French flair. The ambiance was romantic and seductive, with beautifully lit candles everywhere, and impressive chandeliers. We ordered two different shrimp appetizers, one which was accompanied with caviar, to start the tantalizing dinner. As entrees, we had the duck and a delectable fish that was both bold and impressive in its taste. To complete our dining adventure, we had Passion Fruit mousse and a Chocolate Delight.

I can go on and on since there were so many fabulous places to eat. Breakfast was offered buffet style at Gabi Club and Ciel, and included many traditional Dominican favorites such as Queso Frito and Mangu. Each meal was a treat and needless to say, left me with an unavoidable date with the Elliptical machine upon my return to my local gym. Of course, it goes without saying that the unlimited drinks made the adventure even more exciting, especially when talking about the famous Mama Juana!  I will post more pics on my Facebook page, so feel free to stop by and enjoy. Stay tuned for Thursday's post, taking place back in the 305.