It is surprising to learn that the number of restaurants in Banderas Bay that combine such popular Mexican staples into one succulent dish is virtually nil. A large jalapeño pepper is stuffed with a unique filling made with shrimp, octopus and fish that has been sautéed with garlic, onion, salt and pepper and a touch of diabla sauce. The pepper is then coated with batter and fried, sliced, placed over a warm homemade corn tortilla, and garnished with lettuce, salsa and a special house dressing.
The chile relleno taco is a scrumptious Mexican treat that can be enjoyed all day long; however, it is mostly ordered as a breakfast or lunch item. Ricardo Cisneros, one of the two brothers responsible for its creation, suggests pairing it with an agua fresca in the morning or a cold beer in the afternoon.
Chefs Ricardo and Marco Cisneros
Brothers Ricardo and Marco Cisneros take one-week turns running their Emiliano Zapata seafood street stand and adjoining restaurant, having done so for almost two decades. Natives of Puerto Vallarta, the enterprising brothers began the street stand at an early age, some 19 years ago, at the same location. The chile relleno taco came a year later, inspired by a similar preparation they had savored that involved grated cheese. It was an instant success.
A few years after opening, they were able to take over the small house next to the stand and turned it into a successful neighborhood restaurant that offers other equally fulfilling treats. The chile relleno taco is special, however. “Our clients have asked for a similar presentation at other eateries in the bay, but have not found a single one that serves it the way we do,” comments Ricardo.
Mariscos Cisneros is located at Aguacate #271, in colonia Emiliano Zapata. The stand is open from Monday through Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and the restaurant is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
