Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!
Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!
Category Archives: Deals
Lots of Exciting Changes Happening at ACT2PV !
Dear Friends and Fans of ACT2PV,
As the newest member of the ACT2PV team, I greet you with great excitement for the upcoming season! It promises to be one of ACT2PV’s most artistically fulfilling seasons yet!
For those of you who may not know, I have recently accepted a few key positions here at ACT2PV in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. These positions are: House Manager, Booking Director, Special Events Producer, and Director of Donor Relations & Outreach. News of my appointment can be found HERE. I look forward to welcoming you all each night as you come to the theater.
But first, I must THANK both Act2PV owners, Alfonso Lopez and Oscar Cisneros, for entrusting me with this very important responsibility. Together, we hope to fully realize, and even exceed Founding Director Danny Mininni’s vision for world-class entertainment in Puerto Vallarta.
During the new 2024/2025 season, ACT2PV will be instrumental in raising the standard of entertainment excellence in Puerto Vallarta!
We will be bringing top-tier Broadway and Cabaret talent from around the globe, as well as redesigning and restructuring ACT2PV’s beautiful facility to optimize the space and offer an enhanced experience to our guests.
Here’s a sneak peek at some NEW additions for Act2PV this coming season:
- NEW Ovations Piano Bar
The current plans include a complete redesign and remodel of the “Melody Bar” into the brand-new “Ovations Piano Bar!” We want to make this the hub of the city, where people are entertained by great musicians in a beautiful, comfortable setting. Ovations will feature unique entertainment, with special showtimes, making it Puerto Vallarta’s newest entertainment destination, and it will include a late night cabaret bar! Additionally, Yamada Japanese Cuisine can be enjoyed in both the Ovations Piano Bar (OPV) and the new “Terrace Bar,” making it completely possible to enjoy dinner and a show… before the show!The remodeled Ovations Piano Bar will have an entirely new vibe, with some of PV’s best entertainers, where you can relax and enjoy the music with your favorite cocktail! Entertainment schedules and showtimes between The Casa Karma Red Room and the Ovations Piano Bar will be staggered, allowing guests the opportunity to see more than one great performance in one evening. - NEW Terrace Bar
The new outdoor Terrace Bar, located at the front of the building on the second level, overlooks Basilio Badillo. It will feature a full bar with table-seating, as well as special music and lighting! The Terrace Bar will open at Happy Hour (4pm) and extend through the evening. Visitors to the Casa Karma Red Room will also be able to enjoy the Terrace Bar before and after a show. - Danny’s Main Stage:
Broadway Icons! A Special Event Series
➤ Lorna Luft – Emmy Award-winning Broadway, Film and Television Star, and daughter of the iconic Judy Garland
➤ Lilias White – Drama Desk, Obie, and TONY Award Winner (Best Featured Actress in a Musical “The Life”), fresh from her starring Broadway role in “Hadestown.”
➤ John Lloyd Young – Drama Desk, Grammy, and TONY Award Winner (Best Featured Actor in a Musical “Jersey Boys”)
➤ Sam Harris – Motown Recording Artist, Broadway legend, and Grand Champion of America’s first television singing competition, Star Search!In this special high-season series, each of these artists will offer two performances between Jan 10, 2025 – March 15, 2025. This is a level of talent you will not find anywhere else in Puerto Vallarta!Plus – we have NEW BROADWAY MUSICALS and other special events that will be announced soon!
- Casa Karma Red RoomThe Great American Songbook Series
This special subscription-based series of timeless vocal repertoire will feature multi-award-winning, international cabaret artists from around the world. (artists & dates TBA)
And for those looking for something a little more scintillating….Frisky Fridays at ACT2
This themed night in both the Ovations Bar, and the Casa Karma Red Room is designed for the night owl and those looking for more adult-oriented entertainment, including:Best of Drag
It’s Raining Men 2.0
LibeRaunchy (a frisky follies hosted and accompanied by “Mr. Showmanship” himself – David Maiocco aka Liberace!)
Cutting-edge Alternative Performance Art from around the globe.
Fridays at the Ovations Bar: Special entertainment designed to stimulate, titillate, and start your evening off right!
PLUS, Mexican National Acts will be presented In order to continue our commitment to fostering and developing the best talent Mexico has to offer! We will be featuring fantastic cultural and Mexican National acts from around the country
And there’s more….
BINGO EVERY SATURDAY in the Ovations Piano Bar and a
Special Matinee Film Series in Danny’s Mainstage will provide family fun for everyone,
Other Special Events:
“A Liberace Christmas,” starring David Maiocco
“Love Beyond Borders,” the ground-breaking concert “featuring some of PV’s greatest talent in a special program highlighting the worldwide LGBTQ refugee crisis
Yes, this is an ambitious season that features the type of world-class talent that hasn’t graced the stages of Act2PV in many years. But the entire team, including our friend (and my Associate Booking Manager), Mark Hartman, has worked tirelessly to envision this new direction and concept for the future of Act2PV. We have made all the plans and now we need your help! Very soon you will receive another email explaining various options for patronage and sustaining donorship.
I urge you to look at these levels of patronage and donorship as your opportunity to shape the artistic life of Puerto Vallarta, and participate at the highest level possible.
THANK YOU so much for your continued support. Truly, the BEST is yet to come.
I look forward to seeing you ALL at the theater.
Sincerely,
David Sabella ACT2PV, Puerto Vallarta, MX
Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Week May 2024
LGBTQ+ Tourism Makes Up 40% of Vallarta’s Tourism GDP
Puerto Vallarta has always been a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. Now, the undeniable impact of this community on the city’s finances is finally clear.
In 2023, a record-breaking 2 million LGBTQ+ tourists visited Puerto Vallarta, according to data released by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust. This influx injected a whopping $17 billion pesos into the local economy.
“Vallarta Pride stands as the most significant LGBT+ pride celebration on a beach in North America,” explained Raúl Alfaro Segovia, managing partner of RPA, the public relations firm managing the event. “Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta holds membership in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), solidifying its commitment to this vital market.”
The upcoming Vallarta Pride boasts a diverse schedule, including:
- A flag raising ceremony and recognition of Kenya Cuevas as LGBT+ Activist of the Year (May 23rd, Lázaro Cárdenas Park).
- A retrospective fashion show by Mexican designer Armando Mafud (May 21st, Industry Club, Zona Romántica).
- The “Pride Sun Festival,” a social and commercial event running from May 23rd to 25th at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.
- The “Rainbow Pride” race, a 3km and 6km run along the Malecón (May 25th).
- The official pride parade, led by activist Kenya Cuevas, featuring over 55 floats (May 25th).
- The “Pride Beach Party” for community connection and celebration (May 25th, Olas Altas Beach).
- An art auction benefiting the Arte Vallarta Museo association (May 26th, Púlpito Street).
GREAT Hamburgers at Hamburgo PV in Versailles
I am always on a hunt for a GREAT BURGER! And so far, this place is the BEST that we have found, in Puerto Vallarta!
HAMBURGO PV is located in the Versalles neighborhood. (Versalles actually has a growing number of restaurants’ that are super delicious!)
It’s a hidden gem! And tucked away with a few other restaurants down a long corridor. So there is very little street presence. Located at Hamburgo 150A. Upon arriving you will see a black iron gate advertising several restaurants inside this little hidden plaza-corridor. (And it’s basically next door to CHA, another great restaurant). You will see the Hamburgo sign, and also a sign for pizza and a German restaurant Pommes Bude.
BACK TO BURGERS! I love Picana meat and this place makes different burgers using picana meat and also skirt steak meat. We ordered one of each and honestly can not pick a favorite. They were both juicy and delicious! Also I wanted to try a pulled turkey burger/sandwich. (12-hour white wine marinated-grilled turkey!) Again very juicy, savory and very delicious! Some diner-style French fries are available. $40 pesos for large order and $20 pesos for small order. All of the burgers run from $120 pesos – $170 pesos! They have a Hawaiana burger, Falafel, pulled pork and many more. So it is very affordable and BYOB, if you want an adult beverage!
I wanted a little something sweet after our HUGE meal! We tried the Chocolate empanada, served hot, with a scoop of homemade gelato. It was awesome!
You can scan the QR code below, it will take you to their whatsapp. From there, you can access the current menu at the top house/home icon. They are always trying new things and sometimes have specials. They also offer things like wings and tacos, both regular and deep fried! They have much more than what is listed on menu below!
The cook/chef (Rodrigo) is also the waiter.
Only 4, 4 top tables. But they also do to-go orders.
At the time of this writing, I think they are now open 7 days a week 2pm-10pm.
Discounts on Puerto Vallarta Tours and Things to Do!
This is something GREAT for American and Canadian tourists in Puerto Vallarta. (Not for locals, sorry).
DISCOUNTED Cultural, Wellness and Adventure Tours & Activities!
My husband (Derrick Sorles) just started working for SENSES of Mexico It’s part of City Hall and the Tourism board.
You can buy the Senses card for $50 and it comes with some free small freebies, drinks, etc. But the card allows you to save a lot of money on the various tours. (So it pays for itself!) Zip lining choices, fun with Dolphins, trip to Sayulita, Yelapa, Marietas Islands, Whale watching, Rhythm’s of the Night show etc.
Singles, couples, families or friends traveling together. EVERYONE saves!
Partnered with over a dozen different tour and activity providers, including Vallarta Adventures, the choices are endless!
You can book reservations at the booth and/or use the personal concierge service via phone to book your future discounted reservation. THE CARD AND SERVICES NEVER EXPIRE! It will serve you for yourt future trips to Puerto Vallarta as well!
If you want to visit Derrick, he is at the Malecon booth, off Cornona Street.
Right by Oasis Bay restaurant and Bar Oceana. and The Bustamante ladder!
(WHATS APP him for his schedule 322-139-9470).
Surf Lesson’s and Hike’s in Sayulita with Adan Carano
How would you like to SURF???
and do the Hula Hoop?!
Visual artist ADAN CARANO can often be seen doing his amazing hula hoop show from Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta.
Based in Sayulita, Adan gives surf lessons! 1 hr and 30 minute class costs $1600 pesos. (About $90 US at the time of this writing). Why not get a group of gays together for a day in beautiful Sayulita and get in some surf time too?
A little over an hours drive, Sayulita is known for beaches with strong surf, like the central Sayulita Beach. To the west, Los Muertos Beach is more sheltered, sandwiched between protective rocks. Galleries in Sayulita sell artworks by Huichol indigenous people.
Sayulita also offers great street food, street entertainers, spas, street bars, tattoo artists, beach restaurants and shops everywhere in the midst of a natural setting between mountains and sea… something for everybody.
He can take you or your group on a 3 hour hike to Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) ?
360 degree views from on top of the mountain! 3 hours / $1200 pesos
What about a BLACK SAND BEACH??
Patzcuaro is a gorgeous beach just southwest of Sayulita.
Playa Patzcuarito is one of Sayulita, Mexico’s most beautiful hidden gems, and is one of the most unique beaches in the Riviera Nayarit region. The beach doesn’t see a ton of visitors, as it lacks any kind of good road access and lies a bit out of the way for most people. That being said Playa Patzcuarito is surprisingly easy to get to and takes only 25-30 minutes on foot through the jungle. It is located north of the larger Playa Patzcuaro and south of Playa Carricitos, which are both also well worth a visit but require a bit more effort to get to. 3 hours / $400 pesos.
Get all the details on his WhatApp page 5213221383682
Sayulita is an awesome day trip and Adan can be your gay guide!
Feel free to make a request, and he will create a customized package for you!
PV NOW! The Must Have APP in Puerto Vallarta
What do YOU want to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Restaurants
Bars and Nightlife
Retail & Shopping
Tours
Medical Treatments in Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers a truly unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.
¡PV Now es la principal aplicación de entretenimiento para Vallarta!
——————————————————————————————————
Do you want to advertise your business on the app and reach thousands of new potential customers?
Affordable annual rates available! Contact Michael Snell Email me today!
—————————————————————————————————————-
Puerto Vallarta Ceviche Festival July 29
With the participation of at least 12 local restaurants that will offer around 50 varieties of ceviches and aguachiles, next Saturday, July 29, the 14th edition of the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival will take place in this city, which will be attended by international chefs from Peru and Colombia.
Edgar Cisneros, organizer of the 14th edition of the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival, explained that the event will take place on Saturday, July 29 at Parque Hidalgo, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas that will offer around 50 varieties of ceviches and aguachiles, as well as drinks, craft beer, desserts, music and lots of fun for attendees.
Chef Federico Pérez highlighted the presence of two international chefs, from Peru and Colombia, who will participate as judges in the contest in which prizes will be awarded to the first three places that prepare the best specialty dishes at this festival.
It is expected that it will bring together between 2,500 and 3,000 people who will enjoy these culinary delights and other activities that are prepared within the framework of this event, in addition
to A part of what is collected will go to the Municipal DIF System to support its social programs.
Best Gay Bar Hop Crawl Puerto Vallarta
Experience the nightlife in gay Puerto Vallarta!
No lines and make new friends!
They offer several options;
Choose With or Without a delicious 3 course Gourmet Meal and 2 Drinks. The Dinner option is the most popular option and includes a famous fun and games hour with Andrew Christian giveaways, a delicious 3 course meal and 2 drinks at one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular restaurants and visits 4 bars after dinner with 1 drink at each bar.
The tour only visits 4 of the most popular gay bars in Puerto Vallarta with 1 drink at each bar!
Choose Your Drink Package: Top Shelf Brands, National or Well Drinks, or Light Drinkers Package (Beers, Waters, Juices or Soft Drinks)
Discover for yourself why PV Gay Bar Crawl is rated #1 by Trip advisor as one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Nahuales “A Mystical Night” a new party / show at Secret Beach
+52 3222747754Puerto Vallarta #1 rated Food Tours
I have been coming to PV for almost 20 years now. While I know many business owners and a few locals who work in the service industry, I still do not know a whole lot about how the locals live.
By taking one of the many food tours offered by Vallarta Food Tours, in just 3-4 hours you learn so much, you will be in the know, like the locals! Taste local food, meet local people and visit hidden gems and places off the beaten touristy path. Taste food from street vendors who have been in business over 40 and 50 years!
Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten-path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.
I took the Original Downtown Tour last month. $52 for adults. (For a couple dollars extra you even get a couple beers along the way!) You get 8 tastings of amazing regional cuisine, and that’s enough (more than enough!) to serve as a satisfying lunch. And you get a 3-4 hour cultural tour and walk of the city by an awesome tour guide who explains the food but also many local interesting tidbits of information and traditions.
There is a Bikes and Bites Tour. ($55). On a comfortable bike, cover 4.5 miles on this culinary tour, tasting regional dishes influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Spanish and French cuisine. This tour is designed for moderate fitness levels. Prior cycling experience is required and all guests must be 18 or older.
Did someone say drinks?? Take the evening Mex-ology tour! Drink And Eat Your Way Through Downtown Vallarta. Tacos and Tequila are at the top of everyone’s list when they come to PV. This tour gives you both in one fun and food-filled evening. ($79).
- This 4-hour guided tour is perfect for dinner and will introduce you to the best indigenous spirits and regional cocktails in Vallarta.
- You will sample Tequila, Mezcal, Racilla, and local craft beer mixed into a regional cocktail by a master Mexican Mixologist. To keep you on your feet you will enjoy a few tacos along the way, including a one-of-a-kind seafood stuffed Jalapeño taco, carne asada taco, and more.
Vallarta Food Tours say, “Our goal is to ensure that all of our tour participants have a fantastic time and leave with a real confidence to continue their exploration of our beautiful city. We recommend taking our food tours at the start of your stay so you can take on the city armed with knowledge and insight of what makes Puerto Vallarta so beautiful, so vibrant and so special. We are proud to share our culinary discoveries with you. Let us take you on a 3-hour adventure, introduce you to the best of the best and help open up a bright and delicious new world just waiting to be explored!” –
We give them 5 PINK CROWNS!
Trip Advisor agrees as well! 
Stop by the website and book a tour! and read the many many great reviews!
You WON’T be disappointed!
The Puerto Vallarta city tour takes place in the heart of Vallarta, giving participants insight into the city’s true soul. Besides the Puerto Vallarta Tours offered, Vallarta Food Tours offers Private Group Food Tours and Gift Certificates. Surprise someone with a tour! They will LOVE IT!
What a Drag Benefit Feb 18th
Annual BANDERAS BAY SHELTER-Fundraiser. A home for victims of domestic violence. For more information: www.compassionforthefamilymx.org
One of the funniest shows of the year! Hosted by New York’s HEDDA LETTUCE!
More info and tickets thru the Facebook page!
Casa Cupula LGBT Resort Celebrates Anniversary
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15thAnniversary!
Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.
Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.
“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”
“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.
During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañeracelebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.
A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season.
This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, undisputed Miss Congeniality of hit reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has been selected by the team at legendary Puerto Vallarta boutique hotel Casa Cupula to headline the property’s highly anticipated quinceañera — or 15 anniversary —celebration, to take place January 19, 2018. Tickets start at 300 pesos (approximately US$16) per person (visit www.casacupula.com/cucu).
READ MORE HERE ABOUT CYNTHIA
Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.
Si Senor on the Beach in Puerto Vallarta
We love this place! Great food, great prices, great location!
Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails and snacks. Try any of the savory Mexican dishes and you’ll taste how authentic food is supposed to be. The staff only uses the freshest ingredients to bring out the flavors of the many regions of Mexico. The menu features guacamole made to order table side, classic Oaxacan mole negro, and Pacific coast ceviche and seafood cocktails.
You can enjoy your meal on the beach at a dining table or relax in a chaise lounge chair. There are big umbrellas for your comfort. You can also be seated in the more formal dining room next to the beach.
Their History….
When the opportunity came to take over the restaurant space at Hotel Emperador, we took it. In a vacation destination city like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it is all about location.
Si Señor Beach is the third Puerto Vallarta restaurant in the family owned chain and opened in October 2012. There is easy access from streets Rodolfo Gómez and Amapas and it is just one block south of the new Los Muertos Pier on Los Muertos Beach. Our views are simply awesome.
We took the time to craft a menu that gives you a full scope of what we are all about and use only the freshest ingredients to create truly authentic Mexican food. The cuisine we offer is both classic and updated preparations of the regional dishes of Mexico. Classic moles, braised and slow roasted meats in traditional marinades, tangy ceviche, fresh guacamole, creamy flan, are all examples of the colorful flavors of Mexico that we serve.
The same passion for quality is echoed throughout every element of our restaurant. The staff is courteous, attentive to your needs and will make sure your dining experience is the best. We have Mexican fare in a contemporary, casual atmosphere, which includes a variety of seating options and it’s the perfect place to start your vacation day, have a business lunch or a romantic dinner. Our house is your house, so come join the family for a meal.
FACEBOOK PAGE has some great videos and photos!
SiSenorBeach.com
Di Vino Dante Three Specials!
Di Vino Dante—the wine and tapas bar that focuses on fine Mexican and Latin American wines and mediterranean cuisine—has recently announced seasonal specials that include a delicious and attractive culinary offering at reduced prices.
Located on the famous Basilio Badillo street (#269)in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, the venue features an artistic ambiance that is perfect for casual dining.
(Adjacent to the famous Galleria Dante. The Largest Fine Art Gallery in Puerto Vallarta, representing 50 artists. Of these artists 90% of them are Mexican. Many Different styles and techniques are represented. From emerging artist to well established museum quality work. )
Tapas
Every Wednesday, Di Vino Dante offers a tapas plate and a glass of wine for only $170 MXN.
This special doesn’t apply with other promotions and is valid only paying in cash.
Pizza and Wine
Every Thursday, buy a bottle of wine and get a free pizza Caprese or De La Casa. This special doesn’t apply with other promotions and is valid only paying in cash.
Happy Hour! 2 x 1 special on Mojitos and Margaritas.
Daily from 2:00pm – 6:00pm (except on Sundays).
TripAdvisor member’s describe the venue as “the perfect place to taste creative and delicious cuisine” and as “an unforgettable experience”.
Di Vino Dante is located at 269 A Basilio Badillo street (second floor) in colonia Emiliano Zapata. For more information about specials or reservations, please call (322) 223 3734.
Puerto Vallarta Best gallery and Wine bar
We have been fans of Galleria Dante for years now. And we absolutely love the new addition, Di Vino Dante, which opened in 2013.
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante, even though two separate businesses, are both located in an old hacienda style villa at Basilio Badillo #269.
After meeting in Puerto Vallarta in 1986, Claire and Joe Guarniere, inspired by Dante and Beatrice and their mutual love of Italy, began their family business in 1988 with an Italian restaurant called “Pizza Joe” and a small classical art gallery.
In 1995, their passion for art outweighed the long hours in the restaurant business so they opened “Galleria Dante”, which is now the largest and most eclectic fine art gallery in Puerto Vallarta, exhibiting the works of more than 50 artists –from emerging to well established museum artists (both painters and sculptors). Of these artists 90% are Mexican-born. The countless pieces are arranged in the European “salon” style throughout the massive gallery’s eight rooms, including a beautiful open-air courtyard, which is my favorite part!
In 2013, Gena, born and raised in the family businesses, opened Di Vino Dante, a wine and Tapas bar overlooking the gallery’s sculpture garden which also offers larger plates. The restaurant also rotates art from the gallery, offering the opportunity for diners to purchase art while enjoying a fine glass of wine or cocktail. . During her second year at University “UBC” in Vancouver, British Columbia, she took “Wine Science”, to complete her Science credit. It changed her life. Growing up in an Italian family, surrounded by art and after numerous summers in Italy, she had never developed a taste for wine. With her interest peaked, and a new found love of wine, she took more wine classes, in what free time she had in completing her Fine Art degree. After studying wine theory and tasting hundreds of bottles of wine, she dreamed of how to work in the business.
Both business continue to evolve and grow, the gallery always in search of new artists, the wine bar offering new menu items and an extensive wine cellar. Later this season, Di Vino Dante will be opening the rooftop garden, which will also be available for special events and private parties.
Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante are located at Basilio Badillo #269 in the Old Town / Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. New artwork comes in on a regular basis, and the restaurant offers weekly specials, so even if you have visited Galleria Dante in the past, it is always worth another visit.
Valentines in Romantica Zone Puerto Vallarta
February 14 – Friendship Day (Día de Amistad – Valentine’s Day); in Mexico, is not just for lovers, but friendship, as well, and is celebrated on February 14. Special menus in most the local restaurants and live music to dance in different latino ambience night clubs. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to reserve in advance if you don’t want to wait for hours for a table and get into a fight with your fiancee :-).
Everything about Puerto Vallarta lends itself to romance: The blue water and green mountains, the cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, the brilliant colors and music. So planning a romantic Valentine’s Day in Vallarta is amazingly simple.
Quick and Tasty Food at New Food Park
The Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone has a new culinary attraction on Ignacio L. Vallarta street, a few steps away from the Lázaro Cárdenas Park: Los Guapos Food Park.
This recently inaugurated, open-air venue offers the city a new experience as it features an interesting array of fast food stalls in repurposed shipping containers. Los Guapos Food Park also features a terrace and a dining area on the ground floor where guests can enjoy their favorite dishes and the ambiance of the place.
Music, food, cocktails and a setting featuring an industrial exterior design and pop culture elements, make from this park a must-visit attraction in the area.
The following are the culinary options available at the food park:
Mozzarella Pizza
Featuring some classic pizzas such as the Margherita, Hawaiian, Pepperoni and Veggie specialties, as well as other signature recipes such as one called Bahía—featuring salmon, cream cheese, red onions and pesto—and another one named Muy Guapa—featuring artichoke, serrano ham, black olives, fresh basil and mushroom.
Burger Station
A wide variety of burger recipes to pamper everyone’s palate!
Tacos o Pacos
Enjoy Mexico’s most representative dish: Al Pastor, asada, adobada and chicken tacos available!
Bar
Featuring the essential beverages for a Saturday night. Whether you enjoy a soft drink or a tequila cocktail, a glass of draft beer or a vodka drink; Los Guapos Food Park has you covered.
For more information about Los Guapos Food Park, please visit its Facebook Page.
Fantastic Oaxaca Painted Mexican Animals
The Alebrijes are brightly colored Oaxacan Mexican Folk Art sculptures of fantastical creatures. They seem to strike a universal chord with our shared human experience. Colorful and whimsical. The first alebrijes, along with use of the term, originated with Pedro Linares. In the 1930s. Over the past 20 years this style has evolved dramatically from colorful and whimsical folk art into fine contemporary art. It is sought out worldwide by very passionate collectors who can’t seem to get enough.
JULIA FUENTES, From San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca. Daughter of renowned artisans Epifanio Fuentes and Laurencia Santiago. Julia Fuentes began painting at her parent’s workshop in 1989 when she was only 13 years old. A few years later she began her art education at the School of Fine Arts where she graduated as Art Instructor in 1989. Julia and her husband Juan J. Melchor started their own workshop in 2001.
Julia’s paintings are characterized by colorful geometric shapes on copal wood figures that her husband carves which she decorates with traditional spikes combined with Zapotec details, in a fusion of the past and the present thus adding a new level of depth to Mexican folk art.
Brothers Armando and Moises Jimenez are the grandsons of the master woodcarver Manuel Jimenez, of Arrazola, Oaxaca. Manuel Jimenez is generally acknowledged as the father of Oaxacan woodcarving, who turned the small farming village on the slopes of Monte Alban into a boom town. Armando and Moises work with their wives, Antonia Carrillo and Oralia Cardenas, and their children. They carry on the tradition of sensitively observed naturalistic carving and colorful but restrained painting mastered by their grandfather.
The story of Manuel Jiménez is now part of Oaxacan folklore. He struggled out of poverty to become one of the world’s most reknown woodcarvers. His early work focused on animals and people and he continues making realistic animals. Occasionally, he will add a twist or contortion to their forms.
Isaac and Rosario Fabian are two of the better known popular artists. Using wood from the copal tree, figures are carved, sanded, and painted by hand. They usually use marble eyes in their works.
The carving of a piece, which is done while the wood is still wet, can last anywhere from hours to a month, depending on the size and fineness of the piece. Often the copal wood that is used will influence what is made, both because of the shapes the branches can take and because male and female trees differ in hardness and shape. Carving is done with non-mechanical hand tools such as machetes, chisels and knives. The basic shape of the creature is usually hacked using a machete, then a series of smaller knives used as the final shape is achieved. Certain details such as ears, tails and wings are usually made from pieces separate from the one for the main body.
After the carving, the figure is then left to dry for up to ten months, depending on its overall size and thickness. Semi tropical wood such as copal is susceptible to insect infestations, and for this reason drying pieces are often soaked in gasoline and sometimes baked to ensure that all insect eggs have been destroyed. As the figure dries, it is also susceptible to cracking. The cracks are filled with small pieces of copal wood and a sawdust resin mixture before painting. The painting is generally done in two layers, with a solid undercoat and a multicolored designed superimposed.
THE BEST place in Puerto Vallarta to see all of this and much more is Peyote People and Galeria Colectika . Traveling around Mexico buying for Peyote People and Colectika, owner Kevin Simpson has had the unique opportunity to visit recluse villages, participate in ancient rituals and have befriended a number of different artists and their families. You will find a great assortment of art at all price ranges!
Peyote People Juarez 222 Col. Centro
Galeria Colectika corner of Calle Guadalupe Sanchez and Calle Allende
Dinner in the Sky PUERTO VALLARTA 2017
|
Puerto Vallarta Gay Mens Chorus Dec. 15
Celebrate the holidays as PVGMC presents HALLELUJAH!
The Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus (PVGMC), directed by Alfonso López, presents its annual holiday musical celebration at 8 PM on December 15 and 16 and at 4 PM and 8 PM on December 17 at Act II Stages
The PVGMC develops and shares the vocal skills of gay men from Mexico, the United States, Canada and around the world. They perform choral music that entertains, enlightens and unifies the audience, as well as its members, while building bridges of greater understanding, acceptance and love between communities, cultures, families, and friends. They are warmly embraced by the local Mexican and Ex-Pat communities, as well as tourists of both cultures.
This time of year brings back recollection of some of the most memorable times spent with family and friends. Buy your ticket today online at http://actiientertainment.com/
