Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!
Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!
Category Archives: New and Happenings
Puerto Vallarta begins to Reopen!
On June 14, 2020 the official newspaper register of the State of Jalisco has published provisions for Puerto Vallarta Shopping Centers, Gyms reopen at 25% capacity and with measures of social distancing required. In this measure, The commercial shopping centers Galerías, La Isla or Macroplaza will be allowed to open which have been closed for three months now. However, shoppers of commercial plaza will not be able to use common areas such as children’s play areas, communal dining rooms, since fast food restaurants will only be able to deliver takeout products; parking lots will only receive 25% of their capacity. Movie theaters will remain closed for now.
Also June 15, 2020 public and hotel beaches are allowed to reopen in Puerto Vallarta per the the Jalisco governor Enrique Alfaro. He made it clear on Friday during his visit to Puerto Vallarta that hoteliers should take care of social distancing on their beach fronts, while the city municipalities monitor that public areas are not saturated with people. Hotel pools and common areas can also be open but now are reduced to 25% of their capacity, taking care that the common areas are not saturated and urging social distancing measures.
READ MORE AT GAY PV.com
Puerto 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!
Super Wendy Needs Your Help!
Super Wendy has been a key source of entertainment for the Puerto Vallarta community for years – giving us all she’s got to bring a smile to so many locals and guests of Puerto Vallarta!
Earlier this November she started to lose muscle strength and eventually lost her ability to walk. Since then, she’s been diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome – an autoimmune disorder where the peripheral nervous system is attacked by its own immune system.
Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms.
These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form Guillain-Barré syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.
She’s slowly improving, but the recovery period will be lengthy, and won’t be able to work or perform for quite some time. This is obviously a huge financial burden to her and her livelihood!
Please give back a little to the person who has given us so much!
WEDNESDAY NOV 27th 9pm – there will also be a special show at Le Noche Bar PV.
Lázaro Cárdenas #263
Thanks!
Traveling with a Dog to Mexico
From Trip Savvy –
Many people travel with their pets to Mexico. If you would like to take your dog or cat with you on your Mexican vacation, there are a few steps you should take in advance. Note that for Mexican regulations only dogs and cats are classified as pets: other animals may be imported but the regulations are different. Mexican regulations allow travelers to enter the country with up to two dogs or cats, but if traveling by air, airlines will only allow one pet per person. If you will be traveling to Mexico with more animals, you should contact the Mexican consulate or embassy nearest you for more information.
You should have your pet examined by a veterinarian and your pet’s immunizations must be up to date. Carry the following documents when entering Mexico with your pet:
- Either APHIS Form 7001 (pdf) Vet Health Certificate OR a certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian and printed on letterhead (handwritten documents are not accepted) in English and Spanish with the vet’s professional license number or a photocopy of the license, and the vet’s signature. Take the original and a simple copy.
- Proof of rabies vaccine administered at least 15 days before the pet’s arrival in Mexico. The vaccination certificate should state when the vaccine was administered and how long it is valid, as well as the product name and lot number.
- Within 6 months of entering Mexico, your dog or cat must have be treated against internal and external parasites by a licensed veterinarian and the products used must be reflected on the health certificate. Cats and dogs must have treatments for ticks shortly prior to entering the country. Tick-borne infections such as ehrlichiosis are not unusual in the country, so it is wise to protect your pet.
When you arrive in Mexico with your pet, SAGARPA-SENASICA (Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries, and Food) personnel will conduct a brief physical inspection and verify that your pet is in compliance with the above requirements.
Travel by Air
If you are traveling by air you will need to check with your airline well in advance about their rules and extra charges for transporting pets. The airline has the final say on whether or not they will carry your pet (and each airline may have different rules), so be sure to check all the requirements with them prior to purchasing your ticket. Some airlines do not transport animals at all. Most airlines will allow small pets to travel in the cabin with you, but the pet will need to be in an airline-certified travel crate that fits beneath the airplane seat.
Steve Grand! Held Over in Puerto Vallarta
Steve Grand
Steve Grand returned triumphantly to PV in November to the Red Room at Act 2/Stages and his shows have been selling out!! Shows have been extended thru the end of January!!!
DECEMBER 25 at 9:30pm
DECEMBER 21, 24, 27, 28 at 7:30pm
JANUARY 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 at 7:30pm
In 2013, Grand uploaded a music video to YouTube for his song, “All American Boy.” It immediately went viral, and within 8 days, he had over 1,000,000 views! It tells the story of unrequited love between a young man and his heterosexual male friend. As a result, this openly gay artist was lauded as a trailblazer in the entertainment world and he has had appearances on Good Morning America, CNN, Larry King Now, and other national outlets where he has used his platform to advocate for Human Rights and LGBT Equality.
Currently, with over 18 million views on YouTube, a #3 and #10 album on The Billboard Independent Album charts, and one of the most successful Music Kickstarter Campaigns ever under his belt, Grand, an extremely handsome young man, has not only broken the rules, but has changed the game forever in singing and song-writing in the era of YouTube and Spotify!
He has just released his second, highly-anticipated album, Not the End of Me, in July 2018, and has received rave reviews from the LGBTQ market, creating a vocal and enthusiastic fanbase, as well as a permanent place for himself in the music industry!
Grand’s songs are a living testimonial of the trials and tribulations that he experienced as he came to the realization that he was gay. He started writing his songs at age 11 as a way to understand and express himself. People have always related to his music because each song was written about a specific moment or time in his life. Many of his songs express the pain of going through a brutal breakup of his long-term partner. “I tried to be as brutally honest as I could be in my songs,” Grand said. “People have told me it’s [sometimes] hard to listen to [my songs] because they feel what I’m feeling. It’s painful, but it’s still beautiful.” That is why he is loved by so many and also why his shows sell out every night!
Get tickets online before they are all gone!
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!
Puerto Vallarta Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant cultural events will be celebrated with all-the-more fanfare and enthusiasm this year as the city celebrates its 100th anniversary. The first of major events to take place throughout the year is the 7th International Charro Championship with a cultural component taking place on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon on January 31st and the competition to be held from February 1st – 4thin Arena Vallarta, located approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.
Inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016, the Charreria, or Charro Championship is an authentic celebration of the traditional Mexican Charro lifestyle, and very much a part of Jalisco’s living heritage. A type of highly festive and colorful rodeo featuring Charros, or traditional Mexican horsemen, exhibiting their skills at horse reining, bull riding, livestock roping and other equestrian talents. The Charreria is considered Mexico’s national sport and is not only an art form but a sport with strict rules and important prizes.
Throughout the Championship attendees will also enjoy live music, folkloric ballet and Mariachi performances, Charro parades, traditional food, dance and more.
For more information about the Charro Festival please visit: www.arenavallarta.com
For more information about Puerto Vallarta and this year’s centennial events and celebrations please visit:www.visitpuertovallarta.com
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.
Is Puerto Vallarta Dog Friendly?
One of the great joys of traveling is sharing the experience with loved ones – including pets. Whether traveling with a pet for companionship, service or comfort, visitors will find Puerto Vallarta’s pet friendly atmosphere and infrastructure, as well as diversity of offerings and services, make it easy to bring along four-legged friends.
Many hotels and resorts across the city are pet friendly and offer convenient pet packages and doggie day camps; including the Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta located in the Marina area, Hotel Puerto de Luna and the Sheraton Buganvilias in the Hotel Zone; Casa Cupula Hotel, Casa Kimberly in Downtown Vallarta and Casa Iguana Hotel and Vallarta Shores located in the South Zone; to name a few. Visitors should confirm rules and availability with hotels when booking.
Pets are allowed on some of Puerto Vallarta’s many beaches and visitors will often see dogs accompanying their owners on a run or meeting up with local residents and their dogs for some playtime.
One of the most popular activities is walking the pedestrian-only El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic boardwalk and open-air gallery featuring dozens of sculptures and statues. The Malecon’s wide cemented path, approximately 1.5 miles in length, is an ideal place to go for a stroll, a meal or a bit of shopping accompanied by one’s pets. Many restaurants, cafes, sidewalk eateries and bars along the Malecon and the historic Downtown area welcome four-legged companions to join at an outdoor table and will serve them a bowl of cold water.
The city also has a number of resident veterinarians and 24-hour pet hospitals in case of an emergency and local stores such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club carry most pet food brands found in the US and Canada.
There are hundreds of direct flight to Puerto Vallarta from the US and Canada on a weekly basis; it is recommended that travelers check regulations and requirements for travel with dogs and cats as they vary from airline to airline.
Mexico is amicable to pets and does not quarantine cats and dogs arriving from the United States or Canada. However, pets must travel with an International Certificate of Good Health that has been signed by a certified veterinarian stating that they are healthy and free of internal and external parasites. Pets must be current on rabies, hepatitis and distemper vaccinations. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should be included, and they should also be tested for ticks & tapeworm prior to traveling to Mexico. All documents must be presented to an officer at the SAGARPA-SENASICA office located inside the Puerto Vallarta airport upon arrival.
For a complete list of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, please visit www.visitpuertovallarta.com
Puerto Vallarta Gay Hotel Turns 15
Casa Cupula Prepares
to Celebrate its Quinceañera!
Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15th Anniversary
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 quinceañera celebration 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, to be headlined by an as-yet-to-be-named world-famous “hostess”.
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.
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 Pride 2017
Vallarta Pride 2017 Pin Button
We are happy to present the “Vallarta Gay Pride 2017” Pin Button, a distinctive button that in additon to wearing it with pride will give you access to discounts and special surprises in each of the participating establishments through the whole month of May 2016.
Find it at the participating businesses and SETAC (Constitucion 427 esquina Manuel M. Dieguez, Puerto Vallarta)
Donation: $100 pesos
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Welcome Pride Pool Party
Day Pass:
$500 pesos: Camastro, Food and beverage credit of $250 pesos, towel and Locker
$3,000 pesos: Pool cabana, towel, food and beverage credit of $1,500 pesos
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Block Party
Vallarta Pride is excited to announce a new event for 2017! La Noche, CC Slaughters, Fiesta Bar, Mr Flamingos, La Margarita, Paco’s Ranch and Los Muertos Pizza has come together to close Lazaro Cardenas street between Vallarta and Constitucion to create a block party. Come dance and be entertained as your favorite bars provide refreshments on the street. This will be the place to see and been seen during Vallarta Pride 2017. Start time: 9pm directly after the parade.
Suggested donation to Vallarta Pride 2018: 100p
Sponsored by:
La Noche Bar, CC Slaughters, Fiesta Bar, Flamingos, La Margarita Bar, Los Muertos Brewing, Paco’s Ranch
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Drag Derby
Place your bet on your favorite Drag Queen then watch them compete to your complete enjoyment. This fundraiser for Amapas Neighborhood and the Pride Committee is sure to evoke uncontrolled laughter. The Derby and Block Party give recognition to the traditional LGBT neighborhood of Zona Romantica as well as the world famous beach, Playa de los Muertos.
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Pride Black Party
The Sexiest Black Party you have seen in Puerto Vallarta yet…Hosted by Alejandro Castillo, one of Lucas Enteratinment’s newest performers. International superstar DJ Jose Spinnin Cortes starts at 11pm. A portion of event proceeds to benefit SETAC PREP program. Get Tickets: http://gaypv.mx/events/pride-2017-circuit-party
Advance bracelets can be picked up 10a-4pm 141 A Pulpito Calle office in front of Garbos.
MORE EVENTS AT VALLARTA PRIDE!
Insurance for Expats in Puerto Vallarta
Vallarta Insurance Day is a single-day free event being held by Novamar Insurance Mexico next Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Marina Vallarta Golf Club. It aims to support the expat community in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit with information and advice on insurance policies in Mexico.
During the Vallarta Insurance Day, Novamar professional adjusters, underwriters, expert consultants and insurance subscribers will conduct different seminars and talks, answering various questions and offering guidance. Consequently, the attendees are invited to prepare their questions in advance, as they will be able to expose doubts and personal open cases about their Mexican insurance policies and claims with policies of Novamar or some other insurance brokers.
Among the activities, there will be presentations on Auto, Boat, Homeowners and Condo insurance all day, as well as a special presentation on Health Coverage, including International exposures and options. Below is an agenda of the scheduled activities.
Vallarta Insurance Day will be held at the Club House in Marina Vallarta Club de Golf. There will be a permanent information desk throughout the day, as well as coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, biscuits and sandwiches for participants and assistants.
Agenda
09:00 Boat Insurance: Pleasure & Charters – US & Mexican Flags
10:00 Auto Insurance: Mexico/USA/Canadian license plates
11:00 Home Condo Insurance: Market & Replacement Value
12:00 Health Coverage: International exposures and Options by Aldis Barsketis
13:30 Private meeting & lunch for up to 45 professional Condo Managers, including a speech by Engineer Rubén A. González Molina about the ‘Procedure for damage claims in the event of a Hurricane, Earthquake, Fire, Mechanical Breakdown and Liability’.
For more information, call (322) 297-6440 or visit novamarinsurance.com.mx and/or facebook.com/NovamarInsuranceMexico.
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.
Galleria Dante Artist Reception Jan 27th
Galleria Dante Presents
Juan Carlos Navarro
Friday Jan. 27 2017, 6-10pm
Come meet this exciting artist!
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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
Galleria Dante Artist Reception Nov 18th
Come meet this exciting artist!
Thanks to his keen sense of self promotion and his undeniable talent, Marc soon found himself a place in art galleries in Montreal, Quebec city and the Eastern Townships.
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/
