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Gastronomiq Comida Global Opens in Versalles
Chef Chad Gardner is bringing his culinary expertise to Puerto Vallarta with the opening of Gastronomiq Comida Global, Lisboa 169 Versalles, offering an eclectic mix of international comfort food.
Gardner, a longtime visitor to Puerto Vallarta, made the city his permanent home in September 2022. With more than three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, he saw an opportunity to introduce his unique culinary approach to the area.
“There’s no city like Puerto Vallarta with everything it has to offer,” Gardner said. “I love the proximity to the ocean, and it allows me to fly in and out of California as needed for my other businesses.”
The restaurant’s name, Gastronomiq Comida Global, reflects its diverse offerings. “Gastronomiq is a play on words. The ‘Q’ adds a little playfulness, and it’s pronounced the same in Spanish and English, which I saw as an advantage,” Gardner said. “Comida Global simply means global cuisine.”
Gardner describes himself as a “culinary artist” who “colors outside the lines” rather than strictly following traditional culinary rules. His menu features a blend of Eastern European, French, Italian, and American gastropub influences, inspired by his travels and personal experiences.
For Gardner, cooking is more than a profession—it’s a deeply personal expression. “Cooking comes from the heart and soul,” he said. “When I cook, I’m putting my energy into my food. That’s what I learned from my mother, and that’s how I show my love to my guests.”
“A good portion of the menu is an homage to my mother, who was a great cook and showed her love through food,” Gardner said. “Other dishes come from my travels, including a recent trip to Italy and France. I also try to use regional and seasonal ingredients and provide interesting vegan and vegetarian options.”
His inspiration for the menu extends beyond family and travel. Gardner aims to create a dining experience that is both familiar and innovative, giving guests a sense of comfort while surprising them with unexpected flavors and techniques. “I want people to recognize dishes but taste them in a new way,” he said.
While Gardner has previously owned Asian fusion restaurants in Palm Springs, he has no immediate plans to introduce those flavors to Gastronomiq. However, he said he would consider opening a Chinese fusion concept in the future. “I loved the creativity that came with my Vietnamese and Chinese fusion restaurants,” he said. “Fusion allows for flexibility and reinvention, which is something I’m always drawn to.”
Gastronomiq is Gardner’s first restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, but it follows a series of successful ventures in California, including 533 Viet Fusion, Roly China Fusion, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Willie’s Modern Fare, and Sol y Sombra, a European Spanish restaurant specializing in tapas. He was also a part-owner of The Paloma Resort. Despite his extensive experience, opening a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta has presented new challenges.
“The biggest challenge has been construction,” Gardner said. “I’m used to having a team that moves from restaurant to restaurant and to working with vendors who deliver everything. Here, it’s done differently, but in a way, it’s bringing me back to my roots and putting my hands on the food I serve.”
Sourcing ingredients has also required an adjustment. In the United States, Gardner had access to well-established vendor networks with consistent deliveries. In Puerto Vallarta, he has had to take a more hands-on approach, working directly with local suppliers and markets to source the freshest ingredients.
“There’s something rewarding about selecting each ingredient personally,” Gardner said. “It’s a different way of doing things, but it ensures I’m getting the best quality for my guests.”
Gastronomiq Comida Global is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Gardner plans to introduce a Saturday and Sunday brunch next season and may expand to lunch service if demand is strong.
Looking ahead, Gardner envisions growing his presence in Puerto Vallarta with additional restaurant concepts. “If people gravitate toward my food, I would love to expand,” he said. “There are so many different directions I could take, whether it’s another fusion concept, an intimate chef’s table experience, or even a casual spot highlighting regional Mexican flavors.”
For Gardner, the joy of cooking is in the connections it creates. “We always had many people other than our family at our dinner table growing up, and that was a way to spend time together,” he said. “Cooking is how I express myself, and it’s my way of welcoming people into my home.”
Information to Know:
Gastronomiq Comida Global
Lisboa 169 Versalles, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays
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