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Following the regrettable passing of Peruvian Chef Fernando Tomasini, founder of the restaurant Puro Peru located in downtown Puerto Vallarta; David Brandell and Charles Vandeputte have announced that they will be taking over the management of the establishment to continue the legacy of their dear friend.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Fernando Tomasini, the esteemed owner of the Puro Peru restaurant, at the age of 67, on December 1, 2025. At the same time, we are honored to share that our dear friend entrusted us with the privilege of continuing his remarkable legacy. This transition is a true testament to the enduring reputation and culinary excellence that Mr. Tomasini and his dedicated team have built over the years,” stated a press release shared by Brandell and Vandeputte.
Out & About PV recently spoke with the couple inside the restaurant, which features colorful, two-story decor honoring Peruvian culture. David and Charles, who have been together for 35 years and married for the last 10, have been temporary residents of Puerto Vallarta since 1996. We discussed their relationship with Chef Fernando, the restaurant’s menu, and the enormous privilege it is for them to take the reins of the business.
Puro Peru first opened its doors in 2020, during the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its founder, Chef Tomasini, created a menu of specialties from his native Peru and adapted his own home to begin receiving diners.
“We noticed the existence of Puro Peru very quickly because we live just three blocks from the establishment. It became one of our favorite restaurants, and we always returned not only for the quality of the food but also for Fernando’s attention and personality,” admits David Brandell. “Over time, we developed a friendship, and I started helping him as a volunteer, waiting tables.”
Over the years, the friendship between the chef and the couple grew, forming a very trusting bond. David Brandell and Charles Vandeputte, nurses by profession and residents of South Dakota, stayed in constant communication and took care of Tomasini’s health during his final months of life after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2025. In this new and challenging phase, the new owners are committed to maintaining the same quality of the restaurant:
“Fernando always wanted to ensure that the diner had a very pleasant experience. He had a lot of experience working internationally in places like New York. Furthermore, he was very considerate of his staff and the community. He himself trained emerging chefs and helped with the conception of menus for other local restaurants,” adds Charles Vandeputte.
The restaurant will retain the same chef and staff who already worked with Fernando Tomasini. Specialties at Puro Peru include:
- Lomo Saltado: Beef tenderloin with red onion, tomato, and potatoes, bathed in a delicious sauce and served with white rice.
- Fried Seabass (Róbalo Frito): Served with sautéed vegetables and a gravy cream sauce.
- Peruvian Ceviche.
Other typical dishes will gradually be introduced. Among the signature beverages is the Pisco Sour, a cocktail prepared with pisco (Peruvian brandy) and lemon juice.
David Brandell and Charles Vandeputte concluded the interview by inviting the community to discover this jewel of Peruvian gastronomy and emphasizing their appreciation for its founder.
Chef Jesús Coba
During our visit to Puro Peru, we also had the opportunity to chat with Chef Jesús Coba, 38, originally from Lima. Married to a Mexican woman, he has been living in Mexico for seven years. Before moving to Puerto Vallarta, he worked in Mexico City at the restaurant “Sabores del Perú.”
Coba started cooking at age 19 and was mentored by several renowned chefs in his hometown. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity Chef Tomasini proposed for him to move to Puerto Vallarta and work at Puro Peru:
“Chef Fernando was a great, very generous person. He shared his knowledge with me and the way he prepared his recipes, which I now see as a legacy. Peruvian gastronomy is internationally recognized, so I invite the Puerto Vallarta community to discover our variety of dishes,” he highlights. “I am also thankful for the new owners, his friends, who have equally placed their trust in me.”
Location and Contact
Puro Perú is located at Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 612, corner of Aldama, Centro. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, you can call (322) 138-0148. The establishment only accepts cash payment.
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