Meet Your Neighbor

Meet your neighbor and learn more about some of our wonderful people that live full time here in Puerto Vallarta. From the locals (pata salada). to temporary and permanent residents, we’ve got great stories about your neighbors.

Unleashing Creativity, Chef Roman Ventura’s Private Dining Experience Wows Clients

Born in Mascota, Jalisco, Chef Roman Ventura, is celebrating his 10th year in the food business in Puerto Vallarta.
Award-winning Chef Ventura personalizes private dining in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy fresh, local Mexican cuisine with a global twist in your villa or rental. Book unforgettable celebrations!

Canto Restaurant Brings Modern Chinese and Hong Kong Flavors to Puerto Vallarta

Canto, a modern Cantonese bistro, has opened at Lazaro Cardenas 446, and is offering a different take on some of your favorite Chinese dishes. Currently by reservation only. Photo by Oscar Almeida
A passion for food and time on their hands during the Covid Pandemic has led to the opening of a new Chinese restaurant in Zona Romantica adding to the diverse offerings which make Puerto Vallarta a culinary destination.

Coming Together: 80,000 Pesos Raised at Benefit for Salvatore Rodriguz

Alberto Cuevas sings at the benefit for Salvatore Rodriguez. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Salvatore Rodriguz, a beloved member of the Vallarta LGBTQ+ community and a local entertainer (pianist), recently suffered a heart attack, amassing a medical bill of more than $300,000 pesos. 

Meet the Staff: ThrIVe IV & MedSpa

ThrIVe Staff - Photo by Oscar Almeida
Discover the unique philosophy behind ThrIVe IV & MedSpa. Meet the dedicated team that sets them apart and takes them to the next level.

Las Terrazas: Where Community, Innovation, and Philanthropy Meet

Al Carswell, Las Terrazas founder - pictured here in one of his Canadian establishments. Photo provided.
Al Carswell, Las Terrazas is not just a collection of businesses; it's soon to be a hub where locals and visitors alike come together to savor culinary delights, indulge in creative cocktails, and support a cause close to their hearts.

Finding Danyaal Offers a Captivating Love Tale; Author’s Journey Inspires Awe

Zia Ahmad, an author whose life story transcends the pages of his novels, lives full time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Delivering a captivating narrative of love amidst adversity, 'Finding Danyaal' emerges as a must-read, with author Zia Ahmad's journey.

Chef Fabiola Meraz: A Mar Y Sierra Reflects High Cuisine Flavors of Mexico

A Mar Y Sierra the creation of Owner and Chef Fabiola Meraz, it brings together the sea and the high mountains in a fusion of Mexican culture and high end cuisine. Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Experience the unique cuisine of Chef Fabiola Meraz's A Mar Y Sierra. Fusion of Mexican culture & high-end cuisine.

Let’s Pho: Serving Authentic Vietnamese Delights with a Side of Community Spirit

Charlie from Let's Pho
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, Let's Pho, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, not only tantalizes taste buds with its delectable dishes but also stands out for its commitment to community engagement. 

Get a Total Body Experience with Personal Trainer in Puerto Vallarta with fitness expert Daniel Duran

daniel total fitness progam
Daniel Duran, a familiar face to many in Puerto Vallarta, wants to work with you to achieve your fitness goals through his "total body experience" program.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar Hopping Tour Celebrates 12 Years

Tim Wilson and his Gay Bar Hop Tour
Since 2011 the Gay Bar Tour has been helping tourists find their way around the local gay bar scene. With almost 30 gay bars in the area, it can be a bit daunting to sort it all out. The Gay Bar Tour does it all for you, from skipping lines to serving drinks.

Lalo Gil is Puerto Vallarta’s Mr. Events

Lalo Gil - Photo by Oscar Almeida.
Lalo Gil (Eduardo Gil Rocha Gonzalez) loves to be the center of attention. He’d be the first to tell you - he’s comfortable with all the eyes in the room being on him. 

Morales Etches Dreams Into Reality With Metal Embossing

Ericksammy Morales (Sammy) talks about his passion for art, and his ability to turn dreams into reality with his metal embossing skills.

Meet Juan: One of Puerto Vallarta’s Very Interesting People

Meet Juan, a gentle fellow who says he is 94 years old. He is ‘out and about’ in Old Town Vallarta, sweeping the outside of the street which surrounds his tiny collapsible kiosk table.

Alberto Cuevas, Mexico’s El Diamante, Sings and Advances Culture as Gay Charro

Alberto Cuevas is Mexico's El Diamante. Photo by Oscar Almeida
Alberto Cuevas’s path to a musical career as Mexico’s El Diamante (The Diamond), a singing gay charro (cowboy), has been anything but straight and narrow.

Javier Jimenez Gives Back, Looks Forward

Javier Jimenez, President of ACT LGBT and owner of the Garbo Group, has been supporting Vallarta Pride since its inception and sat down with O&APV to talk more about why he got involved
Javier Jimenez, President of ACT LGBT and owner of the Garbo Group, has been supporting Vallarta Pride since its inception and sat down with O&APV to talk more about why he got involved.

Tom Bernes: Philanthropist and Actor Makes Puerto Vallarta Home

Tom Bernes
The first time I realized he was not the man I assumed him to be was when I saw him on major news channel on TV.  It hit me then that Tom Bernes was not just another Vallarta expat but rather, someone with a whole other story to be told. ​

Ventura Chef Services Hosts Dinner for Media and Small Business Owners

Chef Roman Ventura
Chef Roman Ventura’s business has grown but he knows he still has a lot to learn.  So the chef and his assistant, Edward Potocek, hosted a dinner recently to learn about how others got their starts in Puerto Vallarta and to discuss ideas on how best to reach locals and tourists about the services and experiences that Chef Ventura, and other small businesses, have to offer.

My Affair with Emiliano – Ono

Alfonso "Poncho" Davalos
Over at Basilio Badillo is a cute coffee place named ONO Bowls; what a surprise was that I met the owner Erica Black seven years ago

Sit. Stay. Drink. Event to Bring Dog Owners Together at The Secret Wine Bar

Carlos and Christoph, owners of the Secret Wine Bar.
An opportunity for dog owners to connect and network is coming to the Secret Wine Bar on a monthly basis, the first starting on April 25.

Gay Mixers Set for April 5 and April 27

Three Puerto Vallarta permanent residents - Don Lewis, Frank Cassel and ​Chris Clyde, are teaming up with Out & About PV Magazine and Jet De La Isla’s Facebook Group, “Puerto Vallarta Gays: Everything Gay You Need Or Want To Know” to jumpstart regular gay mixers.