From Here, May 04, Monday
The signage is so cute, and if it takes you a few minutes to figure it out, that's okay. Just know the food is ample and delish! The new go-to breakfast spot has caught on like wildfire. ''The EggsBoyfriend'' fed Mark Rome, the Entertainment Director at Coco Cabaret and The Palm, and me one morning last week. We caught up on the 25/26 season and who is on board for 2026/27. As always, we see performances through the same pair of eyes; it's interesting because we are so different. Always a rare treat to sit and dish for a couple of hours!
Rick and Monica Miller had their second pop-up party of the year with a considerably smaller guest list than the first, so it was easier to move around their expansive terrace and talk to a bunch of people, watch the sunset, and the lights of Vallarta wink on as night settled on the bay. The beauty of this city at any hour literally takes my breath away. Still. After all this time.
The Bistro Gallery at Casa Cupula was the setting of last week's Gay Mixer. Lovely chatting with owner Don Pickens and laughing with Real Estate broker Ron Morgan about Don building a hotel in the jungle...25 years ago. Lots of familiar faces - dear friend Jerry Jones, host of the Mixers and publisher of Out and About magazine, and his crew, Gerwin and Christian. Sacha Cantor of Hyden Furniture (more on him coming up), Gregorio, owner of Trovasi Restaurant, Herschel, and his guest, Scott from Colorado, who created a bit of a linen stir and nearly 200 others enjoyed the art, the camaraderie, and cool jungle breezes. The next Gay Mixer will be on flat land at The Brick Oven, Tuesday, May 05, 6 to 8 pm.
Also on Tuesday from noon to 4 pm at Hyden Furniture in Colonia Lazaro Cardenas, owner Sacha Cantor is giving away hardwood scraps, and enormous bags full of sawdust he cannot use. This wood is planed, sanded, and already in manageable sizes. If you are an artist, have a wood-burning oven, fireplace, or fire pit, please go pick up this fabulous hardwood for FREE. It has not been painted, varnished, or glued; it's just glorious trash. As a craftsman, it hurts Sacha to throw it away, but he doesn't have the room to store or deal with it. Please check it out every Tuesday from noon to 4 pm.
Happy Birthday, 55 times to Derek Carkner! Celebrations took place at the brand new Opal Bar on Ignacio Vallarta. Sargento Dan shared drinks with Rob Burton and Jan Dorland; half the staff of Ryan Donner Real Estate was there, including Kevin Anthony, who popped in with Pablo Aspe. In the back, deep in conversation, were Alejandro Arrez and Craig Beach, always happy together.
Deborah Cole and I hiked up to Hacienda hda Gallery overlooking the city for another magical evening filled with art, live music, artistically presented and delicious food, cocktails, face and body painting, and wonderful conversations with Christian Yussel from Art Vallarta and Museo. The Gallery is one of my faves in Vallarta, and I always look forward to seeing owner Salvador Mascareñas, whom I have known for many years. He was, according to his sister Adriana, in Sydney, Australia. Next event, Sal!
Congratulations this week to La Catrina Cantina on their 5th anniversary. Last Wednesday, I enjoyed listening to Gloria Fiona and Luis Villanueva: check VallartaCalendar.com daily for the eclectic mix of entertainment at the fabulously chilly La CC.
The first Saturday Fiesta for Art Vallarta Museo was held once again at their sister property, high up on Pulpito, just past the Swedes Restaurant. Director Nathalie Herling has been hard at work renovating the Speakeasy on the ground floor. More furniture has been added, and the ongoing expansion should be complete by the First Saturday of June. The vibe is Boho, welcoming, and uber-cool.
After four weeks of competition, the New Voice of Vallarta was announced at Coco Cabaret last night. Ninett Lara won after two stunning solos and was the judge's favorite. Ninett, plus the three runners up - Michelle, Mel, and Joby have all been fast-tracked into the World Karaoke Championship auditions to possibly represent Mexico. More details as they emerge from La Catrina Cantina, the sponsor.
My herbalist, Ricardo Mazcal, on the Isla Cuale, has his Day Cream, with natural SPF, 20% off this coming week at his market.
Enjoy Vallarta's perfect May weather. The countdown begins now - my sister Patrice arrives one week today, From Here!
