Inside Vallarta: Industrious Men
Vallarta’s men are personified in the exhibition “From the Heart to the World” displayed on the Malecon Boardwalk.
Hola! The enterprising men of illustrious Puerto Vallarta affect so much here, including the impact of the thriving restaurant and music scenes, the inviting cultural visibility through outdoor spaces, and assisting tourists in spending time and choosing where to go. While there are so many to select from, let me introduce five gentlemen I know who continue to make their mark on the ever-growing Vallarta map while adding to the dynamic social factor, booming economy, and the city's overall growth.
BOB PRICE - VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Being in Puerto Vallarta regularly, I saw posters and signage around town advertising nearby lush botanical gardens. Being an avid gardener, I told myself, "someday, I'll go." Having walked London's Kew Gardens, Amsterdam's tulip fields, and exotic South-East Asian palace grounds dotted with lotus and koi-filled ponds, I wondered what could top those sites. Well, that someday finally came, and The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, founded in 2004, now tops my list as a not-to-miss destination! Nestled in the Sierra Madres are 79 acres of gorgeous indigenous landscape. The first time I arrived caught me off-guard as my expectations weren't that high. I quickly discovered that I underestimated this mesmerizing oasis! I was one with nature! Founder, curator, and naturalist Bob Price who hails from Georgia, continuously preserves this biodiverse area. He travels throughout Mexico, seeking plants and flowers to bring back to the gardens, adding to meticulous kept exhibitions. His goal is to conserve Mexico's unique flora, birds, and wildlife, which he continues to achieve with unique and innovative ideas brought to light by his hard-working team. VBG continues to be on the global 'Top Ten List of Best Botanical Gardens!' I seek out Bob to say hello and see more of his visions whenever I'm here. It makes me happy to bring friends to enjoy the trails, amazing orchid collections, a quiet chapel, and a first-class restaurant where they can watch hummingbirds dart about while they dine.
JOSE - THE MUFFIN MAN
Remember the nursery song, "Do you know the muffin man?" Well, yes, I know the muffin man! He doesn't live on Drury Lane but in tropical Puerto Vallarta! Known and recognized simply as 'Jose, the Muffin Man,' he has been a fixture for over 30 years selling homemade muffins and fresh pastry to seasonal regulars. He doesn't need to shout, "Hot muffins from the oven!" It's easy to find him as he's visible pushing his cart up and down the Malecon boardwalk offering large trays of pan dulce. His day begins at 8:30 a.m. in front of The Sea Monkey restaurant on Los Muertos Beach, showing off the pastry and conversing about everything PV. He then goes to sell along the beach, enticing those soaking up the sun's rays. Talk about a success story, too. He's been able to put his children through college selling baked goods! His perseverance thrives using his cheerful personality as he offers sweet treats to start your day off just right. When he finishes selling all the goodies, he returns to the family home, rests a bit, and begins baking for mañana.
LOUIS WHITAKER - VOCALIST
Don't let this baby face fool you! I discovered this young man singing, prancing, and entertaining a packed room with a Saturday brunch crowd at La Cappella in El Centro. He’s a delight! Louis landed in PV just over two years ago from Kansas, becoming a singing sensation with his one-person cabaret shows and also performing musical theater at the Zona Romanitica’s venues including Act2PV, The Palm, and Incanto Vallarta. He works most nights tirelessly, delighting his growing following of fans. When listening to him croon or belt out the standards with confidence, panache, and humor, Broadway is what comes to mind. He also recently became an entrepreneur, selling whimsical shaped fresh fruit icicles from pushcarts around town, which is welcome, especially with the hot weather here. He definitely clicked his red shoes, now making Puerto Vallarta his home! Find a venue, and don't regret missing out on this treasure whether you live here or not.
GAETANO SIMONETTI - CHEF, LA TOSCA
In the mood to eat authentic Italian tonight? Treat yourself to a unique gastronomic experience at La Tosca, located in the hip and energetic neighborhood of Versalles. Gaetano arrived in Mexico in 2007, working at several other eateries, and has developed a following who enjoys his homemade Tuscan cuisine. His talent runs in tandem with a joyful and grateful personality; as you dine, don't be surprised if he comes in from the kitchen to your table to mingle and chat, making sure you are happy and like your meal. Within the greater Puerto Vallarta area, you won't have to travel far for flavors derived from traditional recipes this talented chef and his team offer. I regularly book a table to bring guests for a meal prepared by him and his team. Enjoy the cozy cafe vibe with its red-checked tablecloths, local musicians, and lively atmosphere. La Tosca is undoubtedly on the foodie scene as one of PV's best restaurants. Cheers!
JOSE LUIS CASTELLON RAMOS - TOURS GUIDE
Known as 'the most honest bandito on the beach’, this busy entrepreneur has been hard at work for over 30 years selling tours for visitors to enjoy using modes of boat, plane, and land. At age 15, he vacationed in Puerto Vallarta from his distant family ranch, where he had worked diligently since age eight. He never looked back because he instantly fell in love with this fishing town, as we all do. I regularly see him at the foot of Basilio Badillo on the beach, having morning coffee with his lovely wife and chihuahuas. Jose loves conversing about his background, sharing his vast knowledge of PV, and reviewing the options to enjoy the many sights including the ultimate adrenaline rush! How would you like to freefall amongst the clouds for 45 seconds, seeing Los Muertos Pier below as you skydive from a plane? He can arrange that and book excursions to local islands on a private boat, sailing at sunset on a catamaran, or driving to higher altitudes for a day trip stepping back in time in the colonial town of San Sebastian. So take your pup, or yourself, for an early morning walk and look for Jose in his red baseball cap en la playa. You can’t miss him! ‘Trust’ is his middle name, even if he goes by 'bandito.' He'll book a tour worth going on, making you happy you chose Puerto Vallarta as your vacation destination!
This vibrant, effervescent city has stolen my heart. It is definitely known for its beautiful beaches, lively and dynamic atmosphere, phenomenal travel excursions, colonial and hacienda-style architecture, and cobblestone streets. But, the men and women make Vallarta what it is. Take the time to greet these genuine and giving people who will make time to kindly assist and assure your time in Vallarta is most special! Salud!
