New Arias, Two Competitions, and Jet is Back!
The wildly successful Vietnamese Restaurant, Let’s Pho (pronounced ‘Fa’), added dozens of new patrons as owner Charlie Huynh tried to contain nearly 250 people gathered for Out & About magazine’s Gay Mixer last Tuesday. Delicious bites and a welcome cocktail kept everyone on their toes as they networked and met new and old friends. Tomorrow, be at Los Otros Blondies on Basilio Badillo between 6 and 8 pm. Look for me!
Another breakthrough for Vallarta’s rising star, Angeloo – he has added the magnificent and difficult aria (and my favorite) Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s Turandot. The debut came during his 8 pm show at La Catrina Cantina, last Wednesday. Angel is still raising money to go to Los Angeles to appear on America’s Got Talent. Angel and his dad deeply appreciate any help you can give.
The Pata Salada Festival closed last night after three days of events happening from one end of the Isla Cuale to the other. Festival founder, Beto Sempere, asked me and my dear Canadian friend, Joanne Jacobs, representing What a Drag, to be among the ‘jurado’ for the Face of Vallarta. The candidates were judged over three nights for their poise, talent, intelligence, empathy, elegance, and more. We crowned the beautiful Vania Fernanda Rodriguez Barraza as el Rostro de Vallarta, 2026. She was absolutely radiant.
Jet de la Isla held a private cocktail party at his club, beneath Act2PV, to celebrate his return to the city’s abundant social life after a few months of self-isolation. He looked fabulous in shades, high-heeled boots, a faux fur jacket, and a Speedo. My fellow jurist, Joanne, and I had fun chatting with Jet, Don Pickens, the owner of Casa Cupula, Brian Bott, and more luminaries, all of whom make Vallarta more exciting.
The second round (of four) of the New Voice of Vallarta closed yesterday at Coco Cabaret, with six singers remaining: Ninett, Joby, Michelle, Neothy, Alejandro, and Mel. The last two scored among the highest with the judges, Tonny Kenneth, Kimberly Grandi, and Will Walker. Next Sunday will feature songs from movie musicals/Broadway. See you at Coco Cabaret from 4 to 6 pm on April 26.
Hyden Furniture, headed by Sacha Cantor, designs and builds high-end custom furniture from a range of Mexican hardwoods. And while you may not be in the market for furniture, if you have a fireplace or firepit or if you are an artist and need hardwood scraps to make stretchers, to paint on, and/or build something creative, Sacha has a deal for you! You may go to Hyden Furniture next Tuesday (a week from tomorrow), between noon and 4 pm, to pick up lovely hardwood scraps for FREE! Sacha also has bags of fine wood powder that, when mixed with glue, create an unending range of things. Bring your own bags and/or boxes, and load up on untreated walnut, parota, primavera, amapa, and more in various sizes and shapes. Find Hyden Furniture in Colonia Lazaro Cardenas at Prol. Colombia 1818. Check out the showroom while you are there to see the exquisite craftsmanship.
Herbalist Ricardo Mazcal is at his storefront on the Isla Cuale, Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 pm, and Saturday from 10 to 2. Look at his Facebook page for his article on Adrenal Fatigue, and this week’s sale – 20% off Adrenal Support Herbs in capsules.
As we head into summer, which may happen tomorrow, it’s been so hot and humid already, please be kind to one another. And, when you think you’re being kind, be kinder! From Here.
