A Taste of Mexico with Chef Roman Ventura
For those looking to create an unforgettable dining experience, Ventura Chef Services offers gourmet dinners that transform special occasions into lasting memories. Chef Roman Ventura has spent over a decade in Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene, honing his craft in some of the city’s finest restaurants before realizing his true passion lay outside the confines of a traditional kitchen.
Born in Mascota, Jalisco, and raised in Esperanza, Sonora, Roman Ventura has always had a deep connection to Mexican flavors and traditions. Since stepping into the private chef world, he has prepared hundreds of dinners for thousands of guests across the Bay of Banderas. Ventura finds immense joy in cooking for intimate gatherings, helping clients celebrate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and bachelorette parties. Over the last three years, he has been part of countless celebrations—a 50th wedding anniversary, holiday gatherings, and even small, quiet moments that turn into cherished memories. He loves knowing that his food becomes part of those moments, that a carefully crafted dish can enhance the warmth of an evening spent with loved ones. There is nothing more rewarding for him than hearing that a menu he designed played a role in making a night even more special.
In 2019, Roman Ventura began offering private dinners, and by 2021, he launched Ventura Chef Services, curating one-of-a-kind culinary experiences tailored to his clients. Over time, his services have expanded beyond intimate in-home dinners to include exclusive dining events and culinary excursions that celebrate Mexico’s rich gastronomic heritage.
For the past three years, Ventura has collaborated with Francie Nguyen at Casita & Garden, first through Chef’s Table events and now with the Ventura Supper Club, an exclusive dining series for 16–20 guests. Running from November 2024 through March 2025, the Supper Club featured a monthly five-course menu, each inspired by different culinary regions of Mexico and the world. This year’s themes highlighted the flavors of Oaxaca, Peru, Argentina, and plant-based Mexican cuisine.
Ventura’s approach to cooking is rooted in his love for Mexican cuisine, but his passion for travel has expanded his culinary horizons. He is constantly exploring different regions of Mexico, South America, and Canada, finding inspiration in every new dish and ingredient he encounters. He thrives on blending flavors and techniques from different places with the essence of Mexican food. Travel fuels his creativity, sparking new ideas for dishes that bridge cultures and traditions.
His cooking is a balance between innovation and respect for tradition. Mexican cuisine has evolved naturally over centuries, shaped by changing techniques and influences, and Ventura embraces this evolution while ensuring that the soul of each dish remains intact. Some techniques used in Mexican kitchens today have been passed down for generations, and Ventura believes in preserving those fundamental flavors while infusing his own creativity.
One of Ventura’s signature dishes, Mexican Cream Corn Soup, carries personal significance. It was the first cream soup he mastered after chef school, and years later, it continues to be a favorite among his clients. Another standout is his hibiscus sauce, which accompanies one of his filet dishes. He considers it a perfect example of the diversity of Mexican cuisine—deeply flavorful, unexpected, and vibrant. Many have told him he should bottle it.
When it comes to ingredients, Ventura gravitates toward masa, the cornerstone of so many Mexican dishes. Its versatility allows him to create everything from traditional dishes to modern interpretations. He also relies heavily on staples like onion, garlic, cilantro, tomato, and chilis—ingredients that should be in every kitchen preparing Mexican food. For him, these flavors are the foundation of authenticity.
Being a private chef in Puerto Vallarta presents its own set of challenges. The competition is fierce, with many talented chefs vying for a limited number of opportunities. And with so many outstanding restaurants in the city, Ventura has to offer something that stands apart. His clients are not just looking for a great meal; they want an experience that is immersive, intimate, and unforgettable.
“For me, it’s not just about cooking a great dish; it’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel special, where they can enjoy their evening without worrying about a thing. That’s the beauty of a private dining experience—it’s completely tailored to them.”
Clients want exceptional food served in the comfort of their home or vacation residence, where they can truly relax and savor the moment. That is what makes Ventura’s work special—the personal connection between chef and guest, the way a private dinner turns into a shared memory.
Despite these challenges, Roman Ventura finds inspiration everywhere. He constantly experiments with flavors, imagining combinations even as he walks through markets, absorbing the colors and scents around him. He believes in trying as many different foods as possible, allowing his palate to expand and evolve. Travel is another essential source of creativity for Ventura, exposing him to new ways of thinking about ingredients and preparation. He is always in the process of creating, even before he steps into the kitchen.
“Every meal I prepare tells a story—of tradition, of family, of my journey as a chef,” says Ventura. Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s an experience meant to be shared and remembered.”
One of Ventura Chef Services’ most exciting new ventures has been a two-day culinary adventure to Mascota, Jalisco—Ventura’s hometown. This all-inclusive experience immerses guests in the rich flavors and traditions of the region, with highlights including a visit to Raicilla del Ciervo, a local distillery, where guests learn about raicilla production, enjoy a guided tasting, and savor a gourmet lunch in an agave field. Guests also explore Mascota and Talpa de Allende, visiting local bakeries and a traditional candy factory. The adventure culminates in a multi-course dinner at Ventura Comer & Beber, Ventura’s sister’s restaurant, featuring regional specialties and locally sourced ingredients. The two tours, held in November and January, welcomed 22 guests who raved about the experience. “It wasn’t just about the food—it was about seeing these magical towns through a local’s eyes,” one guest noted. With five-star reviews across the board, this culinary journey has created new opportunities for Ventura.
Ventura’s love for Puerto Vallarta runs deep. Beyond the city’s natural beauty and vibrant food scene, he appreciates the warmth of its people. He is committed to giving back to the community, regularly supporting local charities such as the Girls Education Fund and the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center. Ventura has donated dinners and sponsored fundraising events, including the recent Stars with a Heart Gala. In 2024, he was honored as “Best Gay Chef in Puerto Vallarta,” an award he credits to the support of his loyal clients and friends.
Looking ahead, Ventura hopes to travel more, seeking out new flavors and inspirations while refining his menus and services. One of his newest offerings, the Margarita Cocktail Hour, has quickly become a guest favorite. This pre-dinner experience features his handcrafted signature margaritas, accompanied by fresh salsa, guacamole, and homemade tortilla chips. Guests have embraced the addition, with many making it a standard part of their evening.
Looking ahead, Ventura plans to continue pushing the boundaries of his craft, blending tradition with innovation to create unforgettable dining experiences. Whether through intimate private dinners, exclusive supper clubs, or immersive culinary tours, he remains dedicated to sharing the rich flavors of Mexico with guests from around the world. Each dish he creates is a reflection of his passion, his heritage, and his belief that food has the power to bring people together in the most meaningful ways.
For more information on Roman Ventura and Ventura Chef Services, visit the website.