• Six-foot Rabbit in Vallarta
Spotlight Productions will stage “Harvey”, a comedy written by Mary Chase, February 14 to March 15 at Santa Barbara Restaurant. The play promises to be quite an imaginative delight as the main character, Elwood, enjoys a very special friendship with a six-foot white rabbit. Since Spotlight's productions usually sell out, an early booking is recommended. Tickets are $250 pesos and are available by calling 222-4477 or 223-2048.

• Whale Museum Opens in Vallarta
With a history of environmental concern, photographer Eduardo Lugo has opened a long-cherished desire, his mini whale museum on calle Juárez at the entrance of Pueblo Real. Located opposite the school, 20 de Noviembre, children are becoming some of its most enthusiastic visitors. In addition to tours, they offer a collection of material, photographs and video sessions in an effort to promote environmental awareness.

• Vote for Your Favorite Vallarta Restaurants
Do you have particular favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta? Well, you can help support them by entering our Readers’ Survey for Vallarta Restaurants. This survey is being publishing in the Feb. issue of Vallarta Voice, but it is also available on-line so you can participate as well. Just click on the best restaurants link and follow the instructions. The results of the poll will be featured in both Vallarta Lifestyles and Vallarta Voice and on virtualvallarta.com, so your favorite restaurants will receive great exposure. Help them out by participating in Vallarta’s first restaurant poll!

• Annual Art Issue of Vallarta Lifestyles
Check out the Winter/Spring 2002 issue of Vallarta Lifestyles, featuring a special section on Vallarta art and golf. For subscriptions from the U.S.A. or Canada pay only $30 USD. Residents of other countries please add $10.00 USD to subscription rate. Receive four issues per year: allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the first issue.
To subscribe, send a check to Vallarta Lifestyles, 705 Martens CT. #78-299, Laredo, TX 78041-6010; or subscribe online. You can also find a selection of the articles from this issue online at http://virtualvallarta.com/vallarta/llifestyles/index.html.

• Another El Salado Development Proposal
At a meeting with the El Salado Estuary Trust, Felipe Ochoa and Associates, Inc, presented their proposal for the use and development of the estuary and its surroundings. After research and evaluation of possible uses, they propose developing the area as a natural, recreational and cultural preserve. The natural preserve would be divided into a concession area, a public use area and a restricted area. They suggest that the area surrounding the estuary include a research center that would feature a crocodile farm, a botanical garden, research facilities and a visitors' center. They also propose a multipurpose center that would host sports and cultural events and conventions. Finally, the proposal includes the creation of a theme park and a commercial zone.

• Pacific Jewelry to Open New Store
Pacific Jewelry has begun construction of their new store on the Malecon at the corner of Corona street, which is expected to open in late spring. Pacific Jewelry already has three other locations in town, but feel that high demand for their exclusive designs warrants another. In anticipation of Valentine's Day, they are offering special discounts at all of their locations.

• A Dollar Still Goes a Long Way in Vallarta
A dollar buys you a raffle ticket in the America-Mexico Foundation annual fundraising event and that raffle ticket might win you a 20" Phillips color TV, a Sharp microwave oven or a Sony digital CD/Cassette/Radio. And you won't be the only winner. The proceeds of the raffle go toward providing scholarships for talented, but needy, local students.

• Dinner Theater Another Success
The latest dinner theater production from Theater Vallarta, "Play On", has proved to be another success. The cast of 10, directed by Eileen O'Leary, does a masterful job of animating this comedy classic about a community theater proving Murphy's Law. Tickets for the show and dinner, held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Santa Barbara Restaurant, are $250 pesos.

• MEXORC Regatta to be Held in Vallarta
As announced by Carlos León, general director of the Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, Puerto Vallarta’s Tourist Board has campaigned for Vallarta being the host of the MEXORC 2002 and, contrary to expectations, this annual international regatta will be held in Vallarta. Though other options around the Costa Alegre were studied, the organizers of this important nautical event with a long history and tradition in sailing races have confirmed that Mexorc will be celebrated in Vallarta the first week in March. Mexorc (Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit) is a series of eight races in and along the Banderas Bay coastline and a great attraction for both racers and viewers with lots of beautiful vessels arriving in the bay.

• Paco Renteria in Vallarta Again
Guitarist Paco Rentería will be back in Vallarta in April with two performances, first at his favorite auditorium at the Camino Real on April 4 and the following night at Los Arcos. With new energy after the birth of his daughter on November 29, Rentería is releasing a new CD called “Gitanerías” (Of Gypsy Ways), which includes flamenco intensity and will be presented in Vallarta. His performance in Vallarta is part of a world tour in 2002-2003 called “La Búsqueda del Alma” (Quest for the Soul), which starts in Monterrey on February 16 and continues through 25 Mexican states and 20 countries around the world.

• Yacht Race Coming to Vallarta
The 2002 San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Yacht Race, hosted by San Diego Yacht Club and Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa, will be held in late February. This is the second year San Diego Yacht Club has chosen Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta as its premier destination. This race is ideally suited for everyone from the turbo sleds to performance cruisers, seasoned veterans to first-time adventurers. This well-organized sailing event attracts cruisers and racers from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Furthermore, this year racers have the opportunity of joining the renowned MEXORC Regatta for an extra week in Puerto Vallarta. For more information, email marina@paradisevillage.com.

• Marina Art Night January 25
A wonderful night to enjoy art and the scenery of Vallarta's beautiful Marina is scheduled for January 25 6-10 pm. The Art Night traditionally hosts a cocktail reception with live music, which on this occasion will feature the musical duo Champagne Blues. This art exhibition is sponsored by Vallarta Lifestyles, Coloristas printers and five participating galleries:Galería Flores, Galería Puerco Azul, Galería EM and Arte de las Américas, who will be showing an array of different artistic techniques.

• Continental Increases Flights to Vallarta
New York and flight connections from Europe will have further flight availability from Newark airport to Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel. Continental Airlines has announced an increase in the number of their flights to Puerto Vallarta beginning February 14. New non-stop flights will operate Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, departing Newark at 9:20 am and arriving in Puerto Vallarta at 1:59 pm. Return service will depart Puerto Vallarta at 3 pm and arrive in Newark 8:49 pm. This non-stop flight, which formerly was only available on Saturdays, is intended to encourage the frequency of travelers in the New York area visiting Mexico by making it easier and faster to reach its beaches.

• APA Benefit at Le Bistro
The Animal Protection Association will be hosting their fourth annual silent Art Auction and cocktail party at the Le Bistro Jazz Café on February 17 3-6pm. To celebrate this occasion, the restaurant provides its gardens, offering live music and appetizers. All proceeds benefit the APA program. Reservations may be made at Lucy’s Cucú Cabaña at 295 Basilio Badillo, Vista Travel in Olas Altas and Galería Flores, Marina Vallarta for $ 120 pesos in advance or $200 pesos at the door.

• New Owners for Ibiza
Offering the same concept and menu with Mediterranean flavor and Spanish paellas, Elizabeth and Thomas Hector are the new owners of Ibiza and have given this restaurant at Pino Suarez in the South Side their own personality and style. Interested in an investment, they arrived in Puerto Vallarta a few months ago and found in this restaurant the place they were looking for. Hector Thomas comes from Sweden, where he and his sons managed several restaurants and Elizabeth is originally from Chiapas, Mexico. Together they have not only embarked on a new business, new house and town, but also recently celebrated their wedding. The civil ceremony and banquet was celebrated at Ibiza on January 5.

• New Exhibits at Galería Dante
Galería Dante on Basilio Badillo will be presenting a collection of abstract paintings and photographs by Cha Cházaro and Rocío Sánchez’s sculptures in bronze on January 12 with a reception cocktail from 6-10 pm. This exhibition will run through January 26, the date on which Luis Espiridión is scheduled to display his delicate animal sculptures.

• Celebrities Spend Holidays in Vallarta
Some celebrities spent Christmas in Vallarta or to the north of the bay in Punta Mita, which thanks to its secluded grounds in a small peninsula has become an authentic paradise for privacy. Featuring actors of the film production Heat were here to enjoy the benefits of Vallarta's weather. Al Pacino stayed at the Four Seasons with his sons, while Val Kilmer chose the less conventional Hotelito Desconocido.

• Becas Ball Planned in Vallarta
The America-Mexico Foundation program, which recently organized the Mark Twain Show here in Vallarta, will be presenting another fun event to help raise funds for their scholarship programs. The Becas Ball, one of the most popular social events of the year, will be held on March 2 and tickets are now available. For further information, please contact Mary Ellis at 222-1478.

• Parking Controversy in Vallarta
City Hall is negotiating the possibility of building an underground parking lot on Plaza Hidalgo with a private firm. Though the negotiation has not been closed yet, there has been much controversy over using this area for such purposes. Traditionally, the park is where many street vendors sell their products. According to municipal authorities, the plaza will be unaffected because they intend to provide for an underground parking area.

• Exhibit Opens in Vallarta
Vallarta's Catalan painter Manuel Adriá will be presenting his new work at Galería Nova on Corona on January 9 with a cocktail opening celebration at 6:30 pm. A provocative medieval name, Bestiary, announces a surprise in the playful nature of this painter’s use of animal imagery.

• Aero Pacifico Opens New Route to Vallarta
As announced by the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the airline Aero Pacífico will be opening a new air route from Puerto Vallarta to Colima January 7. In a 19-seat Metro -type airplane, the flight will leave Vallarta daily from Monday to Friday with further possibilities of connecting with other cities such as Morelia and Lázaro Cárdenas from Colima.

• New Show by Theatre Vallarta
Followed by the recent success of Spotlight Players, Santa Barbara Restaurant will be offering a new dinner theater production starting January 9. This time it is one of Vallarta’s favorite theater groups, Theater Vallarta, directed by Eileen O’Leary, long-time Vallarta resident. Play On is the name of the comedy written by Rick Abbot, which will be performed every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Dinner will be served at 7 pm followed by the play. For reservations call 222-4477.

• Third Blue Moon of the Year
During the next few days of December, we will be able to witness December’s second full moon, a phenomenon, which experts call blue moon. Like the famous expression “once in a blue moon”, a second full moon in a single calendar month does not occur frequently, on average it is estimated that once every two and a half years. However, this year it is the third blue moon, the first two occurred in October and November, the second being particularly beautiful.

• Surprise Art Exhibition in Vallarta
As a result of the artist’s surprise arrival in Puerto Vallarta, a small exhibition has been organized at Gallerie des Artistes to host the paintings of Alfonso Peña with a presentation cocktail starting December 28 at 7pm. Alfonso Peña is a very interesting modernist painter from Monterrey, who has just arrived from his recent exhibition in the States at the Atlanta Expo Trade Show.

• New Cinema Club in Vallarta
Ulises Iñiguez and José Basco have organized a new cinema club for locals to enjoy a good selection of classic films by artistic directors at the Public Library. The video films are provided by the University of Guadalajara and after each film session, a cultural exchange takes place among participants to discuss the film and director. The next scheduled director will be Stanley Kubrick, and his feature film Space Odessy 2001 will be the first film shown on January 11 to celebrate this director’s cinematographic career. Films are shown every Friday at 6pm and in their original language.

• Posadas in Vallarta
Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition, which evokes the moment when Joseph and the Virgin Mary went around the streets of Bethlehem asking for shelter for the night. On December 16, this ritual is reenacted in traditional neighborhoods, where families join in a procession, singing Christmas carols and knocking on three different doors, voicing their petition with a sung dialogue. A live representation of Joseph and Mary on a donkey or symbolic statuettes lead the procession, guided by a small lantern. This is the traditional posada, which is beautifully celebrated at the boutique hotel Hacienda Cora every year here in Puerto Vallarta. However, posadas today have become more of a fun social gathering for people to enjoy a dinner and celebrate the arrival of Christmas with friends and are held at any time before Christmas Eve.

• New Mega Comercial Mexicana in Vallarta
With a record breaking speed, The Mega Commercial opened on Saturday 15th. The place was practically invaded by locals during the weekend, as discounts of 20% to 40% were offered in many of its items. It offers a similar variety as other Comercials, however, there are more products available in its spacious corridors and is adequately planned for with comfortable parking area and sliding escalators for trolleys.

• New Restaurant Opens in Vallarta
Just where Moby Dick used to be, the new Mexican restaurant Azteca was officially inaugurated on December 8. The owners Jaime Marcos and Mauro Ramos, who have other restaurant enterprises in the States, are very confident with this new enterprise in Puerto Vallarta. Azteca offers some of Mexico’s most traditional recipes, as well as some of America’s favorites. A good combination for mixed demand of both Mexican and American tourists and locals.

• Willie & Lobo and Beverly & Willow in Vallarta
Many restaurants in Vallarta are now offering their Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus. So, if you are planning to eat out, it is a good idea to browse around to make your reservations. River Café is starting the new year with a grand celebration featuring Willie & Lobo and Beverly & Willow together in a live performance, an explosive combination of artists that will make the 31st of December a night to remember.

• Daniel Espinosa comes to Vallarta
Melissa Suneson opened a new jewelry shop on Aldama with original designs by Daniel Espinosa, who is one of the most uninhibited designers in Mexico and has created new languages in Mexican silver. Born in Taxco, the cradle of silversmiths, he learned his trade and furthered his design career at the Gemeological Institute of America in the States, launching his first collection in 1997. His aesthetic criteria, fashion awareness and instinctive vision combine to bring life to his original designs, which will awaken unsuspected desires to compulsively buy, including the most daring extravaganza.

• World BillfishingTournament at Paradise Village
Nuevo Vallarta’s Paradise Village Resort and Marina was the headquaters for the fourth annual WBS (World Billfishing Series) Billfishing Championship Tournament. The World Billfishing Series holds 30 tournaments a year with some 30,000 anglers fishing. From this, the three top anglers are chosen from seven regions throughout the world and these are the 21 specially invited participants for the world championship tournament. This year’s winner of the coveted title of WBS World Champion of Billfishing is Bruce Bosley of Yakima, Washington. Bruce caught six sailfish during the tournament, four on 30-pound test and two on 50-pound test. The 2002 WBS World Championship tournament is scheduled to be held once again here in the beautiful Bay of Banderas and Paradise Village Resort and Marina. You can find out all the latest information and join the WBS by going online to www.worldbillfishingseries.com

• Another Touring Option in Vallarta
As well as visiting the downtown area and strolling the streets of Vallarta, there is a very popular tour that takes you through four of Vallarta’s most beautiful homes. This Private Home Tour is organized by the International Friendship Club on Wednesdays and Thursdays every week through April. Tickets are on sale at the Molino de Agua Hotel, just over the bridge heading for the Southside, and the party leaves from here at 11 a.m. A $ 300 peso donation is welcome to help raise funds for Vallarta’s charities. For more information call 222-5466.

• Convention of Sister Cities in Vallarta
A committee of counselors at City Hall, who travelled to Santa Barbara, California, in September have recently announced Puerto Vallarta will be the hosting city for the celebration of the annual Convention of Sister Cities United States-Mexico to be celebrated in September, 2002. The Committee of Sister-Cities was founded 30 years ago to establish long-term relationships and promote exchange between cities with a similar characteristics and goals to carry out the widest possible diversity of activities including business, municipal and cultural exchanges and projects.

• Jazz Venue Popular in Vallarta
A very special jazz night is beginning to draw locals’s attention at the Blanco y Negro music club located behind Blockbusters. Mexican troubador Jaime Martínez and bassist Tito are regular performers, though most of Vallarta’s top musicians stop by after their gigs for a great jazz session every Saturday night at 12:30 am, just after midnight.

• Miss Jalisco from Vallarta
Last Wednesday Miss Bernadette González Mejía from Puerto Vallarta received her award for “Miss Guadalajara” at the Degollado Theater in Guadalajara. Bernadette will go on to the next competition, “Miss Mexico” and other beauty awards such as “Miss Queen of the World” in Germany and “Miss Pacific” in the Philippines and Miss World Tourism in Spain, though no doubt she is ultimately heading for “Miss World” and “Miss Universe”, and who knows she might must just make it.

• Fundraiser Announced in Vallarta
Origin and Destiny is a sculpture space with several art pieces by Pedro Tello, which will be placed on the Malecon opposite Allende street. In order to finance this new project, a party gathered at La Bodeguita del Medio to announce the original marketing promotion. For all those who may be interested in leaving their name and trace of their footprint right on the Malecón, bronce molds will be sold and placed around the sculpture project for $100.000 pesos. A Vallartan version of a Hollywood tradition, though footprints seem more appropiate for Vallarta for locals are known are knick-named “Salty Feet” in Mexico. For more information on this project you may call Karla Moreno marketing coordinator at 044 322 29 43034.

• Langarica Exhibition in Vallarta
With a humorous vision of Mexico, Alfredo Langarica’s work is now being exhibited at Galería Pacífico until December 24. Alfredo Langarica is a young artist from Guadalajara, whose chunky figures inspired in the Aztec and Olmec figurines express the traits of a fresh and young Mexico with malicious ingenuity. One cannot help but smile at his amusing depiction of irreverent angels singing, his everyday characters having a shower, surfing on roof terrace or just having a beer, or his big prostitutes as he likes to call them. They all reflect Mexico’s great sense of humor grounded in a deep knowledge that everyone is on the same road in life, seen through Langarica’s delightfully funny and human touch, which comes through in their expressive faces and the naturalness of postures and incidents and his provoking details.

• Toys for Tots Picnic in Vallarta
As announced by Kelly Trainor, U.S. Consular Agent, this year’s “Toys for Tots Picnic” fundraising event will be held at the American school campus on December 1st, featuring live music from the Hard Rock Café, raffles and many other exciting activities such as the Children’s Theater with Disney characters performing at 11am. The entrance is free, though donations of $20 pesos for the performance are welcome. The Mariott Hotel, U.S. Navy League, the U.S. Consular Agency and the American School are the organizers of this traditional family charity picnic, the proceeds of which will go to the Toys for Tots program and 12 other local charities.

• Guadalupana Festivities in Vallarta
As well as the 150th anniversary, Puerto Vallarta will also be celebrating one if its most emotive traditions, the Guadalupana festivities, with religious processions along Calle Juárez during the first two weeks of December. This year the organizers of these festivities have also planned for a revival of former times and have exhorted the community to participate with traditional costumes representing Vallarta’s old trades such as fishermen, dockers, washerwomen, peasants, tortilla and water vendors. The most awaited procession will take place on December 2nd on Juárez at 8 pm, when traditional families of Puerto Vallarta, descendants of the founding families, are expected to reenact the main characters that participated in the foundation of this town, once called Las Peñas de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

• Marmottan Exhibition in Vallarta
Until December 15 Catalan artist Josselyn Marmottan is at Galería Nova on Corona with a new collection of paintings, which she describes as “moments”. Subtle and delicate brushstokes of color evoke the sensual pleasure of perception, where her keen eye captures the delight of experiencing a flash of life conveying a unique instant of awareness, which produce a similar injection of life on the viewer. Her new paintings portray the happiness of self-discovery, where the nature of observation rather than the observed is revealed. This evolution may be traced in her neat portfolio, where as well as her extensive curriculum, one may also appreciate the different stages of her work through her numerous exhibitions. Her former defined forms, figures and intense colors, have given way to a suave veil of lilacs and silvery motifs, which reflect the delicate refinement of her vision and the joy of living.

• Premiere Exhibition in Vallarta
Flor María Bouhot will be presenting her premiere Mexican painting exhibition at the Judith Ewing-Morlan Gallery located on Miramar 237 on November 28 with a reception cocktail at 6 pm. Though Flor María Bouhot is from Columbia, she has recently emigrated to Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta will see her first exhibition in this country. With a profusion of powerful colors and imagery, this collection of paintings is presented as a journey from the classical to the whimsical and outrageous.

• Vallarta Stadium Receiving Facelift
The walls at Puerto Vallarta’s sports center, Agustín López Contreras, have been pulled down as part of the remodelling plan programmed by City Hall. The purpose of this project is to enhance urban space with a clear view of its extensive fields and to stimulate the practice of sports and competitions with an improvement of security in the premises, renovation of dressing rooms, walkways, lighting and 200 new parking spaces.

• Colunga Presents New Series in Vallarta
Gabriel Colunga will be presenting his new series of bronze sculptures titled “Creation” at Galería Dante located on Basilio Badillo 269 on November 24 at 6 pm with a reception cocktail. Gabriel Colunga is from Guadalajara and has exhibited his work in solo and collective exhibitions in Mexico City and Guadalajara, and individual exhibitions in Germany and London. Women are the featuring motivation of his work, where a love-hate is forever present in his irreconcilable portrayal.

• Puerto Vallarta, the Friendliest City in the World
According to the readers of the prestigious travel magazine Condé Naste, Puerto Vallarta is the friendliest city in the world, having obtained the top score in the Reader's Choice Award with a 92.5 score. In addition to the “friendliness factor”, Puerto Vallarta was rated number 8 in its listing of favorite destinations. The other top cities were Paris, Sydney, Rome, Florence, Bangkock, London, Venice, Hong Kong and Vancouver. It is striking to note the kind of cities Puerto Vallarta competed with in this interesting travel assessment and comforting to know Americans still appreciate the warm welcome and remarkable amiability of its local folk.

• Trio Opens Art Exhibition
Restaurants in Vallarta offer an artistic space for artists to exhibit their work. From the most modest eateries to world class restaurants, many contribute to the promotion of artistic talents. Trio Restaurant, located on Guerrero, exemplifies such a case, offering occasional exhibitions that become a social event in themselves. The new work of long-time Vallarta resident Cathy Von Rohr opened the season with a collection of jungle sceneries, where a mystical elation transcends her realistic impressions. Original sculptures, delicious aperitifs and the sounds of a great jazz group on the terrace set the scene for a premiere evening.

• New Sales Management for Punta Mita Properties
Group Dine, S.A. recently announced the incorporation of Coldwell Banker Previews International to the organization and management of the Punta Mita development. Coldwell Banker Punta Mita will be the exclusive realtor for the Punta Mita Properties and recently opened a new office owned by Brock G. Squire at the Four Seasons Hotel. Brock Squire commented that Coldwell Banker and Punta Mita´s greatness have come together with a great team of professionals in a common purpose to make a successful promotion of this outstanding development.

• Hacienda Cora Active in Vallarta's Gourmet Festival
Hacienda Cora, one of Mexico’s exclusive boutique hotels, is hosting some of the most awaited events of this year’s Gourmet Festival. From Nov 12 – 14, Gourmet-cooking lessons will be given by three recognized chefs at 9 am, followed by a wine tasting seminar and a gourmet luncheon prepared during the class. Visiting chefs Jerónimo Santiago Vázquez from El Candil, Pierre Lichtenauer from Kabul at the Mayan Palace and Gerard Dupont from Café des Artistes will be offering the public their respective expertise and innovative techniques in Mexican, Indian and French cuisine. Detailed announcements of all events are published in the Gourmet Festival Brochure, available in most hotels, shops and the tourist office.

• Another New Statue in Vallarta
The new statue at the north end of the Malecon across from Hotel Rosita was recently inaugurated with more than 300 participants attending the ceremony. The statue is the work of Mathis Lídice and symbolizes the passage of time in a spiral ascendancy representing man’s evolution on earth from the first living creatures emerging from the sea to a Christian era, where two emblematic historical figures: the knightly Charlemagne and the poet Aztec king Nezahualcóyotl represent the passage of the two milleniums. The blend of energy from Europe and the Americas is the cosmic driving force that propels women’s leading role in this third millennium represented by the figure of a woman holding a dove.

• Malecon to Become Pedestrian Area on Weekends
As announced by mayor Pedro Ruiz Higuera, the Malecon will be closed to traffic during the long weekend celebrating the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. The debated measure is expected to be enforced beginning at 9 pm till late at night. This is a preliminary measure to evaluate the feasibility of closing the Malecon on a permanent basis to recover this as a pedestrian area for visitors and residents.

• Annual Art Walks Start in Vallarta
The Art Walks represent an important activity of Vallarta’s creative community and have also become a social event in this town. They are held every other Wednesday over six months starting on October 31st this year. With 10 participating galleries displaying the work of local and visiting artists, they offer an ample choice and variety of styles and disciplines to delight any art connoisseur or to inspire a colorful walk around the old part of town meeting all sorts of interesting creative talents.

• Wine Boutique Opens in Vallarta
Enterprising chef and manager Thierry Blouet from Café des Artistes has recently opened the first wine boutique in Vallarta: Las Cavas des Artistes, located opposite the restaurant. This quaint store, which formerly sold wine to restaurants, is now open to the public with an ample selection of wines from all over the world, as well as champagnes and special delicacies such as an eau de vie made with pears or a Delamain cognac. Elegantly decorated with glossy wine cabinets, it also offers a number of complementary items such as Riedel glasses, known as wine’s best friend. So, with the help of manager Jean Marck Blouet, Thierry’s father, you may also learn to choose the correct shape of glass to enhance the bouquet and taste of your wine.

• Photographic Exhibitions in Vallarta
A masculine and a feminine perspective seem to come together in two recent photographic exhibitions, which will be quite a delight to see together as they offer contrasting visions of two different worlds. The first is located at the Omar Gallery on Leona Vicario , where Belgian photographer Wouter Deruytter presents a collection of large, provocative and sensual images of cowboys with an extraordinary resolution. The second is located at Nova Contemporarty Art Gallery on Corona, where delicate cemetery statues photographed by Erna Borman speak of an inner world of feelings.

• New Issue of Vallarta Lifestyles Now Available
The Fall/Winter 2001 issue of Vallarta Lifestyles is now available, featuring Vallarta's Gourmet Festival and its 150th anniversary, along with special profiles on real estate properties.For subscriptions from the U.S.A. or Canada, pay only $19.95 USD. Residents of other countries please add $10 USD to subscription rate. Receive four issues per year: allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the first issue.
To subscribe, send a check to Vallarta Lifestyles, 705 Martens CT. #78-299, Laredo, TX 78041-6010; or subscribe online. You can also find a selection of the articles from this issue online at http://virtualvallarta.com/vallarta/llifestyles/index.html.

• Vallarta to Hold Day of Dead Contest
City Hall is organizing a contest to celebrate the Day of the Dead. The contest is for the best altars to departed loved ones and satirical “rimes” called “calaveras”, which are typically addressed to political figures and celebrities. The altars will be exhibited from 6pm on Wednesday, October 31, to the 4th of November. The jury will visit each altar, and give the result of their verdict on November 4th at 7:45 pm at Los Arcos just before the presentation of a harp concert by the Celso Duarte group. The first three winners for the “calaveras” will likewise be announced to the public at that time. Several downtown art galleries have also joined in this celebration and will present their own creative altars addressed to their favorite muse, which will be on exhibition at the Judith Ewing Morgan Gallery during the first week of November.

• New Art Gallery in Vallarta
Galeria Nova, a new gallery on the Vallarta art scene, is the enterprise of Nora Adriá, longtime resident of Vallarta and an enthusiastic promoter of Catalan artist Manuel Adriá. A great connoisseur of art, the fruit of her active participation in her husband’s artistic milieu, she seems ideally suited to being a great art dealer. Though Manuel’s work will be on permanent exhibition, Nora also intends to promote other artists. So, along with that blend of suave Mediterranean accents with Mexican imaginative explosiveness, which characterize Manuel´s paintings, we will also have the opportunity to enjoy other innovative creations. Already on exhibition is the work of local artist Francisco San Miguel, Josselyne Marmottan and Cuansé from Mexico City.

• Air Canada Offers Special Fare to Vallarta
Beginning November 3, Air Canada is offering a direct Toronto-Puerto Vallarta flight for $399 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight from Toronto leaves at 9:25 am and arrives in Puerto Vallarta at 1:45 pm, the return is scheduled for 2:45 pm landing in Toronto at 8:35 pm. The rates are only valid if you purchase your ticket before November 15, 2001, and reservations must be made a minimum of three days before departure. This reduced rate will only be valid until December 15, 2001. For further information, you can call Air Canada free of charge at 01-800-719-2827.

• New Bookstore in Downtown Vallarta
A new air-conditioned bookstore has recently opened downtown. It is located at Corona 172 and is addressed mainly to a bilingual community offering a wide selection of works by Latin American writers translated into English, as well as guide books and a wide selection of magazines in both English and Spanish.

• Celebrities at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta
From October 24 to 28, a number of celebrities will be staying at Paradise Village, participating in a variety of sporting events and enjoying a few days by the ocean. From the second astronaut to step on the moon, Buzz Aldrin, to the current award-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden, as well as many other well-known actors such as Lorenzo Lamas and Priscilla Presley. All have joined Marjoe Gortner, producer of the event, to help raise funds for the Dream Foundation. On Oct. 27, guests will enjoy a gala evening with Peter Frampton in concert. Tickets for the dinner are $150 USD and are available from the concierge at the hotel.

• Vallarta Restaurant Takes Silver
Bocuse d’Or is the most coveted award in the world of cuisine, as it is an international competition that assembles the top chefs of each country every two years in Lyons, France. The national finals to select the chef who would represent Mexico were recently held in Mexico City. Café des Artistes was there representing Puerto Vallarta with Chef Leopoldo Cortés and his assistant Sergio López, and in the services category, Octavio Araiza. Both won silver medals and just missed winning the contest as it was a very debated decision for expert juries. This is the 7th year in a row that Café des Artistes participated in this event, creating a name for itself as a school of gourmet chefs.

• Halloween Night at De Santos
On the 31st of October, De Santos is celebrating a Halloween party with Mexican accents inspired by the Day of the Dead, during which the dead are believed to visit the Earth and the memory of those departed is honored with vigils and altars. There is a strong humorous touch to this festivity, as it is believed that by resurrecting the spirit of those loved ones with their favorite foods, music and possessions, their joy of living will remain in our presence forever. A costume is required o attend the De Santos party, as there will be a contest with prizes, which include a night for two at the Marriott Hotel.

• Air-conditioned Taxis in Vallarta
In an effort to improve the image of Puerto Vallarta, the city's Department of Economic Promotion, the Jalisco Fund for Business Promotion and Nissan Mexicana have reached an agreement to install air conditioning in all Vallarta taxi cabs. Financial support will amount to $10 million pesos. This is a very enterpresing and positive measure to modernize the services Puerto Vallarta provides and assures tourists a "cool" welcome to paradise.

• Conference on Manuel Lepe in Vallarta
Only recently a very interesting conference on the painter Toulouse Lautrec was hosted in La Petite France. On October 17th another cultural gathering will take place at the restaurant´s Mezzanine to discuss and admire the work of Vallarta’s most promiment artist, Manuel Lepe, as well as his contribution to the town’s artistic scenery. For further details, please call Mónica at La Petite France: (3) 293-0900.

• Disney in Vallarta
A children’s show is staged every Saturday in Vallarta recreating the stories of traditional fairy tales and Disney characters such as Alice in Wonderland and Aladin, as well as more recent productions such as Beauty and the Beast and Toy Story. Children are delighted with the presence of their favorite characters on stage. The choreography and music are prepared by enthusiastic animators.The magic begins at 9:30 pm every Saturday at the discotheque Factory at the Hotel Crown Paradise Resort.

• Film Festival in Vallarta
Cinema Bahía will be hosting an International Film Exhibition October 19 - 25. The inauguration ceremony will be held at 9 pm at the theater, and details of the exhibiting films and calendar are expected to be available around October 15th. Copies of scheduled events are also distributed at Rizo’s supermarket.

• Vallarta Author to Release New Book
Gil Gevins, a 20-year resident of Puerto Vallarta, has given us a remarkably funny and varied collection of stories titled 49 Brain Cells based on his experiences as an expatriate living in Mexico. Although their principal aim is to entertain, these stories also give the reader a comprehensive view, albeit through a slightly damaged lens, of what life is really like for an American living in the land of mescal and mariachis. On Nov 10, Gil will be presenting and signing his book at Lucy’s Cabaña from 7pm to 10pm.

• Vallarta Officially Hosting 2002 Tournament
On October 3, the GPA officially announced that the World Golf Championships-EMC World Cup 2002 would be held in Puerto Vallarta. This important event will be held December 10-15, 2002, at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club.
With six impressive golf courses (two of these under construction), Vallarta is rapidly becoming one of the best golf locations in the world.

• Vallarta Art Season Set to Open
The art season in Vallarta is set to officially open on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31, with the return of the ever-popular Old Town Art Walks. So, you can pretend you're trick or treating as you stroll around beautiful downtown Vallarta, stopping in for "treats" at the numerous participating galleries.

• Book About Vallarta Re-released
"The Vallarta I Remember" is the title of a book written by Catalina Montes de Oca de Contreras, which was published in the 80s and sold out completely at the time. This biographical account of the author's life in Vallarta is a treasured testimony of the history of this town dating back to 1918. In view of the interest shown by local students, Vallartans and tourists, the University of the Coast offered its economic support to print a new edition with 4.000 copies, which includes an English translation. With more than 345 pages and photographic material. this new edition promises to be another hit.

• Vallarta Lures Cinematographers
Vallarta has always been a favorite cinematographic location and holds the second position behind Veracruz for the number of films and TV series it has staged.
Two new films will be filmed in Vallarta during the month of October. With a staff of 70 people, a Mexican film called Tiempo Fuera, will be shot in different locations downtown and at the Westin Regina Hotel from October 14 to 27.The other film is a Platinum Pictures production called The Guatemala Incident, which will be shot entirely in Yelapa.

• Vallarta Adds New Sculpture to Collection
The whale statue at Marina Vallarta was finally completed and officially inaugurated by Mayor Pedro Rodríguez Higuera after years of effort and tremendous cost. Over $4.000.000 pesos where spent by residents in the Marina community, sponsoring businesses and the artist himself. During the mayor’s speech, it was mentioned that the whale would never have been built if anyone had known beforehand what the costs finally amounted to. However, there it stands today, colossal at the entrance of Marina Vallarta next to a striking Neptune. Its proud sculptor, Octavio González, smiled throughout the ceremony and announced that copies of the statue were being requested from different parts of the world.

• Vallarta Turning 150
Puerto Vallarta will celebrate its 150th anniversary on December 12, with festivities running from December 7 to 16th. City Hall has organized an incredible variety of splendid events from artistic performances to sporting competitions, which will delight locals and visitors just before Christmas. Details and dates of the events will be published by City Hall shortly, though one of the most important shows is already receiving a lot of publicity. The visual and sound spectacle called “Naomaquia,” which represents a battle of the gods of land and sea, will be staged with over 150 musicians placed at strategic points in the city, along with the original sounds of this town such as bells, ship sirens, horns and, of course, the ocean. Catalan composer Llorenç Barber will be conducting this grand symphony and is considered to be one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. The Navy will also be participating in this vanguard concert,which has only been performed in a few cities in the world.

• Vallarta to Honor Virgin of Guadalupe
December is the month devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of Puerto Vallarta and all of Mexico. Mexico’s religous fervor is always passionately demonstrated during these emotive festivities, which will be held from December 1-12, when colorful religious processions will run along Juárez to honor the Virgen Morena before entering the Church of Guadalupe. These religious ceremonies will culminate on December 12, which commemorates the day when Juan Diego, a poor farmer, first saw a dark-skinned virgin encircled in light in 1531. The lights of fireworks and a beautiful serenade will close the fiestas, which are uniquely Mexican and blend both Catholic and indigenous elements.

• Vallarta to Host Arts Festival
Coinciding with the Gourmet Festival, the 5th Arts Festival will be hosting a total of 26 events with which to complement your dinner out in Puerto Vallarta. Causing the most expectation in this town is the arrival of one of the most important soloist in the world, flautist Elena Durán, who, through the International Performance Association in London, approached the Cultural Department to make the city of Puerto Vallarta part of her world tour. Other important featured artists include Jorge Reyes, one of Mexicos most internationally known musicians, and Susana Harp, a great singer and music researcher, along with many other innovative and original artists.

• Vallartans Mourn American Victims
In commotion like the rest of the world for the victims of terrorism in America, a public ceremony was held this past Tuesday, Sept. 18, at Los Arcos Amphitheater in Puerto Vallarta. The solemn gathering brought 1000 mourners, who paid their respects in an emotional and touching ceremony with the songs of America: the National Anthem, God Bless America and America the Beautiful were heard and sung by a mixed crowd of Americans and Mexicans.

• Paradise Plaza Offers Free Entertainment
Every Sunday, Paradise Plaza in Nuevo Vallarta is the grand stage for a show to entertain tourists and locals with the participation of most stores. A fashion show and a cultural performance take place once a month, along with smaller events for children and youngsters. For this coming Sunday, the ballet Atemoztly will be presenting a variety of indigenous dances and costumes. The show starts at 4 pm, and all performances are completely free of charge.

• The Circus Comes to Vallarta
Like every year, the circus has come to town. Last year, a kangaroo that imitated Mike Tyson delighted everyone; this year, a different circus, Circus Union, has prepared a variety of performances. The grand attraction is Tarzan leading his troupe of elephants and a very original and tender clown called Titillo. Tightrope walkers, jugglers, equestrian riders and trapeze artistes are also part of this entertaining show. Circus Union will only be in Vallarta for a few days and will be located just behind the Coppel department store on Playa Camarones.

• Yoga Lessons at Marina Vallarta
Gloria Fuentes is a highly trained yoga practioner who has travelled all over Mexico making yoga's philosophy of life accessible to all. For those in need of a restoring discipline that may help you relax and reduce stress, Gloria offers her expertise in yoga at the Spa Puesta del Sol every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 am and from 6:30 to 7:30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Special Independence Menu at Cafe Maximilian
Caf'é Maximilian, a follower of tradition, is offering a special Mexican menu, which will be available all September along with their regular menu, to celebrate the anniversary of Mexican Independence. In a classical European ambiance, you may savor fine dining with Mexican-inspired creations such as their roasted duck with pipian sauce, mashed potatoes with cottage cheese and fine vegetables. If you are a seafood lover, you must try their red snapper with shrimp wrapped in hoja santa with a ragoût of fruit and tender corn in a sauce of chile cascabel.
For dessert, this restaurant offers the delicous specialties of Austrian cakes and pastries and three new surprises, which you may also enjoy at the Expresso Caf'é on their quaint terrace.

• Vallarta's Spotlight Players to Stage Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias by the Sportlight Players will be staged at the Santa Barbara restaurant November 8 to 24 on weekends and Thursdays. This time, everyone will have a chance to see this cast of six talented woman, who have prepared an entertaining show with real southern accents. To accompany their performance, a “southern-style” menu will be presented to recreate the mileu of Steel Magnolias. Spotlight is also preparing for this season a Sock Hop, a revival musical piece from the 50s and 60s.

• Mark Twain in Vallarta
Coinciding with the festivities in store for the 150th Anniversary of Puerto Vallarta, the America-Mexico Foundation has arranged for a major cultural event with the staging of “An Encounter with Mark Twain” performed by American historian and actor William Morse. The show has received very good reviews in the States and will be here in Vallarta on December 13th at the Auditorio Cultural Agustín Flores. The price of admission is $150 pesos and all proceeds will go to the Becas/Scholarship Program. This one-time performance is Mr. Morse’s gift to the children of Mexico.

• Vallarta Airport to be Reconditioned
Puerto Vallarta International Airport Administration, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, has announced an 11 million peso investment to recondition the airport site.
The improvements suggested include lighting, gardens and repaving access roads to the airport. There will also be a separate area for taxis as part of the construction plan. This means good news for travellers, as they will enjoy on arrival a better image of the town they are about to visit and enjoy.

• Independence Day Celebrations in Vallarta
Every year on the 15th of September, in a deeply-felt patriotic celebration, Mexico reenacts Father Miguel Hidalgo´s cry for the Independence of Mexico from Spain. It is called the Cry of Dolores in memory of the town Dolores, where the independence movement first started near San Miguel de Allende. In Vallarta, a fair will take place at the Main Square, where a violin concert by the Brothers Aguascalientes will open the celebration at 7pm. A display of fireworks will close the evening at 11:10, after the famous cry, during which the Mayor of Vallarta, Pedro Ruiz Higuera, will cheer out the names of the famous heroes of Mexico´s Independence. The following day, September 16, is the official Independence Day, which is a national holiday in Mexico. Civil and military parades, followed by charros, will march down the Malecon at approximately 10:00 am.

• New Bar Opens in Vallarta
Because some of Vallarta’s restaurants close for September, Bill Hales thought it would be a good time to launch his new bar and grill.The Grand Opening Party will be take place on September 15, though a previous gathering for friends was held on the 7th. Bill serves American-style meals and bar snacks, deep-fried onion rings, BBQ chicken wings, shrimp cocktails, potato skins and a range of salads and sandwiches. This spacious restaurant, located at Berlin and Hamburgo streets just behind Tarantino’s Pizza in Col. Versalles, also offers two pool tables, pinball machines and an upstairs lounge, all air-conditioned. The bar is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the grill 11 a.m. to midnight.

• Guest Chef Coming to La Palapa
Executive Chef Frank J. Setera will be the guest chef at La Palapa restaurant for the 7th November Gourmet Festival of Puerto Vallarta. With numerous culinary awards behind him, Chef Setera comes from the beautiful Naples Imperial Golf Club in Southwestern Florida and is well-known in this area for his high-quality and innovative cuisine. For Vallarta’s annual event, he intends to create a blend of Mexican flavors with Pacific Rim and Caribbean accents, using fresh exotic spices and ingredients to reflect the natural beauty of these exotic places.

• Camino Real in Vallarta Wins Award
Located south of Bahia Banderas in a beautiful enclosed clove, Vallarta’s Camino Real has become one of the most-visited hotels in this town for its traditional flavor and distinction. Most of its rooms face the ocean, and visitors particularly enjoy the privacy of its secluded beach surrounded by mountains of jungle. Their constant participation in the cultural activities of this town has also afforded the hotel a certain prestige, for it is here that major concerts are held, as well as celebrated activities such as the release of the baby turtles. In reward for the high quality of its service, Camino Real has received the Krystal 2001 award from Applegate vacations, which general manager Eduardo Segura will proudly collect in Chicago on September 11.

• Tennis Tournament Comes to Vallarta
The ATP Futures Tournament will take place September 3 to 8, with qualifying starting on September 1. About 32 single players and 16 teams of doubles with a ranking around the top 200 in the world will be competing for a $10,000 USD winning prize. The Continental Plaza will be the site for this tournament, which is considered just lower than a Challenger.

• Photo Exhibition at Vallarta's City Hall
City Hall is presenting a photographic exhibition September 24 to October 4 on the City Hall patio. The subject matter will be Puerto Vallarta, and all exhibiting artists are photographers who live in this town. Participants are requested to submit four photographs with a similar format, details of which are available at City Hall’s Cultural Department. It will be extremely interesting for both locals and visitors to see Vallarta through the creative inspiration of its own townsfolk.

• Weddings Popular in Vallarta
If Mexico is among the 10 most-visited countries in the world, Puerto Vallarta is becoming one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for weddings. Local estimates indicate that more than 4.000 weddings are held each year, which, along with the accompanying wedding party, means about 10.000 people a year come here for a wedding. The figures come as no surprise to many, given the idyllic scenery Puerto Vallarta offers such a romantic event.
Most couples choose a simple ceremony on the beach or a traditional service at Our Lady of Guadalupe; however, the choice of settings includes boats to balloons with Vallarta rapidly learning to cater to any fancy. However, in addition to honeymoon suites and beautiful settings, there is a unique feature here in Puerto Vallarta: the music of an authentic mariachi from Jalisco, where this type of music was born.

• Vallarta Fishing Tournament in November
Jalico’s 46th International Sailfishing Tournament is scheduled for November 17 to 19. The dates include the Mexican long weekend of November 20th, allowing more visitors to participate. There are many surprises in store for this year’s event, with car and cash prizes for each category: sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna. The entry fee is $ 7,500 pesos, which must be received by October 31st, though the President of Vallarta’s Fishing Club has announced credit terms will be considered to encourage local participation, as well as counseling and advice for new participants. The opening get-together will take place at the Velas Vallarta Hotel on November 16 at 6 pm.

• November Arts Festival in Vallarta
From November 2 to 18 Vallarta glows with cultural events. This year, City Hall has organized a number of entertaining activities, which include concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, recitals and a festive opening night. Events take place in different locations around town, details of which are published in City Hall’s free brochure available at most hotel racks, downtown shops and tourist booths.

• Fox Participates in Tourism Planning
Last week, Mexican president Vicente Fox came to Nuevo Vallarta to hold a meeting with nine governors from the states of Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Querétaro, San Luis de Potosí and Zacatecas. Plans, proposals and conclusions were put forward about how to promote and develop all these tourist destinations. Concerning the area of Banderas Bay, the government intends to start a marketing campaign to promote Vallarta as a single destination, where the states of Jalisco and Nayarit will be particularly active working together for this area.

• Elizabeth Taylor Cultural Center Proposed
Robert Roessel, owner of Santa Barbara Restaurant on Olas Altas, has embarked on a new enterprise to give Puerto Vallarta a cultural center where artists can exchange ideas and exhibit their work. This much-needed cultural center for artists, who currently depend exclusively on galleries for the exhibition of their work, has already received approval from the head of the Cultural Department at City Hall and financial support is being sought from different sectors. The center will be called the Elizabeth Taylor Cultural Center to honor Hollywood’s memorable actress, who forms part of the history of this town ever since she came to Vallarta to film The Night of the Iguana. Robert Roessel was also in the movie business, working with director Goerge Roy Hill for years, organizing film lectures at Warner Brothers and founding the Berkshire Film Society.

• Vallarta Soon to be Hog Heaven
Some 2.500 motorcycle fans will be coming to Vallarta in October 19 to 21 to celebrate the Harley Davidson convention and the V National H.O.G. Rally. The rally will leave Mexico City on October 18 and drive on to Guadalajara, where more riders will join the group, reaching Vallarta the following day; so locals will be able to see all kinds of models of the classic Harley Davidson running down the streets of Vallarta, as well as their fancy riders. The Sheraton will be arranging their welcome cocktail on the beach with live music, followed by a bar hop to local establishments. During their stay, the bikers will also be touring the area, visiting El Tuito, Las Palmas and Punta Mita.

• Sister Cities Set Up Cultural Exchange
María José Zorilla, head of Vallarta's cultural department, led the delegation visiting Santa Barbara, California, to arrange a cultural exchange between these sister cities that share similar settings by the Pacific ocean and economies geared on tourisism.
Meetings and discussions were held with a variety of officials, the results of which, according María José Zorilla, have been very positive and will bring fruitful results both for local artists and the tourist industry. Museum of Art director Robert Frankel is already setting up a cultural exchange between the two cities, including a Puerto Vallarta week to be held in Santa Barbara's Oak Park.

• Service Competition Winners Enter Quarter Finals
An important service competition organized by “Casa Beard” and “Club de Vatel” recently was held at Hacienda Cora, one of the prestigious members of Mexico Boutique Hotels. Café des Artistes’ Octavio Araiza and Emiliano Andrade of the Camino Real of Guadalajara were the winners and will go on to the national competition to be held October 5 at Expo Abastur Restaurant Hotel 2001 in Mexico City. More than 320 national and international companies will be represented at the expo and the winner will continue on to the Bocuse D'Or in Lyon, France.

• Three-in-one Concept a Winner
Lungomare, which means “little boardwalk” in Italian, offers an exciting new three-fold concept conceived by owner Ely Sepulveda, who wanted to create a “light” atmosphere to enjoy a sparkling, fun night. It is an Italian café, bar and ice-cream parlor all in one. With luminous light shades and modern décor, this petite establishment offers a friendly and chic space where you are bound to see and be seen by everyone. Comprising two separate floors, the little Lungomare opens up to the Malecon, where amusement is guaranteed by the constant flow of nightlife on the boardwalk .The menu is limited, but practical, with a variety of cold snacks. Sepulveda also plans to have periodic exhibitions of local painters. To celebrate its opening night on August 3, new paintings by local artist Manuel Adriá were presented.

• New Issue of Vallarta Lifestyles Now Available
The Summer/Fall 2001 issue of Vallarta Lifestyles is now available, featuring a special section on the local real estate market and a directory for home design and decoration.For subscriptions from the U.S.A. or Canada, pay only $19.95 USD. Residents of other countries please add $10 USD to subscription rate. Receive four issues per year: allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of the first issue.
To subscribe, send a check to Vallarta Lifestyles, 705 Martens CT. #78-299, Laredo, TX 78041-6010; or subscribe online. You can also find a selection of the articles from this issue online at http://virtualvallarta.com/vallarta/llifestyles/index.html.

• Annual Gourmet Festival in the Works
November is the month of Puerto Vallarta’s Gourmet Festival, which is probably the most anticipated event of the year. The finest hotels and restaurants invite prestigious chefs from around the world to present their artistic gourmet creations. During the Festival week, special gourmet full dinner menus are presented by the guest chef as well as wine- and food-tasting events. Furthermore, there are other surprises in store for this year’s festival, which will open with a reception cocktail on November 8 and close with a gala banquet on November 17. Locations and a calender of all events are expected to be published shortly, so you may make reseravations and plan ahead for this special occasion in Vallarta.

• Shop Till You Drop
Downtown Vallarta is becoming a select shopping niche of boutiques and art galleries, where you can find all kinds of handicrafts, objets d’art, as well as fashion boutiques. Recently, a new boutique called Mar de Sueños opened to the public. Located on Leona Vicario, it offers the finest Italian lingerie from La Perla and other prestigious trademarks. On Pipila, a new store promises to be the trendiest shoe store in Vallarta, and quite a treat for those women who just love buying shoes. Lucca carries shoes from León, famous in México for the quality of its manufacturing.

• Solar Eclipse Best Viewed in Vallarta
In addition to a warm climate, beautiful beaches and golf courses, as well as magnificent scenery, Puerto Vallarta is also blessed with curious natural phenomena such as the whales and giant turtles that visit these shores each year to breed.
For the year 2002, a new experience is in store for those visiting this exciting town on Banderas Bay. On June 10, Vallarta will be the privileged site for the first solar eclipse of the year. The areas for viewing the eclipse will extend from Indonesia across the Pacific to just 30 km south of Puerto Vallarta, where the eclipse will become complete, ending with a spectacular ring of fire in the final seconds of its earthbound journey. To witness this surprise of nature is undoubtedly a lifetime experience, particularly in bewitching Mexico, where its indigenous cultures strongly believed that this moment was magical because the “Sun ate the Moon” and anything could happen after such an extraordinary occurrence.

• New Chef for River Cafe
The innovative River Café, located in a particularly beautiful spot by the River Cuale, is news today as it has recently secured a new chef, Freddy Gustavo Ochoa, from Argentina. Freddy, as he likes to be called, intends to put his culinary expertise and zeal into this challenging experience. Though he intends to travel round the world, he promises to leave his hallmark here in Vallarta. His enthusiasm and love of his trade is overwhelming, “he cooks with passion” and wants to make any gastronomic experience a moment to remember. At present, he is working with his staff preparing his new menu, which will be a creative fusion of Mediterranean, Mexican and Asian cuisine.

• Investment Boom in Vallarta
In the following months, Puerto Vallarta will receive investments of 100 million dollars, which will boost Puerto Vallarta’s economy and provide employment opportunities. Several commercial projects are in progress such as a new Commercial Mexicana location and WalMart store, as well as the extension of the Plaza Caracol and Gigante commercial areas. Furthermore, real estate development is underway in the Amapas area and Bay View Grand has initiated a new construction phase.

• Exhibtions and New Gallery
Art lovers in Vallarta can enjoy a very interesting exhibition at Galería Timari on Leona Vicario. Javier Arévalo is a highly acclaimed artist from Guadalajara whose work makes up part of the most important national and international museum collections. He has received twenty-five awards and on three occasions was awarded the Adquisition Prize from the Mexican Plastic Arts Yearly Hall. At Galería Rosas Blancas on Juárez, local artist Manuel Adriá showcases some of his paintings from his two latest exhibitions. Full of imaginative and surprising talent, Manuel is originally from Barcelona, Spain, and worked with Dalí before he came to live in Mexico.
Mireya and Rodolfo Niño have opened their new gallery, “Galería de Mireya y Rodolfo”located on Libertad. During their opening celebration party held last week, the gallery exhibited original art work by Rodolfo Niño, who uses glass for his naïf inspired paintings. Rodolfo has described his technique as “glass-fusion”, for he transforms the painted work into different glass shapes where colors fuse together.

• Pacific Rim Summit in Vallarta
Although initial predictions forecast Cancun or Cabo San Lucas as the site for the 2002 Pacific Rim Summit, according to officials at the federal Secretary of the Economy department in Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta is likely to be the final choice. Governor of Jalisco, Ramírez Acuña, has played a very important role in lobbying for Vallarta as the best candidate for this important political meeting, which will bring together 24 Heads of State. This event has been locally compared to the historical meeting between President Nixon and Mexico’s President Diaz Ordaz, which was held in 1980 and brought about a series of general infrastructural developments such as the opening of Vallarta’s airport, the Compostela-Vallarta highway and the Marina Terminal.
Several projects are being planned in Vallarta, among them the construction of a Convention Center, the Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta highway and remodeling the downtown image. No doubt, the celebration of the Pacific Rim Nations’ Conference will speed decision-making and civil works and open Vallarta to the world not only as a tourist destination but also as a modern city with the capacity to host such an important political event.

• Proposal to Spruce Up Downtown
Inspired by his love for his hometown Vallarta, architect Salvador Cachi Pérez recently submitted a project to improve the visual image and urban infrastructure of the town center to the municipal authorities. Despite some criticism, the project has begun to receive acceptance from different sectors.
The most debated proposal is the extension and widening of the Malecon, which would reach from the Sheraton hotel in the north to Conchas Chinas in the south, including an esplanade from the seahorse sculpture to the naval clinic. This would also entail reconditioning the beaches along the boardwalk with staircases and areas for scheduled activities, such as the seasonal baby turtle release, to exhibit the wildlife of the bay to our visitors.
Other important improvements include two underground parking areas on Cárdenas Square and Parque Hidalgo Square, refurbishing the Main Square and the hotel Rosita area, building a double crosswalk from the Cuale Island to the beach, as well as an open-air theater for public entertainment and a recreation area for children with parks and paddling pools.

• Antiques at the Café des Artistes Gallery
As well as offering painting exhibits, the Café des Artistes Gallery is now offering antiques, a new concept in Puerto Vallarta and a complementary field to the already successful interior décor market. Omar Alonso, manager of this gallery, is a lifetime antique lover who has decided to invest his effort in this new enterprise by acquiring 223 objets d’art from around the world. The exhibit showcases a beautiful arrangement of antiques where you may find anything from French stained glass pieces from the 17th-century to a classic Madonna.

• Another Luxury Hotel for Punta Mita
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts announced they will be making a $290 million USD investment in Mexico with two new properties. The locations chosen are Punta Mita to the north of Vallarta and the Yucatan. Rosewood is a very prestigious chain of ultra-luxury hotels with nine low- density hotels and six resorts. The project will be completed by 2004 and both properties will feature a world-class spa, international cuisine restaurants and 61 suites. Punta Mita is becoming increasingly popular as a first-class destination ever since the Mexican Dine Group invested in the area with the construction of the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel and the challenging and beautiful Punta Mita Golf Course designed by Jack Nichlaus.

• New Tourist Info Booths
The Municipal Tourist Office, in coordination with Profeco Puerto Vallarta (Consumer’s Advocate Office) and the state tourist office, Setujal, are installing new information booths in the Romantic Zone on Plaza Lazaro Cárdenas similar to the one placed in front of the Hotel Rosita on the Malecon. At the booths, tourists will be provided with brochures on activities and general information on their visit to town. The booths will be open from 9:00 a. m. to 6:00 p.m. Tourists may also find useful information at the Tourist Office located on the southeast corner of the City Hall, open from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.

• Aero California Now Serves Vallarta
The Mexican airline Aero California began their flight service to Puerto Vallarta International Airport on July 6. This new service will connect Vallarta to Mexico City every Friday and Sunday aboard their DC-9- airplanes. The airline's executives, who recently visited Vallarta for the promotion of this new flight, announced a further extension of the route to Los Angeles, which is scheduled to begin August 16.

• Cuban Music Popular in Vallarta
Cuban music and dances are becoming increasingly popular in Vallarta. There are several places that offer the best entertainment inspired by the traditions and ambiance of this island. Among them is La Bodeguita del Medio, a replica of the original bar from La Habana, which offers live music every night, w