The “We Are Puerto Vallarta” Awards: A Night of Community Excellence

Pictures provided by We are Puerto Vallarta Awards 

On the evening of April 2nd, Coco Cabaret set the stage for one of Puerto Vallarta’s most highly anticipated events—the We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards. By 6:30 PM, an illustrious crowd had already gathered outside, eagerly awaiting the celebration of the best in local gastronomy, hospitality, and entertainment. At precisely 7:00 PM, the event commenced, bringing together restaurateurs, community leaders, and beloved figures in Vallarta’s thriving cultural scene.

An Impeccably Organized Affair

At the helm of this flawlessly executed event was Jamie Alexander, a perfectionist renowned for his unwavering commitment to quality. His meticulous planning ensured that every detail was seamlessly orchestrated, from a polished bilingual presentation to the rigorous integrity of the voting process. Co-hosting the event was Jessy Ruiz, a lovely anchor of CPS News in English and producer of Asphalt Radio, Vallarta’s only all-English radio show. Jessy is also a news anchor for the Spanish morning newscast CPS Noticias.

Emphasizing the core principle of the awards—giving the people of Puerto Vallarta a true voice—Alexander ensured that voting remained fair and transparent. To maintain integrity, votes were limited to one per IP address or device, eliminating any risk of favoritism. The overwhelming community participation underscored the event’s significance, with an astounding 106,280 votes cast this year.

A Spectacular Opening

The evening commenced with a show-stopping performance by The Divas, who electrified the audience with a powerhouse rendition of “Higher”. With the energy in the room elevated, the much-anticipated award ceremony began, recognizing the outstanding establishments and individuals that shape Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant dining and cultural scene.

Celebrating the Best of Vallarta

The awards honored the very best in various categories, highlighting exceptional contributions across the community. Below are the winners:

Gastronomy & Hospitality

– Favorite Taco Stand: Pancho’s Takos  

– Favorite Specialty Cuisine: Bonito Kitchen & Bar  

– Favorite Casual Dining: Pal’Mar Seafood & Grill Garage  

– Favorite Fine Dining:Bravos Restaurant PV  

– Favorite Breakfast:Fredy’s Tucan  

– Favorite Restaurant with a View:La Cappella  

– Favorite Beach Restaurant:Daiquiri Dick’s On The Beach  

– Favorite Hamburger:Derby City Burgers  

– Favorite Steakhouse:Serrano’s Meat House  

– Favorite Brunch:Mi Café  

– Favorite Restaurant in Versalles:Natureza Restaurante  

– Favorite Restaurant in the Marina:El Coleguita Mariscos Marina  

– Favorite Chef:Charlie Nuynh (Let’s Pho)  

– Favorite Local Coffee Shop (Non-Chain): Dee’s Coffee Company  

Entertainment & Nightlife

– Favorite Performance Venue:The Palm Cabaret and Bar  

– Favorite Drag Performer (Touring):Miss Conception  

– Favorite Drag Performer (Local):Karma the Bitch  

– Favorite Live Entertainer (Solo Show) – Female Artist:Effie Passero  

– Favorite Live Entertainer (Solo Show) – Male Artist:Diego Guerrero  

– Favorite Live Entertainer (Group Show):Amy Armstrong  

– Favorite Piano Solo Show: Mark Hartman  

Following Hartman’s award, the audience was treated to a special performance by the powerhouse voice of drag, Ada Vox. 

Bars & Clubs

– Favorite Gay Bar:Mr. Flamingo  

– Favorite Ultra Club:Industry Night Club PV  

– Favorite Place to Get a Drink:Blondies  

– Favorite Margarita:Margarita Grill  

– Favorite Happy Hour:Twisted Palms Rooftop Lounge  

– Favorite Martini:The Corner Bar  

– Favorite Bartender:Rubicel [Ivan] Aquino (Reinas)  

– Favorite Beach Day Club:Sapphire Ocean Club & Suites  

– Favorite Beach Club (Gay-Oriented):Ritmos Beach Café  

Arts, Retail & Wellness

– Favorite Jewelry Shop:Cassandra Shaw Jewelry  

– Favorite Art Gallery:Galleria Dante  

– Favorite Spa:Metamorfosis Day Spa  

– Favorite MedSpa:ThrIVe IV & MedSpa  

– Favorite Bakery:Pavlova Pastelería y Café  

– Favorite Barber/Hairstylist:Erik Velázquez (La Barbería PV)  

– Favorite Local Mercado:Old Town Market  

Honoring Community Champions

Before announcing the final awards, “The Divas” returned to the stage for another stellar musical performance. 

Jamie Alexander took a moment to reflect on the true spirit of the Vallarta community, highlighting the generosity of those who dedicate their time and resources to making a difference in the lives of others.

– Outstanding Business Owner for Contributions to the Community: 

  – Winner: Francie Nguyen (Bonito Kitchen & Bar, Casita Garden & B Lounge)  

– Outstanding Individual for Contributions to the Community:

  – Winner: Pam Thompson Webb (Healthcare Resources Puerto Vallarta)  

Though Pam was unable to attend, Jamie shared that she was actively responding to a medical emergency—embodying her unwavering dedication to the community.  

– Outstanding Volunteer for Contributions to the Community: 

  – Winners:Lisa Manoogian & Billy Pilawski (Volunteer: RISE PV Children’s Shelter)  

Lisa and Billy graciously accepted their award, offering heartfelt words of appreciation.

A Grand Finale & Afterparty

Following the final awards, Jamie Alexander extended his heartfelt thanks to all attendees, the We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards committee, and everyone who played a role in making the night a resounding success and of course all sponsors: Starting with PVRPV as the main sponsor, ThrIVe Med Spa, Coco Cabaret, Print PV, Asphalt Radio 98.3FM, and CPS News in English, Let’s Pho, Tamales Tours and PV Everything. The celebration continued at -El Granero-,another sponsor,  where winners and guests enjoyed a lively afterparty complete with complimentary drinks, delicious bites, and a live stream of the event on large screens.

With an evening marked by elegance, recognition, and community spirit, the ”We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards” once again solidified itself as one of the city’s premier events, honoring the heart and soul of Vallarta’s dynamic cultural and culinary scene.