ArTiSaniK Pazifico, Playa Blanca 21, is a new shop featuring artisan jewelry, pottery, textiles and clothing from around Latin America.
The owners are a young couple and parents of two from Monterrey, Mexico. They came to La Manzanilla a few years ago to escape the harried city life and concentrate on their artwork. They first sold jewelry at the tianguis and this season they moved into a permanent space that allowed for the expanded inventory. The space is also used for yoga, art programs for children and reading groups. The shop is a perfect fit on the block that also houses Spacifico Spa, Manos Ayudando bookstore, Artis Lounge and Gallery, Ada’s Boutique and Café Risa on the corner. There is a great vibe along that side of the street with its beautiful gardens, ocean breezes and eclectic shops and restaurants.
Oh La La! La Manzanilla has a French restaurant fittingly named, Bon Appétit. Fronting the main town square at Tenacatita 55 A this stylish newcomer features smoked duck, foie gras, charcuterie and my favorite, frog legs. They have a no dog policy, but you can bring your own wine so that makes up for the very non-French tradition of excluding pooches. Chef Thierry hails from the Brittany region of France and the owner is a young go-getter from Guadalajara. The doors opened in December and they plan to remain open year-round, bucking the trend set by most expat focused restaurants that shutter the doors as summer sets in upon the coast.
Happenings
The fundraisers are done and now the real work begins. The 11th annual Cisco’s Amigos free spay and neuter clinic starts this weekend and will go through Monday. The clinic has been a huge success over the years thanks to the tireless work of animal advocate and clinic founder Julie Wagner. Along with what can only be described as a small army of volunteers, Wagner hosts fundraisers, organizes the veterinary staff’s travel and lodging, transports animals from neighboring towns and runs a three- to five-day clinic with military precision. To date more than 4,000 animals have been spayed or neutered, Wagner estimates an addition 250-300 animals will the added to that count at the end of this year’s clinic.
Galeria La Manzanilla hosts its third and final art opening of the season Friday, February 21, from 4-7 p.m. For the first time, the gallery will host three artists, Monica Saucedo, Patrizia Montiel and Eduardo Ovando. Gallery owner, Aby Ramos, is mixing things up nicely this season with many new artists and mediums. This opening will feature mixed media, digital graphic art and contemporary works by these three national artists.
Kenny’s Evolution Spa and Salon hosts a stylist competition Friday, February 21, from 6-11 p.m. Stylists from around Jalisco will participate in a timed competition to create the looks of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Each stylist will have four models and one assistant. It should prove to be a fast and furious flurry of make-up, curlers, hot irons and false eyelashes. The event takes place at the Casino and the evening will end with dancing and merriment. Tickets are 150 pesos and include the show, light appetizers and dancing. Contact Kenny’s Evolution Spa and Salon for tickets This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The 10th annual, “A Night under the Stars” auction and party to support La Catalina Educational Foundation is Saturday, February 22, from 6-10 p.m. This unforgettable night includes a Mexican dinner buffet, a live show with professional dancers, musical performances and a silent auction with an array of items including art, jewelry, services, bikes, electronics and more! Cost is 100 pesos and children under 12 are free with an adult. Can’t make the event? No worries, all the auction items are available online through February 15 at http://lacatalinafoundation.com/online-auction/ and Items can be picked up in La Manzanilla or shipped to the United States or Canada.
Around the Coast
Barra de Navidad was a little more hot and spicy on January 26 when the Costalegre Rotary Club hosted their 7th annual Chili Cookoff. Over thirty groups vied for the title of best chili and salsa and included both professional and amateur chefs. Winners were decided by popular vote and for the second year in a row the prize went to Barra de Navidad restaurant Bésame Mucho. This year the restaurant served up a traditional beef and bean chili accompanied by a tomatillo and avocado salsa. Funds from this and other Rotary events support projects including the following; improve the Pinal Villa Alberque housing for migrant workers near Melaque, a nearly completed computer room for Conception Gonzales Kindergarten in Barra, new bathrooms and shade area for an Elementary School in Jaluco, as well as plumbing and playground improvements for Villa Obregon Kindergarten.