What’s Old is New Again – Daiquiri Dick’s Puerto Vallarta

Even though gay people have existed since the dawn of time, we share a complicated relationship with history. Most of us were raised in straight households, so our legacy begins and ends with the individual. It feels like we are writing our heritage as we live it. Every night out, every gay bar, and every romantic rendezvous is momentous because it must encapsulate the entirety of our existence.

But queer culture is not an island; it’s more of a beach – Playa de los Muertos, to be specific.

Contrary to its name, this “beach of the dead” gives us life! The gregariously gay shoreline of Puerto Vallarta has been a magnet for LGBTQ+ travelers for decades. When Elizabeth Taylor was filming Night of the Iguana in the early 1960s, she was able to carve out some privacy to nurture her blossoming love for Richard Burton. Much like Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta became a getaway for salaciousness, a playground for taboo desire and truthful expression.

Enter the gays!

Queer cavorters flocked to PV in the 70s and 80s, but the city was still experiencing growing pains. Authorities would routinely raid gay bars and demand hush money until activists like Paco Ruiz stood their ground and planted their flag. Zona Romantica became a seductive safe space that continues to sprawl from the Pacific Ocean into the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

And smack dab in the middle of the mirth, you’ll find Daiquiri Dick’s.

The restaurant was started 50 years ago by a guy named Richard who loved daiquiris. Hence Daiquiri Dick’s!

These are the words of Chef Wayne Elias, one of the esteemed establishment’s owners. It is situated on the bones of Club Kalimay, an eternally inviting enclave perched at the intersection of seafaring and city life.

After the pandemic shut our restaurant down in LA, we decided to regroup and take an adventure in Mexico. We found this amazing restaurant with its iconic location and wonderful business legend for decades. We have reimagined the space and brought our culinary talents down to the Zona Romantica for everyone from locals to tourists to enjoy.

Daiquiri Dick’s fits right in (pun firmly intended) with the intoxicating landscape that surrounds it.

The warm weather, friendly locals, great food, and drinks to say the least is why PV is a popular destination.

From its early club days to its evolution as a dining and drinking destination, Daiquiri Dick’s has always embraced the fierce frivolity of Puerto Vallarta excess and leisure.

I started to come to PV from LA for long weekends and immediately fell in love with the culture, attractive guys, beautiful beaches and the friendly all-inclusive atmosphere that is safe for all of our community.

Chef Elias brings a bouillabaisse of expertise and aesthetic prowess all the way from the City of Angels to the heavenly haven of Puerto Vallarta.

I have been working as a Chef for 40 years in LA. I worked in many different operations such as restaurants, hotels, and commissaries. The LA food scene has grown with amazing chefs, restaurants, and foodies all over town. We have such a diverse culture of ethnic backgrounds and all kinds of cuisine that is represented throughout the city. I have learned throughout the years all the different flavor profiles of different regions in the world and have experimented and educated myself in recipes and trial and error. Lol. So, I am bringing to DD what I do best and what I feel will be a great addition to the local food and restaurant scene.

Ever the gourmet, Elias peppers his ambition with a healthy dash of humility. He revels in the chance to share credit for the simmering success that is Daiquiri Dick’s.

Myself, Chris Diamond and Javier Jimenez have created a beautiful, warm beach chic environment with Cali/Latin cuisine. Our partner and Chef de Cuisine Martin Gonzales is at the helm in the kitchen.

So, what’s cooking, exactly? Buckle up your taste buds because the offerings are a who’s who of hoo-boy!

On our menu the popular go-tos are Grilled Octopus Zarandeado, Captain Crunch Onion Rings, Spicy Tuna Tacos, Birria Short Rib Tacos, Blackened Salmon with Saffron Risotto and Pineapple Salsa, Vegan Coconut Corn Chowder, Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, Cucumbers & Chive Oil to name a few… Oh and my signature Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with Chocolate Sauce.

O– and we don’t say this lightly– MG! It’ll take a lusty libation to wash down all that decadence. Luckily, Chef Wayne is prepared.

For the drinks we have four signature daiquiris – Coconut, Mango Basil, Lime, and Strawberry.

Translation: there’s a party in your mouth! Speaking of soirees, Elias is an expert. His partner, Chris Diamond, is the executive director of White Party, the scintillating festival that lights up SoCal annually. As the tastemaker he is, Chef Wayne is kind enough to whet our collective appetites with a preview.

Chris is going to build on what Jeffrey Sanker created. He will bring a new sexy, fun, upbeat environment to his Global White Party brand. It will bring all of the LGBTQ+ community together to celebrate our unity and to continue to be strong and show our forces. We will have fun, dance, cry and support various causes as the White Party continues in this new regrowth.

With this heartfelt declaration, Chef Elias has ushered us to the main course of the conversation. His dedication to philanthropy is tireless and triumphant, bubbling up to the highest echelons of pop royalty. In fact, Wayne casually refers to Sir Elton John by the initials “SEJ” – but there is nothing casual about the remarkable achievements the celebrity chef has served up over the past several decades.

I have had the honor to cater for SEJ and his Oscar Gala, EJAF [Elton John AIDS Foundation]. I am proud to give my talents to help them raise needed funds to help so many people around the world. I lost my partner to AIDS 35 years ago and my two best friends. From that time, I have been involved any way I can to help raise money and awareness.  https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/

When you are seated at the table with Chef Elias, either literally or figuratively, you are truly welcomed. No dinner conversation is off-limits; no truth is silenced.

Love each other for who we are no matter if we are not on the same page all the time.

As a final compliment to the chef, we’ll give Wayne the last word. Spoiler: it’s a message of inclusion, immersion, and impeccable taste.

When you come to PV, please stop by and check us out. The atmosphere, views on the beach and sunsets are amazing. The food and cocktails are creative and delish. We have created a really nice comfortable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and mix together.

https://www.daiquiridicks.com/