The Romantic Wok is a Restaurant Serving Thai/ Chinese Street Food From a Food Cart in Front of their Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Romantic Wok is Located in a Traditional Mexican Neighborhood in Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta
It’s Rainy Season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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Hello fellow travelers, welcome to this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler, and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, in fact my new home, and maybe even yours too and that’s Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are The Le Bistro Jazz Café, riverside on The Isla Cuale, and The La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los
Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated
with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. Or riverside at Le Bistro, it’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
This week we are visiting one of my new favorite restaurants in paradise, The Romantic Wok. They serve Thai and Chinese Street food fresh, right out of their dueling woks stationed in front of their sweet cozy romantic restaurant, on Jacarandes in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. You will meet James Sabatini and his business partner Eddie Aguilar. They’ll fill you in on why it’s become one of my favorites.
Information For The Romantic Wok in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Address: Calle Jacarandas 322 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Phone: 52+ 322 262 7418
- WhatsApp Call or Message: 52+322-262-7418
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555193754125
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticwok/?hl=en
We have Vallarta news and more so let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 6th of July, 2025.
Vallarta Weather Report
The rainy season has arrived just in time in Puerto Vallarta. June 15th usually marks the beginning of the rainy season in Vallarta and the first gully washer came on the 14th and the 15th of June, it rained most of the day. So far this month according to my friend Angela, who lives up above the Awaysis Bar in Emiliano Zapata near the Rio Cuale, Angela says so far this month she has recorded about 18 inches of rain this month. She has a fancy weather station.
I actually just received an inexpensive rain gauge from Amazon MX, so I can do this measuring stuff myself. It’s rained almost
every afternoon or evening since the 14th of June, but I don’t want to dissuade all of you coming down on vacation. I want to be really clear to those of you who are coming down to enjoy fun in the sun, that you will get just that. The days are sunny and warm. And it’s pretty hot, and humid right now, but the rain usually comes in the late afternoon or early evenings. Lately it’s been coming around happy hour time, like between 4 and 6 or 7 every day. It lasts just a short time and cools down the temperatures a bit. Often times that rain gets really heavy complete with thunder and lightning and as a result, ankle high water in flooded streets. That’s one of the reasons the curbs are so high in some places in this town it’s to keep that rain from flooding lobbies of condos, or homes or businesses. But the rain is warm, and so is the weather. It’s usually short lived. The rain eventually slows and stops. The streets eventually empty themselves of all that rain, and the day or evening continues. I like to look for a restaurant or
bar, during happy hour, like Los Muertos Brewery. They have the best happy hour specials if you like craft beer, which we do. We
can sip on a beer, catch a game on their big screen until the coast is clear, or if we can find a place to listen to live music, yes, there’s still some live music in the off season. We do that, and that’s how you need to roll during the rainy season, in Puerto Vallarta.
I know you are seeing the weather report saying rain, but the truth is, except in very severe cases, your vacation will not be spoiled by rain. Only enhanced. Walking in the warm rain in your swimsuit on the Malecon can be fun.
Of course, with all the rain the rivers are flowing again all around the bay and emptying into the ocean, which creates another
slightly unpleasant phenomenon where the rivers, most of them have been dry for months, now are flowing and the water is a dirty brown color from the sediment in it as it flows downstream. So, the brown water then empties into the bay making the blue
water, well, brown. So, not the clearest water at many Vallarta beaches right now.
Tips For Keeping Cool During The Hot Season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
But with all that said, I really enjoy Puerto Vallarta this time of year. The air is clean, the brown hillsides that were just 2 weeks ago looking like they could easily ignite and become bonfire material are now emerald-green, and lush and the jungle is coming back all around the town. The dust level is way down after almost 8 months with no rain. It’s hot, but not unbearable. Just make sure to plan accordingly. Bring a sweat towel or cloth with you. You’ll be needing one. We don’t leave home without one. Debbie just bought an umbrella, a parasol and says it’s a game changer for her. Highly suggested.
You can take Ubers and Taxis to where you are going. Ubers will most likely have their air conditioning running for you when they arrive to pick you up. Most taxis will turn on the air if you ask them to.
If you are walking, look for the shady side of the street, and if you feel yourself getting overheated, duck into an OXXO or a Kiosko. They are always air conditioned, and you can find one on just about every corner. Hang out there inside that OXXO and pretend to do some shopping. Don’t be afraid to take your time. So, loiter till you’ve gotten the relief from the heat that your body needs. And while you are there, do make sure you get enough liquids and perhaps support that air-conditioned oasis by buying a bottle of water. Dehydration is no bueno. Drink enough non-alcoholic beverages like water and sports drinks, or those drinks that boost your electrolytes to keep hydrated during these summer months.
We finally stopped buying our bottled water at farmacias during our walks a few months ago. You can’t buy a bottle of water without the saleslady behind the counter pulling out a chart and offering you a rundown of what kinds of boner pills, steroids and diet aids she has behind the counter, all the while giggling glancing at Debbie. Seriously. Every time. It was comical.
Okay, calm down Barry, you’re getting over heated.
Vallarta Botanical Garden Closed Mondays During Low Season
Speaking of Summer Months, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is closed Monday’s during the summer, so if you do plan to visit the lovely gardens this summer, keep that in mind. The Garden’s hours by the way are 9 in the morning till 6 in the afternoon, Tuesday through Sunday, again closed Mondays till the beginning of the high season. And this is a great time to visit the gardens because the rain has made everything so happy and green and colorful, and the Rio Horcones, which flows right through the property is flowing quite nicely.
My wife and I love to walk through the gardens and then have lunch at their restaurant. They have a roaming violinist who plays during lunch. He’s there during the off season on Tuesdays Thursdays and Sundays from 12 till 2.
The Botanical Garden is a real treat and a bit of an adventure. It’s easy to get to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, you catch the
Bus, which is the El Tuito Bus. And that’s at the corner of Aguacate and Basillio Badillo, on Aguacate. That bus leaves every half
hour. You pay your pesos, and off you go. The bus will eventually stop at the bus stop at the Botanical Garden. It’s about a 45-minute ride up to the Garden and from there the bus proceeds up the mountain to the town of El Tuito. Once you’ve had your fill
of Garden you can catch the same bus at the bus stop/ actually a shelter, across the street from the garden. Make sure to bring pesos. I think it’s around 60 pesos to the Gardens and another 60 back About $3 US. each way and wear long pants, proper walking shoes and bring insect repellant. The local Off brand is the most effective for the local mosquitos and if you forget to bring some, they sell it right there at the park gardens where you purchase your tickets.
Vallarta and Jalisco Spraying For Mosquitos to Battle Dengue
Speaking of Mosquitos, the City, along with the state of Jalisco have been spraying and doing mosquito control all around town. I’m used to the fogging trucks and fogging backpacks worn by fumigators on foot, but at least in my neighborhood, I haven’t seen the foggers this year. They have what looks like a sprayer that shoots a stream of liquid into the bushes alongside the road. So, now, the poison is or seems to be going directly into the possible problem areas instead of just spewing fog into the air. It seems a lot less primitive and honestly, much safer to not have to run to close your windows when the fogger is coming down the street. You can hear them coming by the way, you just have to know what they sound like. And they sound like a street sweeper coming up your street with a leaf blower on the back. If you hear that sound, close your windows.
I Made a TV Appearance on CPS News Puerto Vallarta with Jessy and Brent
The News That Speaks YOUR Language
I had the opportunity to do a segment on local television right here in Puerto Vallarta. I was invited to the CPS Studios in Marina Vallarta to do a segment called Voices of Vallarta, where Brent Lane interviews someone from the community each week on his
local news show, CPS News with Jessy and Brent. I had Brent on the podcast a few weeks ago. I answered a few questions and explained the podcast to their viewers. So, I embedded the YouTube episode in the show notes of you want to see me doing a TV stint. You’ll see why I say I have a face for radio. Check out Jessy and Brent’s weekly local English Language TV News, produced professionally in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Thanks Brent and Jessy, for inviting me on your show. Check it out if you have some time.
Contact Information For CPS PV News with Jessy and Brent
My Interview at CPS News with Jessy and Brent
Still Some Live Music During the Summer in Puerto Vallarta.
There is still some live music in town. The Gringo Loco has their house band Paranoia playing every Saturday night from 6 till
9:30. They play all kinds of music. American Rock, German Rock, Mexican Rock and roll. Very intense. Owner Larry has the coldest beer in Vallarta at the Gringo Loco. Captain Don’s is still doing live music till they take their summer break.
Awaysis also has some live music in their small air-conditioned space. I think that Cafe Roma is still doing live music, but check their Facebook page to make sure. They’ve been having problems with the rain of late at Café Roma. Hope they can work that out. If you can think of any other live music that I missed, let me know, please.
Live Music Venues in Puerto Vallarta During Off Season
Temporary Marriage Initiative Proposed in Jalisco, Mexico
Here’s an interesting Idea, Test Drive Your Marriage in Jalisco
From the Guadalajara Post….
The Mexican State of Jalisco to Try Trial Marriages
Temporary marriage initiative proposed in Jalisco, Mexico
In a groundbreaking move, the Congress of Jalisco, Mexico, is considering a proposal to introduce temporary marriages lasting between two and five years. This initiative, spearheaded by Enrique Velázquez González, a local legislator from the Hagamos Jalisco party, aims to modernize legal relationships and provide couples with greater flexibility in their commitments.
How It Works
Under this proposal, couples would enter into a legally recognized civil contract that defines their union for a predetermined period. At the end of the term, they could choose to renew the marriage or let it expire without undergoing a formal divorce process. This system is designed to reduce legal disputes over assets and responsibilities, particularly for couples who might otherwise opt for informal cohabitation.
Legal and Social Implications
The initiative draws inspiration from European models, such as those in France and Germany, where similar contractual relationships are in place. Advocates argue that temporary marriages could significantly reduce divorce rates, alleviating pressure on family courts and streamlining legal processes. Additionally, it acknowledges the evolving perspectives on commitment and relationships, particularly among younger generations.
Potential Benefits
- Simplifies separation by eliminating lengthy divorce proceedings.
- Provides legal protection for couples in temporary unions.
- Reduces judicial workload, potentially cutting divorce-related cases by up to 90%.
- Adapts to modern relationship dynamics, offering flexibility without sacrificing legal rights.
While the proposal has sparked debate, it reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes toward marriage and commitment. If approved, Jalisco could become the first Mexican state to implement this innovative legal framework.
And I have a link to that article from the Guadalajara post, in the show notes.
So, what do you think about this plan? Would you consider test-driving your marriage certificate?
Listener Email About Cross-Fit Clubs and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
I received an email from a new listener to the podcast, Kendra, Kendra lives in Boston and she’s the athletic type. She writes….among other things…
I am writing because I am an athlete and want to hear more about the sports scene in Puerto Vallarta! I am a former Ironman Triathlete and now stick to mostly marathons, swimming and CrossFit to stay active and fit. I’ve done a little research on groups and clubs in PV, but I thought you’d be able to make it come alive (in the way you always do) by interviewing some of the club leaders or race directors or someone who might know more about the running, swimming, biking, CrossFit or triathlon scene in PV. I recently listened to your podcast where you interviewed someone about the Pickleball scene in PV and thought it was informative (not that I play Pickleball, but it was cool to hear about something more sports related). If you do reach out to some of the people involved in the sports community, I’d also love to know if there are clubs that have a mix of locals and expats. When I was in San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas all last summer, I joined a CrossFit gym where I was the only foreigner! It was super fun.
Then she sent me a great, what I would call directory by doing a bunch of research into the running, swimming and CrossFit clubs and organizations around town to help me find some good interviews, which I will do for sure.
But I wanted to ask you my listener, if you know of any great gyms, CrossFit gyms, just gyms around town. Maybe you know someone or even if you are involved with a local running club, a swimming or bicycling club or group, or even self-defense. That might be interesting, right?
Anyway, I love your Idea Kendra, you really got me thinking, and listeners, I’d like to hear from you.
Now because of Kendra, I’m already putting together a video of the gyms I’ve visited in town. I’ll let you know when that project is done. So, thank you Kendra. Let’s see if I have a few healthy listeners out there. Send me your suggestions to puertovallartatravelshow@gmail.com and let’s see what you do, who’s your favorite when it comes to keeping you fit in paradise.
Email me at puertovallartatravelshow@gmail.com
What Do We Do to Keep Busy in Paradise
I’ve had several people ask us what we do to fill our days in Puerto Vallarta. I mean, living in a tourist town can be a deadly proposition for someone with too much time on their hands. So what do we do? One of the things we do is take dance lessons with Israel Andalon. Salsa is the dance down here, and Israel does classes for beginners, intermediates and up at the Bodeguita del Medio at least once a week, that’s the Cuban Restaurant on the Malecon in Downtown. You need to follow his Facebook Page to keep track of the days and the hours. I’ll put a link to his Facebook pages in the show notes just in case you are interested.
So, yeah. We take a lesson once a week, with Israel. He almost always has a couple of other couples at these lessons. He depends on tips from his students. He doesn’t have a set price for his lessons, but they are an hour long, and it’s a fast-paced lesson at that, so he doesn’t fool around. I’ve had Israel on the show in not too long ago. I’ll put a link to that episode and blogpost in the show notes. He does Nature Hikes like to waterfalls and stuff, and guess what, the waterfalls are flowing.
- Israel’s Dance Studio: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574802795604
- La Bodaguita Del Medio Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/labodeguitadelmediomx
- Israel’s Salsa Dancing Page: https://andalon.com.mx/
- Israel’s Hiking Tours: https://alalibre.blog/
So, Debbie and I need to practice whenever we get a chance you know, so we don’t disappoint our teacher, right? So, whenever we hear a salsa beat for example at a bar or whatnot, we move our feet a little. Now the coolest spot to dance is in the Plaza de Armas on Sunday evenings where a well-established group of people set up speakers, and they DJ, and it’s dance music for the masses. The dancing goes on from about 6 in the afternoon till around 10, and they line dance, they salsa, merengue they do the twist. It’s a fun time. Bring water because, well, it’s hot. It’s free to dance, however you are encouraged to leave a tip in their propina box where the DJ’s sit, and do their dj’ing. It’s really fun seeing everyone dance. The young and the older, like me. It’s family day on the Malecon on Sundays and this is so sweet. Just to sit and watch the Yamagata all around you. Be careful not to sit on one of the benches under a tree. The birds are waiting for their chance to dump on you. It happened to me. So there, you’re forewarned.
So, that’s just one way we keep busy and active. I’ll give you a better rundown next week.
Right now, let’s get to our interview, shall we? I’m getting hungry.
The Romantic Wok Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
I get many of my interview ideas from you, my listeners and this next interview was inspired by several of you who urged me to visit The Romantic Wok, located in the Romantic Zone, of Puerto Vallarta. It was Chris and Gilbert from Denver Colorado, and Matt and Jodi, from Ontario Canada, who said we needed to go and try the food and do an interview with James Sabatini at The Romantic Wok. And since I trust you guys and your opinion, and because I’m a pushover for Asian food, James calls his menu Thai/Chinese street food. Add on to that The Romantic Wok happens to be right down the street from where we live, it was a no brainer. We needed to give it a try.
So early one evening, on our way to Pinocho’s to watch a game, we decided to pick up some food to go, from The Romantic Wok. You see, Pinocho’s bar doesn’t serve food, but they do allow, well, they actually encourage you to bring in food from outside,
so long as you are drinking whatever they are pouring. If you know what I mean. In fact, Pinocho’s has several menus on the bar
of different restaurants that do to go orders, including, yes, The Romantic Wok. So, we stopped there, and ordered two dishes and an appetizer to go, then, walked over to Pinocho’s and that’s when we fell in love with the Romantic Wok. It was love at first bite.
Now the Romantic Wok, the restaurant itself is very cozy and clean, with several tables set up inside. The walls have murals, lots of hearts, It’s a very inviting space. I have photos of it in the show notes.
Now it’s in front of the Romantic Wok where the magic happens. It’s a food cart set up with two big woks. It’s a bit of a shock to see, being as we are in Mexico where most of the food carts have flat stainless-steel grill tops. And here we have these two big Woks.
And from your table you can watch them prepare your meal for you in these two woks, so you get entertainment while you wait for your dish to arrive at your table. It’s more exciting than tableside guacamole. It’s like an episode from the Food Channel, and this cooking show comes with real flames and fire. And you actually get to see everything that goes into your dish as they cook it.
I left my card with Elly, the lady who made our delicious meal, and asked her to give it to the owner, James. I wanted him for the show. So she did, and James got back to me and we made arrangements to meet at the restaurant.
James has a business partner and his name is Eddie Aguilar, and I had met Eddie many years back at a restaurant called Warique. Remember that place? Well, Eddie was the chef at Warique. That’s the kind of talent we are talking about at the Romantic Wok. So Eddie partnered up with James, and they have built up a talented staff. With James, Eddie, Elly and Leo, currently.
So let’s go to Jacarrandas 322 in zona Romantica and let’s find out Wok the heck is going on, on the streets of Puerto Vallarta. James Sabatini and Eddie Aguilar and me at The Romantic Wok, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Listen to The Podcast
Information For The Romantic Wok in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Address: Calle Jacarandas 322 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Phone: 52+ 322 262 7418
- WhatsApp Call or Message: 52+322-262-7418
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555193754125
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticwok/?hl=en
Thank you James and Eddie. Thanks for sharing your story and your love for Vallarta, and for Mexico. The food is delicious, fresh and very reasonably priced. Eat in or take out or have it delivered, you will be glad you did. I have links to their Facebook and Instagram and a map that will take you to their front door. I have lots of great pictures of the inside of the Romantic Wok, food porn, and lots of flaming woks, and all those links in the show notes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com
Ok, that should do it for this week, next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.
And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and I have links to all of those in the show notes.
And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and follow share with a lover of Puerto Vallarta or give me a good review wherever or however you happen to be listening. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there. I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blogposts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thanks so much to James Sabatini and Eddie Aguilar from The Romantic Wok in Zona Romantica. Love your food and your unique twist with those two big woks turning out some of the most delicious Asian food in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Check out this little gem next time you get a chance. I have all their information at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos.