Category Archive for Food + Theme Restaurants
Puerto Vallarta quirky, offbeat travel guide! Day of the Dead skeletons, LGBTQ Zona Romantica, Mezcal & Sal restaurant.
Ready for round two of my Puerto Vallarta travels? Read on for my offbeat, alternative guide to Zona Romantica — the LGBTQ district and best place to stay — including molecular mezcal cocktails, Day of the Dead skeletons, and a xenomorph alien!
I recommend staying in Zona Romantica as it’s within walking distance of the beach and hippest restaurants, as well as LGBTQ clubs and bars. My daily protocols were a dream: get ice coffee, walk the Malecon (boardwalk) and dip my feet in the foam, eat 20 peso tacos, and watch the sunset. (You can see my fav Puerto Vallarta attractions at a glance in my @LaCarmina Instagram Guide.)
I took some photos to showcase my updated hair color — it has blue streaks in it now, along with dark purple and my natural black underneath. My stylist is Katya at Kore Salon in Vancouver.
Living the jungle life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Wearing a halter bikini top by UK Swimwear — they have lots of chic swim styles, and I like how I can wear this as a crop top as well. My comfy animal print pants are from Medellin, Colombia.
I’m forever living in the 90s — that era is my makeup inspiration these days.
Digging the foreground blur. These images were shot on my Sony a7 IV mirrorless camera.
I also take images on the iPhone, as it brings out landscape and sky details nicely. I made it a habit to catch the sunset over the ocean every day.
Here’s another beachwear look. My red bikini and long resort dress are by UK Swimwear.
I took these photos at the only uncrowded spot on Los Muertos beach, under the palapas. If you’re looking for a quiet, deserted beach experience, go to Playa Conchas Chinas instead (all info and pics in my first PV post).
Speaking of living in the 1990s… I got these reissued Steve Madden Slinky sandals (I had the same ones in the late 90s!) The slight platform and “fwap fwap” noise bring me back. Get a pair below, in various colors:
Zona Romantica is Puerto Vallarta’s rainbow district, as you can see from the pride flags and Tom of Finland murals. The streets are filled with LGBTQ clubs, bars, and shops with friendly vibes.
Always a fabulous time traveling with Trevor. (We met this local who was obsessed with my hair’s realness!)
Long live the Queen in Puerto Vallarta (or the Queen Mother)…
I recommend getting a local Airbnb or booking a boutique hotel in the Romantic Zone, rather than staying in the distant resorts. Mine had a cute patio area. I’m wearing an Abysm Internal kimono that matches my hair and the turquoise door.
Abysm Internal has a wide selection of original, dark and fantastical designs — I was drawn to this Japanese horned hannya with a pentagram on its forehead. I chose it in the sheer fabric, and purple/blue color variation.
Leave it to us to find the most Gothic parts of Puerto Vallarta. We saw Day of the Dead skeleton figurines in a store near the Malecon.
This Mexican skeleton couple was looking out at the ocean from a patio by the boardwalk.
At Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas in Zona Romantica, there are a variety of colorful seats… including this Dia de los Muerto themed one. We had to take a photo here at Golden Hour.
Find my Steeeveee Maddennnn shoeesss below (if you’ve seen Wolf of Wall Street, you’ll know what I mean).
Puerto Vallarta has quite the party scene, and would be a thrilling spot for Day of the Dead. (You can see how I celebrated Dia de los Muertos and Halloween in Mexico City and Merida, in my past Mexico posts here.)
Although there weren’t any Goth clubs or events in Puerto Vallarta when we were there, I loved visiting El Colibri bar, which serves mezcal craft cocktails and has an alt / Gothic atmosphere.
As The Collapse accelerates… Abysm Internal’s Gothic / devilish kimonos are a stylish way to keep cool and covered from the sun.
Mexico’s west coast has a dry heat and no mosquitoes (unlike in Riviera Maya / Tulum). It’s easy and inexpensive to get here from the North American west coast, making it a perfect winter getaway.
Golden Hour at the beach by Zona Romantica. Take off your shoes, and have a “Gaywatch” moment.
My Japanese demon kimono is the perfect Goth summer beach coverup.
Been making it a habit to walk 10k steps a day and spend more time outdoors.
Here is a video of my jewelry at sunset. Wearing a gold and diamond ouroboros ring by Ingrid Valou (stacked with my mom’s ruby/diamonds/gold1970s ring). The topaz and gold paper clip bracelet is from Anzie Jewelry (stacked with my mom’s 70s gold chain bracelet, and a Colombian emerald and blue diamond gold bangle I got in Medellin.)
We were all about the witchy molecular cocktails at Mezcal & Sal, in Zona. The drinks came with magical presentations like bubbles, slides, and drops.
Mezcal y Sal also puts a creative take on Mexican dishes — such as watermelon tiradito (that tastes like marinated tuna), and cactus mousse for dessert.
I’m on a mezcal kick, as it’s a pure alcohol. Visit Agave Liquors in Zona Romantica for a wide selection of artisanal mezcals. and also check out Vinos America (I got the Alipus San Andres there for 999 pesos). Stay out of the tourist stores, and make sure you purchase mezcal that is over 40% alcohol with no additives. I recommend getting a small-batch handcrafted Mexican mezcal for around 1000-1500 pesos.
Ran into a Dorito-faced cult leader on the Malecon. While Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination, it doesn’t feel overly commercial or Americanized, especially if you avoid spring break and peak times.
As you walk the seawall, you’ll come across weird sculptures, performance artists, and other inspiration.
We dared to approach this Alien xenomorph… What a costume! I passed by an Edward Scissorhands as well.
Loved being close to the water and birds in Mexico.
The skies turn dramatic after sunset. (See my first Puerto Vallarta post for more recommendations.)
Leave it to me to find Miffy wherever I go… next to a UFO!
The Tarzan life in Puerto Vallarta suited me well, and I’d jump at the chance to go back (especially in the coldest months)!
For more of my food / beach / attraction tips, see my Instagram Guide to Puerto Vallarta here. And if you’d like anything from my personal wardrobe, take a look at my Depop @LaCarmina (I ship worldwide, and can do bundle discounts).
Finally, a reminder that I’ve been ramping up my social media content… Add @LaCarmina on Instagram and other social networks (YouTube, X as it’s now called) to see the latest updates, and learn where in the world I’ll be next!
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Miffy cafe in Tokyo, Japan! Anpanman museum Yokohama, Shibuya Sky observation deck & Scramble street crossing.
Although I’ve been going to Japan since I was a child, there’s so much I have yet to explore. Case in point: I haven’t spent much time in Yohohama, the city located about 50 minutes south of Tokyo.
On my most recent trip with photographer Joey Wong, we went to investigate Yohohama’s cutest attractions — including the Miffy cafe (Dick Bruna Table)…
and an Anpanman museum! Read on for the kawaii story, as well as a visit to Shibuya Sky (the relatively new observation deck) and evocative night-time shots of the famous Scramble crosswalk.
The Miffy Cafe in Yokohama is called Dick Bruna Table, and it’s difficult to find even after asking around and using Google Maps… so give yourself plenty of time.
Access / Directions: You have to purchase a ticket to the subway or use your Suica pass, and beep to go inside the JR gates of Ekyutoedishon Yokohama, in order to access the Miffy theme cafe. In other words, it’s within the inner gates of Yokohama Station.
Look who is here to greet visitors: my favorite cute character, Miffy the Dutch bunny! She’s the brainchild of Utrecht artist Dick Bruna, hence the name of the restaurant.
Inside, you can shop for special items found only in Japan, and decorated with Dick Bruna’s minimalist bunny rabbit.
Miffy peers out from all over the themed cafe — including from the top shelf, next to the wine bottles. (Miffy is not only for kids — you can get buzzed at her theme restaurant in Japan.)
The attention to detail is impeccable — check out the napkin and the peeking Miffy on the wall. I wore a black purse from the Miffy store for the occasion. (I got it at the Miffy Style boutique at Tokyo Character Street, see the post here.)
Love the presentation of the cheesecake popsicle! It comes with dabs of fruit sauces, and fresh whipped cream with mint.
The other cute-faced character is Dick Bruna’s black bear.
This chocolate cake pop was as scrumptious as it looks — moist, and perfectly paired with raspberry sauce.
I’m happy to see that Miffy has conquered Japan (she has several shops and the Dick Bruna Table cafe). This cloud lamp is by my friends Mr Maria in the Netherlands (remember when I visited their studio?)
Miffy isn’t the only round and kawaii mascot to dominate Yohohama, Kanagawa… Look at the height difference between me and this massive Anpanman statue!
The red bean pastry superhero stands in front of Yohohama’s Anpanman Children’s Museum — a huge space to get immersed in the anime character’s world.
The rainbow staircase and kawaii design are on point.
There are many other J-pop culture attractions in Yokohama such as Gundam Factory, Peanuts Diner and Snoopy Town shop, Cup Noodles museum, Red Brick Warehouse, Marui and Sogo department stores…
It’s also fun to walk around the harbour area (there are various skywalks), stop for sushi, and take photos.
From Yokohama, you can take the rapid express Tokyu Toyoko Line — and arrive in Shibuya in under an hour. Here’s the scene at the iconic Shibuya subway station, where Hachiko the dog statue sits.
Photographer Joey Wong and I went up to Shibuya Sky, the360° open-air observation deck located about 230 meters above the ground.
Shibuya Sky lets you look out from the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper. It was raining that day, so we looked out from the big windows that circle around indoors.
Joey Wong took these remarkable long exposure photos from up above, showcasing the energy and neon lights of Shibuya.
We then walked around Shibuya — one of our favorite Tokyo districts for fashion, pop culture, food, and fun.
On his Nikon mirrorless camera, Joey Wong captured slices of life in Shibuya.
Quite a few Shibuya boys in punky street style gathered around the Shibuya station entrance, handing out flyers.
The noises, lights…. you have to be there yourself to experience Shibuya!
Many young people come here to dine and shop (I’ll take you inside the newly renovated Parco Department Store in an upcoming post).
I always stop by Shibuya 109, the youth / street style department store. The building features the new 109 logo design.
One thing has not changed since Shibuya 109 opened in 1979.. Japanese schoolgirls love hanging out here! The mall is full of fashion boutiques blasting music, and there are purikura booths on the top floor.
Shibuya never sleeps — many place are open 24 hours.
You’ll still see Lolita-ish style in Shibuya. These ladies gathered by Toho Cinemas.
Joey Wong’s long exposure turns the trains into zip of lights.
The award for most stylish school uniforms goes to Japanese schoolgirls, of course.
A lens flare at the famous Shibuya Crossing, which is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. The lights stop entirely, and hundreds of people walk across in every direction.
No wonder it’s called Shibuya Scramble Crossing… the feeling is one of controlled chaos!
Above the cross-walk, you’ll be bombarded by flickering billboards and colorful signs — like one advertising the Rilakkuma bear streaming show!
Shibuya scramble / crossing features in many TV shows and films, such as Alice in Borderland on Netflix.
Have you been to Shibuya or Yohohama? I hope these images convey the magic of being here — and I can’t wait to go back!
LA CARMINA
