The Daiquiri Dick’s History
Daiquiri Dick’s has been an amazing part of Puerta Vallarta’s Zona Romantica neighborhood for 50 years. First established by original owners John Csajko and Frederick (DICK) Simmonds, their route to this purchase was rather circuitous. When they first came to Puerto Vallarta, they actually wanted to buy the bed & breakfast Cuatro Vientos in Gringo Gulch; alas the deal fell through when the owner backed out, so, they bought the Club Kalimay where Daiquiri Dick’s now stands.
Here in their very own words, was what they printed on the back of their restaurant postcards:
Throughout all the world Dick searched for a place to settle down. One day he dropped anchor in Puerto Vallarta. (Even the name intrigued him). Immediately he fell in love with its narrow-cobbled streets the small homes with their red-tiled roofs, vary-colored bougainvillea, Copa de Oro cascading over the white walls. The bay with so much life. Small boas for fun. Fishing boats for food and pleasure. Big boats, on occasion bringing visitors to these shores. Fantastic to see such ships so close off - shore. (The bay of Banderas is fathomless - and anchoring is reserved for the real experienced mariner).
Settling down, Dick hoped to create a place where people could experience part of his new - found happiness. Along with the sound of the soothing surf and swaying palms. He invites you to relax and enjoy one another.
THIS IS DAIQUIRI DICK’S! The name - from his “Special” daiquiri. And, should you be more venturesome a cuba, quina (rum cola, lemon, quinine).
More daring - Hua Mali-Mali (no hints here). Whatever - your waiter will be very pleased to serve you and his bartender will expertly make your favorite drink.
Afterwards, the last 41 years saw Daiquiri Dick’s owned and operated by Tari and Peter Bowman, who made it a landmark dining stop for all those that came to visit and live in Puerto Vallarta
Since 1972 this Los Muertos beach restaurant has been serving up a variety of food to locals and tourists alike with an eclectic menu fused with classic Mexican European and American dishes served together with influences from Asia India, and Northern Africa.
As the story goes, the San Francisco Bay Area business couple moved with their two small children and headed south of the border to Mexico for a new, bi-lingual, way of life.
It was - to say the least - a life-changing experience, creating new bonds and friendships with a family of loyal workers, many of whom stayed with them throughout the decades until the sale.
Standing on the shoulders of this local history, the torch has now been passed over to Los Angeles Restauranteurs/Caterers Chris Diamond and Chef Wayne Elias. Along with the expertise of Creative Director Javier Jimenez and longtime association with Chef de Cuisine Martin Gonzalez, this new incarnation of Daiquiri Dick’s promises to continue its long and stellar tradition on the shores of Los Muertos Beach.
