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[This article originally appeared in our summer print issue in a section on select winners and finalists in the We Are PV Awards. You can view the PDF of our summer print issue here.]
Francy Nguyen's eyes sparkle with gratitude and excitement as her restaurant, Bonito Kitchen, wins a We Are PV Award in the “Favorite Specialty Dish” category, recognizing not only her delicious cuisine, but the unique journey that brought her to Puerto Vallarta and the vibrant Asian flavors she has woven into the city's culinary tapestry.
“Honestly, it's an incredible honor,” says Nguyen. “To be nominated as a dish that represents my Vietnamese roots is such an honor. We are passionate about showcasing the diverse flavors of Asia here in Mexico.”
Nguyen's path to becoming a restaurateur wasn't the conventional one. Hoping to escape the hectic life of New York, she moved to Mexico City to work in the fashion industry. But something was missing: the comforting flavors of her childhood. A trip to the undeniably charming city of Puerto Vallarta sparked a new dream. Missing the Asian cuisine of her adopted home, Nguyen took the plunge and opened Bonito Kitchen, her first foray into the restaurant industry. Though she had no formal culinary training, her passion for cooking was inherited from her incredible mother, who taught her the art of creating layered flavors.
The first Bonito Kitchen location opened in Gaviotas seven years ago, bringing a taste of Southeast Asia to Puerto Vallarta. Its success led to a second location opening four years later near Rio Cuale. Unfortunately, a hurricane forced its closure, a sign of the resilience Nguyen needs to survive in the restaurant industry. Two years ago, a new Bonito Kitchen opened in Zona Romantica, welcoming diners with warmth and delicious food. More recently, Casita & Garden joined the family, showcasing not only Nguyen's culinary expertise, but also her love of gardening, reflected in the restaurant's beautiful ambience.
In a field that is often dominated by men, Nguyen acknowledges that there are challenges when it comes to sourcing authentic Southeast Asian ingredients, especially in Mexico. But she is undeterred. “Race and gender are not limitations,” she declares with a smile. “It's passion and dedication that count.”
So what keeps Bonito Kitchen at the forefront of Puerto Vallarta's culinary scene? Nguyen believes it's a combination of factors: using high-quality ingredients, a commitment to innovating with constantly evolving cuisine, and creating beautiful, inviting spaces. “Each restaurant reflects my love of gardening,” she adds, “and I want people to feel special when they dine with us.”
Nguyen's hands-on approach is another key element to Bonito Kitchen's success. “Our menu is unique,” she explains. “It's important to me to train both the front and back of house on the cuisine — how to prepare the food, why we use certain ingredients, what the food should taste and look like. I have to constantly keep an eye on things to make sure everyone is getting the food done to expectations.”
But Nguyen isn't content to just maintain the success of Bonito Kitchen. The ever-evolving entrepreneur is always on the move. He recently opened a Café & Brunch location with a friend in Versalles, serving up delicious Mexican and international fusion food and strong coffee. Plus, inside Casita & Garden, there's a new izakaya called Sake Bar, a haven for those looking to combine traditional Japanese cuisine with an exquisite sake menu.
One thing is for sure: under Nguyen's leadership, Bonito Kitchen and its sister businesses promise a delicious and ever-evolving culinary adventure in Puerto Vallarta. As Nguyen says with a sparkle in his eye, “There's more to come!” So stay tuned.
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