Women of San Miguel de Allende
If you are new or settled Expat in SMA you most likely have come across the Queen of Newcomers, Michelle Sturdevant. If not you need to get on her Newcomers e-mail list or look her up on FB. The most welcoming party in town held at her Boutique hotel, Casa Grande. Jackie Kerns-Heigle, is the life of any party and one of the most fascinating Expats you’ll meet. She is full of Mexican road trip stories from Santa Fe to here and places in between. She has fondly been dubbed ‘Jackie’s Journeys- the independent woman traveler’. And she is always happy to help newbies and can be found on FB. Joan Novell is not only the Past President of the SMA Croquet Club but the go-to person at her San Miguel Quality rentals. She has been helping expats for the last 10 years and knows this market like the back of her hand.
Restaurateurs
Franco Davalos, a native of Michoacan, what a story this man has to tell. Working in Houston not in a Mexican diner but at the Thai Pepper restaurants under the mentorship of Thai Chef Madam Teal from Bangkok. Only to return here to SMA to open his Asian Orient Express. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "Wherever you go go with all your heart" and that sums up Franco and his culinary passion.
James French, the new owner of the Art Garden Cafe, is an oxymoron. From Dallas photographer to the rich and famous, to owner of the prettiest cafe in town, featuring different artists every several months with its sister boutique hotel Casa Camellia, it’s just another example of how we, as the song goes, Come Together.
Cecilia Alvarez, owner-chef of Cien 24 Cafe, which incidentally the Phantom Gourmet gave Five coveted Silver Spoons as one of the best Cafes in town. This is because this young Mexican girl saved her pesos and went to Italy to learn her craft. She is an accomplished chef now back in SMA. Claudia Trujillo, La Cocinería de Clau, in Mercado Sano, was her claim to fame.
With local food and restaurant critic, Don Day saying 'it was the best damn sandwich he’d put between his lips' or something like that. Cafe Kletta recently closed up on de Enero but my sources tell me, a new Cafe Kletta is in the works… Stay tuned; As the SMA restaurants turn.
Fundraisers
There are something like 80 charities in this fair town. Between the animal and humanitarian causes, one must recognize the powerhouse triumvirate of Brenda Sexton, Nory Contractor, and Mary Correa putting the dress-up or cough-up in their Equinoterapia Center, a charity helping children with disabilities through horseback riding - coming up October 21st out at Donny Masterton's ranch.
Long awaited this year is sure to be an elegant fundraiser. The Patronato Pro Ninos Royale Gala at The Malanquin Golf Club, on November 7th. Headed up by Sunnie Collins, Rachelle and Mark Shaff along with Tom and Denise Whennen.
Fashionista’s
The duel is on between model and designer Victor Hugo and the glittery social man about town, Greg Nye, who dares us all to put a little glitter in our lives... for the title of ‘DapperDan’. Local sisters, Ana Ayala, a nail beautician, and Karla Mejía, a hairdresser on Calle Rosal, are the 'go-to girls’ for many local Expats to look their best.
The happiest and most helpful employee at City Market goes to, Freddy (or Alfredo Fettuccini as we like to tease him) who we have suggested to Management to promote him with a goodwill pay raise and the new title of 'The City Market Galloping Concierge', as he flits about the store making sure everything is in place and everyone is being helped.
Music scene
First and foremost prayers are among the entire SMA music community for their beloved Jazz Great Gabriel Hernández in hospital. A loving fundraising committee, led by friend and Jazz man alike, Doug Robinson together with countless others for a swift recovery. Johnny Favourite has opened his very own Johnny’s Piano Bar.
I am told it's the musician pop-in place to hang out... you'll never know who'll be there for an impromptu jam. The incomparable, singer-songwriter, Felecia Ford has an upcoming concert, on November 8th at Casa Cochran.
And who could forget the promo man about town, the energizer bunny himself, Frank De La Cruz, and the launch of his new company, Crazy Horse Promotions.
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