Story

GastronomiQ — Global Flavor, Locally Rooted

At GastronomiQ, we bring the bold, comforting flavors of American and European gastropub cuisine to the vibrant neighborhood of Versalles, Puerto Vallarta — all while staying deeply rooted in our local community.

Our menu blends the best of classic elevated fare — from rich, slow-braised meats and classic pastas to signature burgers and seasonal small plates — with the soul of Mexican ingredients and craftsmanship. We believe great food begins with great sourcing, which is why we partner with local farmers, fishermen, and artisans to bring you the freshest, most flavorful ingredients the region has to offer.

The Heart of GastronomiQ: Our Mother Marinara

More than a sauce — it’s a living tradition. Our “Mother” Marinara has been nurtured for over 300 days by our Chef De Cuisine, Ricardo Martinez, with each new batch carrying forward a piece of the original. Slow-simmered with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and just the right touch of spice, it’s rich with memory, character, and warmth. A sauce with a soul — and the very heartbeat of our kitchen.

You’ll taste its depth in every corner of our menu — from pizzas baked on dough crafted by a local artisan baker to our Rigatoni alla Vodka, made with Italian sausage prepared by Alex Duarte. Each dish celebrates the Mother — honoring tradition while carrying its story forward.

Signature Dishes

Our kitchen shines brightest when classic comfort meets unexpected craft:

• The GastronomiQ Burger — layered with sharp cheddar and our house-made tomato jam, it transforms the familiar into something unforgettable.

• Rigatoni alla Vodka — tossed in Mother Marinara and finished with Alex Duarte’s fresh Italian sausage for true depth of flavor.

• Artisan-Baked Pizzas — built on dough from a local baker and finished with the same living sauce that anchors our kitchen.

• Beef Stroganoff — Chef Chad’s spin on Julia Child’s classic. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s been called “better than your own mother’s Stroganoff” — and it’s a rare find on any restaurant menu in Puerto Vallarta.

• Balsamic Slow-Braised Pork Shoulder (“Gringo Carnitas”) — tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth, this dish blends global flavor with Mexican soul, offering a playful take on a timeless comfort.

Our produce is locally sourced, our seafood is procured fresh from our neighborhood fishmonger, and our cheeses, breads, and charcuterie are made in collaboration with local purveyors who share our love of tradition and quality.

Whether you join us for a craft cocktail and a bowl of pasta, a dry-aged burger, or our slow-braised pork shoulder, every dish is globally inspired yet proudly grounded in the culture and creativity of Puerto Vallarta.

GastronomiQ isn’t just a place to dine — it’s a place to gather, connect, and savor. Flavors from afar, ingredients from next door, and hospitality straight from the heart.

Chad Gardner, is a renowned Chef, Restaurateur and Hospitality Consultant most recently from Palm Springs, California and has now made Puerto Vallarta his home.. With over two decades of expertise in fine dining hospitality, Gardner, a culinary artist, and hospitality consultant, has left his mark on establishments like 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Willies Modern Fare, Sol y Sombra, The Paloma Hotel, 533 Viet Fusion, Roly China Fusion, as well as his catering and events company, Dash and a Handful. Fueled by a passion for entertaining, Chad is dedicated to crafting unparalleled and memorable experiences of the highest quality for his clients and guests. His extensive background in hospitality brings a unique touch to the realms of food and hospitality.

Chad Gardner's roots trace back to Northern California, nestled in the picturesque Sonoma Wine Country. His family ventured into the restaurant business, operating chef-driven establishments long before the term "farm-to-table" gained popularity.

A seasoned professional in the hospitality industry for many years, Chad kickstarted his own journey at the prestigious 5-star, 5-diamond Four Seasons Clift Hotel in San Francisco—a remarkable feat as the sole property holding such accolades in the Bay Area at that time. This experience instilled in him an unwavering commitment to elevated service and quality, a hallmark that has defined his entire career.

Chad extended his expertise to manage and consult for various establishments in Sonoma County, the Bay Area, and New York. Notable among them were John Ash and Co, Applewood Inn, and Tuscan Square in Rockefeller Center.

Later, Chad brought his expertise to Southern California, founding Dash and a Handful Catering to provide hospitality and execute high quality events, weddings and corporate events, leaving an indelible mark with his culinary and hospitality prowess.