We are so pleased to highlight Chelsey Levy in our very first column of “Today I Met…” where we will introduce you to neighbours in Bucerias.

You know Chelsey, right?

If you’ve ever caught a dinner show at Luna Lounge or enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Astro Cafe, you know Chelsey. We are drawn to her sincerity and vibrance, and we were pleased to sit with her for a few moments during a busy morning at her cafe.

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Tell us your story, Chelsey

“It was just by chance that I came to Bucerias. At the time I was 25 years old and had never been to Mexico. I wasn’t planning it, but it kind of fell into my lap that way.”

Chelsey and her brother came to stay with their aunt and uncle in Bucerias, in place of their parents who, at the time, were unexpectedly unable to travel for their planned vacation. Evidently, Chelsey liked it enough to come back long-term, thinking, “how do I move there forever?”

“I decided to figure out how to make this a place that I could come to. I had the advantage of having family here so it was not a huge risk for me to take. When I did come, I stayed with my aunt and uncle who supported me in making it permanent, and they said. “Two weeks, then you’re on your own.”

And so she made her way

“That’s when I met Hugh and Simon.” Hugh and Simon owned The Twisted Rose and were enjoying some refreshments at Yo-Yo-Mo’s Sports Bar, when they asked Chelsey, “Well, what are you doing here?” She replied, “Well, I’m looking to be a bartender.” And they said, “Well, we have a bar!” They hired her and she worked at The Twisted Rose until Hugh and Simon closed it in order to open the much loved Luna Lounge.

Chelsey was the first bartender at Luna Lounge.

Chelsey describes, “It wasn’t really that big of a life change for me. I had already been in restaurant work, and it wasn’t much different here. Plus, I get to live at the beach, and the weather’s nice all the time, and the culture right away is everything I love, like, the importance of family.

As Manager of Luna Lounge, Chelsey tells us she is, “really proud to work at Luna Lounge, and with Hugh and Simon because they do so much for this community. I’ve learned a lot from them.”

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Pleasure Time

When we explored Chelsey’s hobbies, she replied, ” I like to sing!” And she is fabulous! We had the pleasure of hearing her belt out a tune during an intermission at Luna Lounge. What a voice. She has not received formal vocal training but was part of a choir for much of her childhood.

Not just a pastime, but a successful and unique restaurant/bar operating throughout the summer, Astro Cafe opened May 28th, 2023 and is located at what is known as the Luna Lounge front patio. This little cafe attracted many loyal customers. Guess who is behind that? Chelsey. Surely you tried the Elvis Sandwich, peanut butter and banana with bacon? I did. Total yum! All natural, fresh ingredients and homemade goodies, from the bread to the chipotle jam. Her beverages combine light flavours with subtle herb undertones. What a treat. (BIG HINT: the cafe is only open Today, Friday and Saturday this week before closing for the high-season. Get yourselves there soonest.)

Chelsey advises, “I have every intention of being back next spring.”

Chelsey tells us she also reads a lot. “I’m really into astrology. I’m learning a lot about astrology and doing more with it professionally. She plans to weave that into the menu and make the food specials to reflect seasonal and moon themes. She describes, “In my spare time I’ll be studying (astrology) and preparing for what is going to fuel the business and shape the menu for the cafe next season.”

I am really nervicited about it!!!

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Virgo Sun, Pisces Moon and Gemini Rising

Chelsey’s interest in astrology has led to her mentoring others and creating her own website, “The Moonlight Astrologer.” She offers 30-minute natal chart readings by donation, and she is “confident that you will find something of value” in her readings.

You can find her website here: http://www.themoonlightastrologer.com  Interesting content, and you can book a reading online.

And follow her instagram page here: http://@the_moonlight_astrologer

Chelsey’s Message

My favourite thing about Bucerias is the people and the community I get to live, work and serve alongside of.  I think it is really important to recognize that I am extremely privileged to be able to visit another country and say,¨I want to live here,¨and then just be able to do it. The way that the local community here supports and loves me is exceptional, especially when that is not necessarily their experience in this world (it is a lot harder for a Mexican to visit Canada, let alone move and work there). It is extremely important to me how I walk as a guest in this country. Even as someone who lives and works here full time, I will never be a native of this land and it is my deepest intention to be non-invasive, mindful of resources, useful, not to compete with or overpower what was already here, to live in harmony with and add to the culture and landscape, not change or distract from it.

Well said, Chelsey. We thank you for chatting with us about your story and life here in Bucerias. We look forward to seeing you at Luna Lounge throughout the coming winter, and please make The Elvis Sandwich The Astro Cafe’s first “special of the day” next spring!

Astro Cafe is located in Centro Bucerias at Avenida Mexico #27