(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the October 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
When John Vargas and Michael Gonzales made the move from bustling Houston to the serene Rio Grande Valley (RGV), they brought with them a wealth of restaurant experience and a passion for creating something different for the Harlingen community. They envisioned a space where people could enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine with a fresh twist, and thus, Provecho y Salud was born.
John's restaurant journey began at the young age of 16. In 1997, he joined Consolidated Restaurant Operations where he honed his skills as a general manager and executive chef, eventually opening his own Cantina Laredo franchise in Houston. With decades of experience under his belt, John brings all that knowledge and passion to Provecho y Salud. While the restaurant industry can be tough, John finds it immensely rewarding.
The Food & Drinks
John, the culinary mastermind behind the scenes, begins his day bright and early in the kitchen, crafting every sauce from scratch with care and precision. These sauces, bursting with flavor, set the stage for the entire menu. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the cornerstone of their dishes, ensuring the highest quality and flavor with every bite. The menu, which changes seasonally, focuses on recipes from the interior of Mexico, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional border-style Mexican food familiar to many in the area.
If you're visiting for the first time, John recommends trying the Poblano Camaron Asada—a flavorful carne asada dish served with a poblano pepper stuffed with shrimp, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and Monterey Jack cheese, paired with cilantro lime rice, elote, and avocado. Another fan favorite is the Fajitas Especialidades, featuring steak, chicken, and bacon-wrapped shrimp. And don't miss the Top Shelf Guacamole—served tableside and made fresh right in front of you.
For those seeking healthier options, Provecho y Salud offers dishes like Grilled Salmon, Grilled Chicken Chipotle, and Mahi Mahi, all served with fresh, scratch-made sauces that skyrocket the flavor profiles. They’re also highly accommodating of dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegetarian options.
One of the restaurant's standout features is its margaritas. These aren't your typical pre-made cocktails; they’re made from scratch with fresh lime juice, providing a zesty, refreshing compliment to the rich flavors of the food. The full bar also boasts a variety of custom cocktails, perfect for any occasion.
The Experience
The restaurant’s location posed some initial challenges, as the building wasn’t designed for restaurant use. John invested heavily in revamping the space, ensuring it was equipped with everything needed to create the perfect dining experience.
Provecho y Salud aims to be more than just a place to eat. They envision it as a space for friends and families to connect. On Saturday nights, the restaurant transforms into a lively venue with live music from 8 pm to midnight. Whether you’re looking for a place to host business meetings, weddings, or quinceañeras, Provecho y Salud is happy to accommodate. They even offer off-site catering for events with up to 1,000 people, providing full service or drop-off options. Delivery is also available for orders over $25, making it easy to enjoy their dishes from the comfort of your own home or office.
Provecho y Salud offers daily specials and a happy hour from Monday through Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm Sundays bring a delightful brunch from 10 am to 4 pm, and Thursdays are ladies' night with irresistible drink specials. Their cozy outdoor seating area is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pups to enjoy the atmosphere with their owners.
John is adamant that while the food is an elevated culinary experience, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or just popping in after a day at the beach in flip-flops, all are welcome—including kids.
Looking Ahead
John and Michael are excited about the future and plan to introduce specialty dinners soon. They have joined the Greater Chamber of Harlingen to deepen their connection with the community and are eager to build strong relationships. On the horizon, they have ambitious plans to expand with additional restaurant concepts for Harlingen and across the RGV.
Provecho y Salud
Location: 119 W. Van Buren Ave. Ste. 4, Harlingen TX
Hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday-Thursday; 11 am to 1 am Friday-Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm Sunday
Reservations, Catering, and Delivery: (956) 230-1132
Website: www.provechoysaludrgv.com
Follow them on Facebook for the latest specials and entertainment.
Enjoy delicious food, good company, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Provecho y Salud—where every meal is crafted with passion and flavor!
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