Celebrity Chefs and Foodies Arrive in Mexico’s Top Culinary Beach Destination.
More than 30 world renown Chefs representing National and European restaurants will participate in the 20th edition of Puerto Vallarta’s International Gourmet Festival from November 13-24, 2014. The festival has attracted over 350,000 gourmet fans since 1995, and will kick things off with an inaugural event at Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta.
This 10-day festival offers foodies the unique opportunity to taste cuisines from around the world in Mexico’s leading culinary beach destination. The famed Chefs will offer A la Carte Gourmet dining, Chef’s Table & Winemaker’s nights, Gourmet Safaris, Cheese, beer and chocolate tastings, and Brunch Buffets at participating restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic. The festival will also offer cooking demonstrations, Star Chef’s dinner & show and a culinary class for those interested in learning more about the latest cooking styles and techniques.
Puerto Vallarta is home to six of the top 10 restaurants in Mexico according to TripAdvisor readers, Café Des Artistes, Vista Grill, Ocean Grill, Bistro Teresa, Le Kliff and Trío are all included in the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in México. Starting in October and ending in May, Puerto Vallarta is home to some of Mexico’s most important foodie festivals. In addition, the city’s over 360 restaurants, including typical street food from families who have sold tacos and ceviches for generations to Five Star Diamond Award restaurants that offer the latest in international dishes.
Home to some of Mexico’s most important gastronomy events, year Puerto Vallarta is a foodie’s paradise.
Festivals and Events:
- International Gourmet Festival takes place from November 13-23 and will be celebrating its 20th edition this year. It will feature over 30 chefs. The 10-day festival has attracted over 350,000 gourmet fans since 1995, and will kick things off with an inaugural event at Westin Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta and a full schedule of culinary activities including chef tastings functions, culinary safaris, sensorial tastings and themed nights offering distinct dishes from cities from around the world.
- The Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary takes place every year from May 15th -31st, Puerto Vallarta's most prestigious restaurants showcase innovative three-course menus, with three options available for each course. Prices range from $15 to $25 USD, not including alcohol or tips.
- Vallarta Nayarit Gastronomica takes place from October 22-25 with Chefs from all over the world convening for this gastronomical celebration and educational experience with special events like Glamour Night at River Café and the Gourmet Party at De Santos.
While in Puerto Vallarta, also try…
- Food Tours
A 3-hour food tasting and walking tours offers a local’s view into Puerto Vallarta’s culture through its delicious and intricate cuisine, rich history and stunning architecture. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, Vallarta Food Tours invites patrons to experience off-the-beaten path eateries and their colorful owners and staff, taco stands and regional delicacies. - Cooking Classes
Traditional Mexican restaurant, El Arrayán, offers Traditional Mexican Cooking Classes with Owner/Chef Carmen Porras and Chef Alfonso Corona who teach over 35 recipes from diverse regions throughout Mexico for classes this season including, moles, tamales, fresh salsas and more desserts. - The mom-daughter duo that make up the private cooking classes with local celebrity Chef Mavi Graf include guided tours of local food markets to shop for ingredients, wine pairings, complimentary appetizers and craft cocktails and recipes. One-on-one experience inside their home with breathtaking views of Marina Vallarta.
- Raicilla
A cousin of Tequila, Raicilla is a centuries-old-drink traditionally made in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding cities, such as el Tuito, San Sebastian del Oeste and Yelapa. A must try in the destination, many restaurants use it to make specialty cocktails.
