Foodies heading to Mexico this summer and beyond will find a host of gastronomy offerings and festivals as the country continues to position itself to the forefront of culinary travel.
From Los Cabos to Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta, Travel Agent breaks down some of the latest culinary offerings coming out of Mexico.
Los Cabos Resorts Teach Children to Cook
Los Cabos has long been recognized as a culinary mecca. Now, with a number of new childrens' culinary classes, parents aren't the only members of the family who get to enjoy the destination's delectable gastronomy.
Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, invites children of all ages to join in on its culinary adventures, specially designed by chef Gonzalo Cerda. A selection of four classes, Make Your Own Cookies, Build Your Own Pizza, Konfu Panda Rolls and Brownies, is available according to the chef's selection and are designed for a maximum of four children, ensuring each child receives specialized attention from chef Cerda. Classes are available for $45 per child. Visit www.esperanzaresort.com.
The One&Only Palmilla goes above and beyond to please the culinary desires of even the hotel's youngest guests. Hosted as part of the resort KidsOnly club, children can participate in specialty cooking classes where will learn to make tasty treats such as chocolate chip cookies and vanilla cakes. Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
Casa Dorada Los Cabos provides kids the chance to make their own pizza with the resort's Pizza Time Class. Participants will choose their favorite ingredients to create a signature pizza, after which they will enjoy. Pizza Time is available free of charge and held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Space is limited and reservations can be made with the concierge. Visit www.casadorada.com and visit www.visitloscabos.travel.
New Culinary Offers From Some of Acapulco's Best Hotels
Besides the sun, celebrated nightlife and attractions, Acapulco is equally known for its delectable culinary offerings. Now, with a number of hotels offering new culinary experiences, dining isn't the only way to enjoy Acapulco's gastronomic offerings. From tequila tasting events to cooking classes, the following select Acapulco hotels offer interactive culinary activities to entice savvy travelers.
Guests of Hotel Boca Chica, one of the destination's top boutique hotels, can learn true sushi techniques from a master. As part of the resort's sushi class, chef Keisuke Harada teaches guests the proper way to prepare a variety of sushi dishes, which can even be served in the resort's Palapa Restaurant. Classes are available to hotel guests only and require pre-booking with the concierge. Visit www.hotel-bocachica.com.
At the Grand Mayan Acapulco, guests have the option to learn about and enjoy tequila how it was meant to be experienced. Once per week, guests are guided by the resort's resident Tequilier on the proper sipping techniques and how to identify different qualities and varieties of the spirit. Tastings are available on Mondays at 6 p.m. for $30. Visit www.mayanresorts.com.
Guests at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques can learn to prepare an exotic new drink with the resort's Mojito Class. The expert bartenders will teach each guest how to mix and muddle the perfect mojito. Participants will also learn a brief history of the drink and will receive a copy of the recipe for future use. Mojito classes are offered in the Las Vistas Lounge & Bar and are available for $40 per person, taxes and service charge included. Previous reservations required. Visit www.banyantree.com/en/cabo_marques/ and visit www.rememberacapulco.com.
Puerto Vallarta Showcases Gastronomy Offerings
Gastronomy aficionados and connoisseurs who attended the 30th annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen from June 15-17, had the opportunity to sample a taste of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
During the event, which is considered one of the premiere culinary events in the U.S., delicacies were prepared by chef Kori Sutton, the sous chef at BOCADOSSTK, one of Puerto Vallarta’s leading restaurants and part of Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa.
Sutton has more than 10 years’ experience in all facets of cooking including tenures at Vallarta’s renowned restaurant Café des Artistes.
While at the three-day event, Sutton offered to guests, Tomatillo Gazpacho with Mezcal, Lime Grilled Shrimp Season with toasted Gaujillo Chill Sea salt, Platano Macho Gorditas topped with Gaujillo Chili Rub Pork and Mango Confit, Baby watercress with Grilled Scallops, Aguachile Cream and Escabache Shallots showcasing the many flavors found in the dishes of Puerto Vallarta.
Gastronomy is an integral part of Puerto Vallarta where Saint Pascual Bailon, the Patron Saint of cooks is a fixture in its infrastructure with a bronze statue of him is part of the destination’s waterfront boardwalk, the Malecon.
The statue is engraved with the winners of the San Pascual awards, inspired by a Franciscan Friar and been give out since 2008 during Restaurant Week, held every year, during the last two weeks of May. The 2012 recipients were chefs Guillermo González Beristaín, José Ramón Castillo and Juan Ramón Cárdenas Cantú.
In November of every year, Puerto Vallarta embraces its culinary scene with the annual International Gourmet Festival. Taking place from November 8-10, the 10-day festival features 30 guest master chefs and participating restaurants offering special Chef’s Table and Winemaker dinners as well as cooking demonstrations, gourmet safaris, and cheese, wine and tequila tastings.
During the month of March, visitors to Puerto Vallarta can enjoy the Vallarta Wine Fest, a yearly event that brings wines from Mexico, South America and beyond. Participating restaurants across Puerto Vallarta offer wine tasting and matching inside and out of their establishments some even provide outside entertainment. Visit www.puertovallarta.com.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for more news out of Mexico.