03 Apr Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Fest 2013 Coverage (Photos)

I’ve been spending my winter months in the beautiful Riviera Maya, (purely for Luxury Branded research, of course) with the local cuisine being my top highlight. My timing was perfect too, as I found myself in Playa del Carmen for the second annual Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Fest. This is my first real trip experiencing Mexico, so the opportunity to taste the best of this country could not be missed. For the four day festival, Roz du Jour (fashion blogger/photographer and our newest team member) and I were able to attend a variety of amazing events. We took tons of photos to share, but we can’t truly express the flavours we experienced. You’ll just have to book tickets and fly down next year!

The Future of Cuisine: Star Chefs Panel

I attended an opening event for the festival which invited acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura from Italy and chef Enrique Olvera from Mexico. Both have received recognition as being two of the best chefs in the world, as well as running two of the best restaurants in the world.  The spoke on their experiences, history and the future of cuisine. In attendance were local government and tourism officials, other top chefs, representatives for the best local hotels and restaurants, local gastronomy students and other VIPs. The event took place in the scenic Xcaret Park.

Both Massimo and Enrique were both excited for the future and definitely got the crowd feeling the same way. One story that the crowd really enjoyed was Massimo’s first visit to Playa del Carmen in the 80s. Not just because of his take on the cuisine and culture at the time, but because it also included gunshots and a car chase when he visited the ruins of Chichen itza (you’ll have to ask him for the details lol).

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Taste the New World: Star Chefs of The Americas Dinner

Cooking Demos Featuring Enrique Olvera and Other Star Chefs

American Express Gourmet Tasting Village

Closing Celebration – Italy Meets Mexico