Eating my way through paradise…at the International Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta (Part 1)

By on November 25, 2014

 If you can imagine bliss that comes in the form of tantalizing and exquisite dishes that make you ooze and crave for more…all in the backdrop of paradise, then Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the destination that should definitely be on your radar to visit and experience.
I had the privilege of covering many events during the 20th Anniversary celebration of the International Gourmet Festival held every year in November in Eden’s surroundings, the beautiful landscape of Puerto Vallarta. This ten day culinary excursion brings both national and international chefs to Puerto Vallarta to share their expertise with the talented chefs from some of the finest restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay. The Gourmet festival transformed Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic into a Mecca for all gourmet enthusiasts to enjoy and partake in.

Knowing that my epicurean adventure was waiting for me, I first had to leave my freshly snowed Canadian home to jet set to the warm climate of Puerto Vallarta. Leaving the cold air that was once nipping at me was not by any means a hard thing to do, I welcomed the hot tropical air that was waiting for me in seventh heaven. By seventh heaven, I am referring to the beautiful accommodations that I was treated too. Casa Tres Vidas (the house of three lives) is an enclave of three stunning beachfront villas located in the heart of Mexico’s Pacific Riviera, located mere minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Casa Tres Vidas treated me like royalty; from their luxurious accommodations with views of the ocean that only dreams can think of and imagine….to my favorite: a personal chef that would start your day on the right foot with refreshing and hearty breakfasts all cooked-to-order.
The splendid view from outside
Casa Tres Vidas
Relaxing oasis right outside my room,
the sunsets were breathtaking!
Chef Eduardo making my favorite: eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict: great fuel for the busy days ahead 
 The Gourmet Festival started the ten day festivities with a bang! The Westin Hotel and Spa Resort hosted the Gourmet Village Grand Opening for hundreds of wine and food lovers alike. The outdoor venue was the perfect way for many food lovers to meet their favorite local and international chef(s) as they cooked up some of their delectable signature dishes in the very humid temperatures that Puerto Vallarta was having that evening. The soirée was one of hot proportions – food, weather and guests were all muy caliente!
Anticipating the nights festivities at the Gourmet Village
Grand Opening at the Westin Hotel & Spa Resort
The flow of people kept coming to the Grand Opening.
Amazing vibe!
Guest Chef Sebastian Renner Hamdan
with his signature dish: Salt cured bass
Salt cured bass, avocado, basil, Serrano pepper &
passion fruit vinaigrette
More food, more cooking and more heat, especially from
those grills stationed almost everywhere.
All part of the experience!
It wouldn’t be Mexico without Tequila being present.
Patron Tequila was a main sponsor for the festival
Need I say anything here?!
Ham like no other: simply melted in your mouth!
Oysters on my trip were a hit. Be it here at the
festival or on the beach.

 

Guest Chef Carlos Gaytan
(1st Mexican chef to get a Michelin Star)
with his signature dish: Braised Pork Belly
Braised pork belly with sweet yellow potato purée,
mole from Teloloapan, fried artichokes and coconut
The evening was not only about the food, but it was also an opportunity to welcome and give thanks to both guests chefs and participating local chefs for being part of this food festival. The ‘Three Musketeers’ as they are known, who created and joined forces to come up with this unique foodie experience; Chef Roland Menetrey, Chef Thierry Blouet and Chef Heinz Reize were all on stage to give out the evenings awards. It was great to see such mentors having pride in their very successful event!
Chef Roland Menetrey, Chef Thierry Blouet and
Chef Heinz Reize (left to right)

History on the International Gourmet Festival 

“Twenty years of avant-garde and evolution of local gastronomy. It was march of 1995 since the first meeting between Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize, which led to the idea of promoting Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant and excellent restaurants on the world stage. The 10-day festival was meant to highlight Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomy on the local and international scene. It has exceeded those goals.

The original format has remained unchanged: each host restaurant collaborates with a guest chef, but the number of selected participants has grown to over 30 in the last few years, with noted international chefs lining up for an invitation to participate. Consider their benefits: cooking in some of the world’s best restaurants, in a tropical paradise, for an enthusiastic and educated clientele!

The incorporation in 2000 of Chef Roland Menetrey as an associate, and the extension of the event to the Riviera Nayarit and Tepic, allowed the festival even more intense to boost fine dining. Today the festival is billed as the best gastronomic event in the country and also one of the most important on the continent. To the extent that the Gourmet Festival has gained in maturity, featuring several of the most renowned chefs in the world, the festival also introduced to several of the most promising stars of the national cuisine.

The festival’s reputation has allowed Epicurean widen Mexico and extend the impeccable credentials of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit and Tepic. But most important of all, it has provided an opportunity to honor you with the best gourmet experiences the world has to offer.”

What an incredible start for this culinary festival. The people, the food and the entire ambiance of this gastronomic affair was simply stellar and I couldn’t wait to see what else was in store for me!
My Gourmet Festival experiences were just beginning…stay tuned!
FT

You may also like

The perfect marriage - garlic escargots and @moetchandon Ice Imperial Champagne 🍾 🥂😍😍

If you haven't had the pleasure of tasting this incredibly refreshing Champagne, then I'd suggest you do it and do it now!! You'll thank me for it😉😋

What is unique about this Champagne is the fact that it was created to be served over ice, hence its name - Ice Imperial. It is the perfect accompaniment to any dish or simply alone...sheer perfection!!

Here's to more 'occasions' or 'simply because' 😉

Cheers🥂

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #champagne #champagnelover #icechampagne #moet #moetchandon #anyoccasion #justbecause #escargot #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario
"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70

It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L'Ordre du Mérite Agricole. 

This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor. 
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑‍🍳

Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine 

A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩

#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef
The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩

Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.

● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️

Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel! 

#foodblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #weddingvenue #ottawa #championshipgolfcourse #golfcourse #curated #awardwinning #getaway #ottawawedding #ottawaweddings #travelwriter #ottawaweddingmagazine #published #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #tmacontario
Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.

Follow Us On Instagram