FESTIVAL HISTORY

13 years ago the lively conversation between Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes, Heinz Reize of Hotel Krystal and Silvan Müller of Nestlé, led to the idea of promoting Puerto Vallarta's vibrant and excellent restaurants on a world stage. The ten day festival was originated to enrich the profile of Puerto Vallarta's gastronomic scene locally and internationally, in the past thirteen years, it has more than exceeded both those goals.

The first Festival was held November 18th to 26th, 1995 with six five star hotels and six independent restaurants participating, each with an invited guest chef. This original format has not changed – each host restaurant collaborates with an invited chef, although the number of participants now numbers over 20 each year, with noted international chefs lining up for an invitation to participate. Consider the benefits – cooking in some of the world's best restaurants in a tropical paradise for an enthusiastic and educated diner!

The incorporation in 2000 of Chef Roland Menetrey as an associate and a recent name change of Festival Gourmet International Mexico, Puerto Vallarta – Rivera Nayarit` has prompt further growth and participation. The Festival has been named Puerto Vallarta's Best Established Event by Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine, and Food Industry News writer Valerie Miller says, "This Festival showcases Puerto Vallarta as the world class dining destination it really is.

As Festival Gourmet has matured, it has attracted some of the top names in global gastronomy. Internationally acclaimed Chef Anton Mosimann, distinguished guest chef in 2003, has received an appointment from Queen Elizabeth II as an "Officer of the British Empire" ,he was twice winner of the world gold medal of the “ Toque d’Or “, and is the proprietor of London's Club Mosimann. As well as featuring some of the most recognized chefs in global gourmet, some of the world's most promising rising stars have been also on the bill.

Chef Gerald Dupont, President of the Academie Culinaire de France is an annual guest his teachings are without secrecy. Also Chef Patricia Quintana, the "first lady" of Mexican cuisine brought her sophisticated style of Mexican gourmet to the festival in 2002.

Festival Gourmet has also, introduced exciting new aspects to the original concept. Chef's Table and Winemaker dinners, Tequila tasting, wine and cheese events, and the gala dinner are all opportunities for the imagination to take flight with cooking classes offered with simultaneous translation.

Festival Gourmet celebrates the accomplishments of not only the invited guest chefs, but the local chefs who share their gourmet talents with Puerto Vallarta's guests all year long. And they have adapted new recipes and creations to maintain the culinary culture to it’s highest level.

The creative culinary power of Mexican cuisine can be seen on menus around the world. Festival Gourmet enhanced the epicurean reputation of Mexico, provided mentoring opportunities, celebrated the impeccable credentials of Puerto Vallarta's and Riviera Nayarit restaurants, and most importantly, has honored you, the guest, with the finest gourmet experiences that the world can provide.

Buen provecho!