Archive for the ‘Gourmet’ Category

RIVERA MAYA GOURMET – XOCOLATIER

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Playa Del Carmen as many international food lovers know has become one of the gourmet destinations of Mexico. Now as a new concept the Xocolatier restaurant is offering a new hang out cafe to enjoy breakfast or lunch. With a very modern and unique design, the ambience is such that you feel a combination of a modern city blend with the caribbean way of living.

Just a few blocks from the beach located on 5th ave and 38th the corner of VIA 38 new plaza. The food dishes include benedit eggs, bagels, gourmet omelets, paninis, salads, desserts and a wide variety of fresh juice, smoothies and coffee.

Once you try Xocolatier you will find it to be not just breakfast and coffee shop but you may find that becoming a regular there wont be so hard and Yes! its one of the very few places in Playa with Air conditioner Try the deserts or grab a beer if the climate is too hot for coffee. If you come to Playa Del Carmen be sure to make a stop at Xocolatier.

Riviera Maya Gourmet – Our Months Choice

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Babe’s Noodles and Bar, established in 2000, is a Swedish owned Restaurant and Bar with specialty Thai noodles and a mixed European kitchen. The bar makes the best mojitos, blueberry daiquiris, margaritas, smoothies and juices. Everything is freshly prepared at the time you order.

Babe’s has TWO great restaurant locations to serve you in Playa del Carmen! One, in the center of town, just off Playa’s famous 5th Avenue. The other, in the fast growing and very popular North end of town, right on 5th Avenue.

Combined with delicious eats, the funky decor featuring pin-up girls and barbie dolls, as well as personal attention from the owners, this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss!

Babe’s Noodles and Bar is a restaurant that is passionate about food. Our executive chef has devised a menu of contemporary cuisine we like to call Euro-Thai Fusion. Dishes, including vegetarian and seafood, are freshly prepared with premium ingredients and all cocktails are handmade to order.

There are two Babe’s Noodles and Bar restaurants open for lunch and dinner in Playa del Carmen. Each has a unique personality and charm, but both deliver the same high quality and service.

Babe’s combines great food and drink with fun and relax

ation. We offer fresh, healthy, quality products at an affordable price, which makes these Playa del Carmen restaurants a favorite.

WE HAVE BABE’S IN TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Babe’s Noodles and Bar

Calle 10 between 5th and 10 Avenue

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

+52 984 120 2592

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Babe’s Noodles and Bar

5th Avenue between Calle 28 and 30

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

+ 52 984 803 0056

Riviera Maya Gourmet – Our months choice

Friday, April 29th, 2011

La Bodeguita Del Medio

You may have heard that American writer Ernest Hemingway drank his way around much of the world, but when he lived and wrote in Havana, Cuba, the Mojito was his drink of choice and his favourite watering hole was the humble little boite, La Bodeguita del Medio (the little shop in the middle). Nowadays, La BdelM as it’s known for short, is an almost-obligatory stop-over for either Hemingway fans, visiting artists and writers, and of course, curious tourists from all over the globe.

The joy of the Caribbean and the magical flavor of the mojitos which transport those who drink them to the picturesque street of the Old Havana quarter, come to life with the smell of tobacco which seems to dance to the rhythm of Cuban. La Bodeguita Del Medio was founded in 1942 by his host Angel Martinez, it arrived in Mexico by the hand of Grupo Son Restaurantero, who from its begginings to the present, has maintained all the values that distinguish this museum-bar-restaurant in high, as unique in its class and one of the most famous in the world. It is visited by personalities from around the world: state leaders, Novel prize winners, wirters, movie stars, musicians, singers, the nobility sports stars, and important business people, as well as wonderful people like yourself.

The Mojito (as inspired by Havana’s Bodeguita del Medio’s Version):

Ingredients-

  • 2 or 3 sprigs of fresh, good quality mint
  • 3 tbsp of fresh lime (or lemon and lime) juice
  • 1 ½ oz of light or amber (preferably) rum
  • 2 tsp of demerara sugar
  • Chilled Club Soda or Seltzer

Method:

In a tall, thin (ideally chilled) glass, muddle the mint (you can use a fork but don’t flake or cut up the mint, a pestle works best) in the glass. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Top with lots of ice, add rum, a swizzle stick (or thin piece of cane to really add some tropical heat to your cocktail) and mix. Top off with the club soda or seltzer, add a slice of lime and enjoy on a hot summer’s day (or night)!

Come and enjoy the Cuban Chicken, home made rice and beans or try the Tamarind Shrimp. Salsa Clases every thursday.

NEW LOCATION

La Bodeguita was moved recently from Paseo Del Carmen Plaza to 34th Street and famous 5th ave.

Reservations Call 984 803 3950

Visit http://www.labodeguitadelmedio.com.mx

1st Wine Festival Mexican Riviera Maya March 9th – 12th 2011

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Reposted from our friends at www.American-Development.com

More than 80 wine labels, expert presentations, tastings and pairings will be presented at exclusive hotels and restaurants in Can Cun-Tulum corridor.Expected to be an event of great impact in the country since the presentation was attended by over 1000 people and different wine house St. Thomas, Monte Xanic, Casa Pedro Domecq and Casa Madero who offered a tasting of more than 20 labels of their best wines accompanied by an excellent combination of sandwiches offered by La Cava de Xcaret, were the delight of those present.

During the festival, homes wine available to the audience about 80 different labels of their wines with a series of conferences, lectures, tastings and pairings designed and conducted by the winemakers and wine houses and Hugo Acosta Laura Zamora to name a few.The restaurants “ambassadors” who are members of the festival, will house the home of wine and food pairing with chefs made exclusive but open to all at affordable prices for the entire community, “said Menu exclusively for Mr. Francis Brown CEO Xcaret Park.

Martin Ruiz Cuevas vice president of the Hotel Association of the Riviera Maya said “it is important that the Mexican wine staying in our hotels and restaurants to be part of the culture and thus support the home production of wine in Mexico. This will be done in parallel in the 163 hotels that are grouped together in our partnership and integrate this effort with training, with knowledge and commercial link with the houses that we visit today, wine is a new culture and have to support it. ”
This type of event is important for Mexico after oil since the second income is tourism and this is part of the cuisine.

On the other hand, he representatives of the various wine houses commented that a festival like this can help raise different problems: “One of the things we face is malinchismo unfortunately when we do promotion, in restaurants, Mexican wine, prefer in his letters Chilean wines, French, Argentine and not looking for a domestic wine. What we’re trying to do is to have a menu of Mexican wine in restaurants in this country, “said marketing director Claudia Bernal St. Thomas home. The idea of such events is to bring the wine to people and try to demystify it as issues related to prices, because even though prices are low or high, there is a very good relationship between price and quality.

The first annual Mexican Wine Festival will take place March 9th – 12th at the The Royal resort in Playa del Carmen. The festival will include conferences & workshops, wine tastings, and cultural events. More than 50 wine labels from 13 different Mexican wine houses will be presented.

Facebook Event Page

PROGRAM

Wednesday March 9, 2011
* Inauguration Ceremony
5th Avenue & Calle 38, 7pm
Wine tasting, bottle music (using wine bottles), trio of musicians, and art exhibition.

Thursday March 10 & Friday, March 11, 2011
* Series of conferences, workshops and tastings
The Royal, 9am-6pm
Winemakers, sommeliers, opinion leaders, wine consultants, wine marketing advisors, experts, journalists such as Laura Zamora, Rene Renteria, Hugo Dacosta, Pilar Mere, among others bring invaluable knowledge to share through more than 40 conferences, workshops and training.

* Wine Pairings at Ambassador Restaurants
13 different restaurants, 8-10pm
Food & wine pairings will be offered at 13 different restaurants, combining the knowledge of the restaurant’s chef and the wine house’s sommelier. The cost will be standard at all restaurants, 600 pesos, and will be limited to 30 people per restaurant. Reservations through the restaurant are recommended. The restaurants are as follows.

Asiana
El Bistro
Blue Lobster
Byblos
Casa del Agua
Cava Veinte 33
Cocina 38
La Cueva del Chango
Frida at Grand Velas resort
Madre Tierra
El Puerto at Fairmont Mayakoba
Sur
Yaxche

Saturday, March 12
* Keynote Speaker & Roundtable
Xcaret, 10am
Mexican wine personalities, wineries, distributors, and consumers will discuss the theme “The future of Mexican wine in Mexico. ”

* Harvest Night
La Hacienda Henequenera at Xcaret, 7pm
The 13 wineries will surprise us at this authentic hacienda with the winning wines and new releases for 2011. Sensory tastings and blind tastings are some of the activities you will enjoy. A gala night, full of music and dance.

Riviera Maya Gourmet – Our Months Choice

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

LA PIOLA PLAYA DEL CARMEN

In 1986, in the heart of Treviso, a new idea takes shape: the re-invention of the most quintessential Italian establishment: the Pizzeria, that idea is now a wonderful reality called Piola.

The success achieved in Italy by Piola has started to spread around the world: Piola’s quality is now sought after by discriminating and trend-setting international clientele in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Turkey and coming soon Honduras.

At Piola, the most genuine Italian tradition of simple and delicious food combines cleverly with a particular service and ambiance for the demanding and modern customer, who chooses Piola aware of the fact that feeling comfortable is as important as eating well. People from all walks of life and backgrounds meet and gather at Piola, since they are sure to find their own space in an atmosphere that balances freedom and well being with good taste.

Piola’s cuisine is rigorously Italian: Simple and healthy. Piola’s pizza is thin-crust and well cooked, but above all, Piola’s pizza menu is very creative: the classic Italian pizzas are flanked by many other creations, all delicious and original.

But Piola is more, much more:

Piola opens its doors to culture, hosting film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions and many other social and artistic activities.

Piola also becomes an editor and publisher: Piola’s magazine embodies all that Piola brings to its international customers on a daily basis. Thirty-five thousand copies of a fourty eight page, full color, yearly magazine, written in Italy and translated in 4 languages.

Piola in Playa Del Carmen offers a very quiet and romantic location on the VIA 38 Plaza between 5th ave and the beach.

For more information visit http://www.piola.it/

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – TASTE OF PLAYA

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

November 26, 2010 – Playa del Carmen, Mexico – On Sunday, November 21, 2010, 43 of the Riviera Maya’s most talented chefs, restaurateurs, beverage purveyors and specialty food merchants gathered in the Parque Fundadores, just steps from the beaches of Playa del Carmen, to present their signature dishes and culinary creations to over 7000 local residents and visitors to the popular Mexican Caribbean city.

“The event far exceeded our expectations this year!” reported event Chairperson Nicola Inwood. “The small businesses who made up the participants in both the restaurant and marketplace areas truly reflected the international influences that make up the modern Riviera Maya.” The local restaurants, bars and food retailers represented this year offered truly world class dishes for food lovers from across the globe who came to enjoy the Caribbean sun and experience the best of traditional Mexican and international cuisine.

The Travel Channel’s Mark DeCarlo was the celebrity host of this culinary festival and worked through the crowd talking with guests, meeting the participants and sponsors and signing copies of his new book, “A Fork on the Road, 400 Cities One Stomach”. A popular new attraction for the Taste of Playa 2010 event was the cooking demonstration area. Throughout the day, Mr. DeCarlo hosted a series of informative and humorous demonstrations of regional dishes with Chefs from the region. These presentations attracted quite a crowd and added a new level of fun to an already exciting day.

The members of the Volunteer Executive Committee are pleased to be able to make a significant charitable contribution to the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen, the beneficiary of this year’s event proceeds and are already making plans for 2011. Following the overwhelming success of this year’s event, Corporate Sponsors have been eager to commit their support and restaurants that were unable to secure a spot for this year have started to sign on early for Taste of Playa 2011.

Taste of Playa is a community-focused culinary event that celebrates the creativity and diverse cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. Taste of Playa 2010 will take place on November 21, 2010, in Playa del Carmen’s Parque Fundadores. The event is open to the public, with tickets and all-inclusive VIP passes available for sale on the official event website http://www.tasteofplaya.com/. Proceeds from the event will go to a food education program initiated by the Rotary Club in Playa del Carmen that will directly benefit the children and families of the Riviera Maya. Photos from the event are available.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/tasteofplaya

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

CENACOLO

Cenacolo Ristorante Italiano, without a question the best Italian restaurant in town, introduces itself as an ambassador of Italian traditions. After arriving to Mexico, Amati family founded Cenacolo in 1988 in Cancun with the purpose to offer the pleasure and taste of traditional Italian food and wine. Now since 2010 Cenacolo is open in Playa Del Carmen’s Little Italy

Two main aspects distinguish Cenacolo, hospitality and fine dining. Since the restaurant is administered and served by its Italian owners, food and wine are always under rigorous supervision. For instance, following the best Italian culinary traditions, Cenacolo serves handmade pasta using the finest products. The recipes have passed from generation to generation showing respect for ancestral traditions and warrantying outstanding gastronomic experiences.

Dining at Cenacolo is not only a gastronomic experience, but also a cultural journey where modern italian philosophy is reflected in every single detail. This philosophy can be perceived, sensed and experienced.

Your sense of taste will allow you feel the connection between the vibrations of the Earth and the hands that have knowledge to transform natural produce into delicious dishes. This ancient knowledge, learned and developed through time, is precisely the great legacy of this noble gastronomy.

Giving yourself the oportunity to experience Italian food at Cenacolo will open your world to new dimension of pleasure and desire to live a new life.

Cenacolo will guide your senses along the way, projecting itself toward the future without leaving its roots behind.

See the MENU

Located on 5th ave and 28th Street

Reservations 984- 873-3292

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

LA AZOTEA – By El Punto

Something was missing in the unique panorama of Playa del Carmen. This cosmopolitan tourist trap for visitors worldwide and of all generations is a point of attraction not only due to the history surrounding the Mayan ruins, but also for its gorgeous beaches. Playa del Carmen was missing the spirit of LA AZOTEA.

Contemporary, minimalist and distinguished, LA AZOTEA Bar & Tapas, has become THE place to share extraordinary experiences. Always accompanied by the most spectacular view of the ocean, the best selection of music and an attentive staff who make sure our clients are never in need.

Service is the motto at LA AZOTEA.

We are certain you will love our restaurant bar that serves Spanish delicacies with a Mexican edge in an energetic and centrally located environment.

How to arrive to EL PUNTO Hotel from Cancun International Airport. Total distance is approximately 68km.

After exiting the airport, take the right lane towards Carretera Federal where there is a sign indicating “Playa del Carmen 68km”. It will take you approximately 40 to 45 minutes to get to Playa del Carmen. Upon arrival you must turn left on Av. Constituyentes. You must continue straight until 15th Avenue, where you will turn right. Then continue until 8th street and turn left. Remain on this street until you come upon 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida), where you will find EL PUNTO Hotel.

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

YAXCHE AUTHENTIC MAYAN CUISINE

Yaxche (pronounced jag-shey) Maya cuisine restaurant is located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We serve the Maya culinary art in a unique style. Dining at Yaxche will be a quest into the Mayan World where you will find the flavors of the region in a unique environment that combines both ancient and cosmopolitan elements.

The owners inherited a strong affinity for the Mayan from their ancestors. They dreamed of introducing people to the Mayan through their cuisine. Yaxche Maya cuisine Restaurant is the fulfillment of that dream.

The restaurant

The main dining room in the lower deck has air conditioning and broad windowpanes that allow the sunlight in. It is decorated with Mayan paintings, mixing the ancient with the most modern displays. In the upper deck the dining area is at a terrace, with wooden floors and a sophisticated atmosphere. The whole deck faces the luxurious 5th avenue. You can come for lunch of dinner, or have a typical drink at the bar such as “Mayarita”.

Events

The restaurant is available for special events like rehearsal dinners, weddings, conferences and private parties. We can also plan surprises for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries or other special occasions.

How it all begun

Inspiration: The grandfather: Don Andrés Hernandez.

Don Andres Hernandez took all these photos. He lived in Merida, the cultural center of the Yucatan. When he moved to Merida from Cuba, the local Mayan fascinated him.

Throughout the 1930’s to the early 80’s he traveled the Yucatan peninsula talking to the Mayan and learning their language and history. Along the way, he visited ruins of Mayan religious and governmental centers.

Some of these had only recently been discovered by archeologists, and were not often seen by anyone other than ranging Mayan hunters.

Don Andres, known as ‘The Cuban’ to friends and travelers, passed on his interest and respect for the Mayan culture to his grandson, Ramon Lizaola. It was him who began to dream about bringing a bit of Mayan culture to the outside world through a restaurant serving Maya cuisine.

Yaxche Maya Cuisine Restaurant is dedicated to memory of Don Andres. Rest in Peace. IN LAK ECH – Abuelo (I’m another you).

Extracted from http://www.mayacuisine.com

RIVIERA MAYA GOURMET – OUR MONTHS CHOICE

Friday, July 9th, 2010

FUSION

Enjoy the calm ocean breeze and fantastic view from Fusion restaurant and bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea while dining on international fusion cuisine and luscious tropical drinks. The chefs use only the freshest local ingredients. Fresh caught fish, traditional Mexican specialties and tasty sandwiches are some examples from the menu. You can relax under the palapas on one of the beach beds or hammocks and enjoy great service with a unique blend of drink and food.

The Fusion Hotel is popular with both tourists and locals. The cheeseburger is often referred to as the ‘best burger in Playa.’ After dark, the beachside bar turns into a romantic beach lounge lit by rustic oil lanterns. To complete the mood, you will find live music that’s easy on the ears as you relax by the sea. It is without a doubt one of the most romantic settings in Playa del Carmen.

SUNSET SHOWS

Reggae or Rock!

NIGHT SHOWS

Jazz and Blues
Reggae en Espanol

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Salsa and Latin Party

FIRE  SHOW

After 11 PM

The Fusion Restaurant in Playa del Carmen is very easy to find at the end of Calle 6 – 6th Street – where it meets the beach. On foot, walk up or down the 5th Avenue pedestrian mall to Sixth and turn towards the beach. When the street turns to sand, look on the left.

Source: http://www.fusionhotelmexico.com