By Dawna L. Robertson
When Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit debuted its Cuisine of the Sun International Food & Wine Festival in 2016, attendees displayed their support for "seconds."
The AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort's general manager, Oliver Coupat, notes that he was overwhelmed by the outstanding performances and energetic demonstrations put on by the festival's star-studded line up. "The supreme talents of each of the chefs, sommeliers and mixologists made the five-day Cuisine of the Sun Festival a true success. And we are genuinely grateful for each of their contributions," says Coupat. "We are so happy to have been able to share it with our friends and valued guests."
Villa La Estancia will continue to elevate the Vallarta region's stellar culinary resume with an encore performance slated for April 26-29. Attesting to its appeal are not only repeat performances by many of 2016's participants, but a roster seasoned with newbies as well.
Cuisine of the Sun will showcase the talents, dishes and libations of culinary gurus from the United States and Latin America via a variety of entertaining activities designed to engage foodies from the appetizer through dessert.
Whether soaking in the expertise of stellar chefs and sommeliers during workshops, savoring flavors while attending an elegant dinner alongside famous foodies or participating in the SugarFoods-sponsored Chopped Challenge, Coupat assures that it should be a toothsome fare affair.
"Curated for the second time by Food Network celebrity chef and USFOODS culinary specialist, Penny Davidi, Cuisine of the Sun will be bringing together some of the biggest names in the food and wine industry," says Coupat.
Among those already committing to participate are:
- Chef Penny Davidi - The first ever Middle Eastern finalist in the Food Network's popular show, Food Network Star
- Gilles Epie - A two-time Michelin starred chef, expert food correspondent for the BBC, and owner and chef of Citrus Etoile in Paris
- Rahm Fama - Meat-loving host of the Food Network's Meat and Potatoes
- Chris Kyler - Food Network Star Season 10 finalist who uses his lively personality for presenting humorous presentations
- Martita Jara - Professional chef, interior designer and first generation Mexican American considered a master of Mexican flavors
- Cloyce Martin - A dedicated "child prodigy" teenage chef most famous for his role in A&E Networks' Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown
- Pat Neely - Television personality, restaurateur, author and co-owner of Neely's Bar-B-Cue restaurant in downtown Memphis
- Michel Ragussis - Food Network star and Executive Chef in seafood-oriented restaurants along the East Coast
- Davina Thomasula - Formerly listed among the Top Ten Bartenders in NYC by TimeOut
- Dakota Weiss - Executive Chef at Nine-Thirty restaurant and The Backyard at the W Westwood
Cuisine of the Sun Schedule
All rates are USD.
Wednesday, April 26
- Opening Ceremony, Cocktail and Chef's Presentations
Mingle with event stars while feasting on their unique culinary creations.
7:30pm - $70
Thursday, April 27
Chef Penny leads this complimentary competitive event pitting chefs against patrons
Noon
Held on the beach
3:30-5:00pm - $20
- Dinner at La Casona or El Patron
7:00pm - $84 and $68 respectively
Friday, April 28
A celebrity chef leads this complimentary competitive event pitting chefs against patrons
Noon
Held on the beach
3:30-5:00pm - $20
- Beach Party Dinner, Fashion Show and Rock
All chefs participate on the beach with a street ambience, superstar dishes, a DJ and a festive party mood
7:30pm - $58
Saturday, April 29
A celebrity chef leads this complimentary competitive event that pits chefs against patrons
Noon
Held on the beach
3:30-5:00pm - $20
- Closing Ceremony Dinner in the Grand Ballroom
Includes a special exhibition "Dine 'n Style" with the resort's grand chefs and world-renowned sommelier
7:00pm - $70
Special All Inclusive Rate
Avid foodies can opt for booking a Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit resort package that includes a special room rate extended to guests attending all Cuisine of the Sun sessions. For those preferring to take it one day at a time, single day packages covering shows, chef demonstrations and dinner will also be extended to resort guests and local residents for a special per-day fee.
This daily rate includes lodging and access to the Cuisine of the Sun Festival, as an a la carte, all-inclusive plan, an array of dining and entertainment options will be available to you at Villa La Estancia, including a breakfast buffet, snacks, lunch and gourmet dinner.
- One day access to the Cuisine of the Sun Festival
- Unlimited food (lobster, shrimps and prime meats are not included)
- All resort fitness and recreation facilities
- Daily access to our Tatewari Spa Hydrotherapy area (eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, Jacuzzi, shower massage, cold plunge and Swiss showers)
- Unlimited drinks
- All resort activities and entertainment
- Non-motorized water sports equipment
- All taxes and service charges
Geared to couples and families, Villa La Estancia's 250 hacienda-style accommodations are appointed with amenities include state-of-the-art kitchens where private chefs can create private dining experiences, spacious living rooms and expansive terraces.
The beachfront resort features two restaurants, Tatewari Spa, two swimming pools, three 12-person whirlpool tubs overlooking the beach and gardens, a cyber café, deli and watersports concession. For reservations, visit the Villa La Estancia website. Or call (800) 831-1191.
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