Riviera Nayarit Focuses on Food in August

Image: PHOTO: Get your fill of authentic dishes in Riviera Nayarit. (photo via rez-art/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Get your fill of authentic dishes in Riviera Nayarit. (photo via rez-art/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Wed June 27, 2018

Foodies, take note. Gastronomy is taking center stage in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, this August.

Various gastronomic events will highlight the growing culinary culture of one of Mexico's Pacific treasures.

"This August is the ideal time to visit Riviera Nayarit for gourmands and 'epicurious' novices alike. The Punta Mita Beach Festival and The Masters of the Kitchen Culinary Fest showcase the very best of our local cuisine, unique within each of our various beach towns," said Marc Murphy, managing director of Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Regardless of the time of year, the region's diverse cuisine, skilled chefs and award-winning restaurants truly set Riviera Nayarit apart from other destinations," Murphy added. "The eclectic allure of Riviera Nayarit comes to life via our gastronomy. Visitors from all walks of life, palates, and budgets will find something appealing regardless of which of the many beach towns complete with diverse hotels and exciting restaurants they choose to experience."

The sixth annual Punta Mita Beach Festival rolls into town August 4-5, 2018. The family-friendly event brings sports and gastronomy to the luxury community.

For those into high-end dining, the Masters of the Kitchen Culinary Fest immediately follows, August 8-11, 2018. The event is overseen by the Food Network's Penny Davidi and will celebrate the region's diverse cuisines, providing visitors the opportunity to sample culinary delights at fine restaurants strung along the coast and discover some of the world's best chefs and mixologists.

In addition to culinary festivals, a line-up of fine cuisine is sure to further entice foodies visiting the region.

The casual beach town of Sayulita offers authentic taquerias such as the acclaimed El Itacate, known for cooking demonstrations and variety of vegan options. Seafood lovers can head to Tierra Viva for locally caught fresh fish served in soups, moles and grilled meats.

Some of Mexico's most acclaimed dining experiences are currently located in Punta de Mita. Visitors can try Spice Market at the W Hotel or the Carolina Restaurant at St. Regis Punta Mita Resort for high-end dining options.

Families also have a selection of fine cuisine in the area. Known for its family-friendly resorts, Nueva Vallarta is home to some fun dining for larger groups, such as El Barracuda located next to the marina or Nick-San Restaurant at Marival Residences & World Spa, which serves up Japanese fusion dishes.

Riviera Nayarit also has its own culinary ambassador, celebrity chef Betty Vazquez. Vazquez has been a judge on the Mexican edition of "Master Chef," and boasts a robust career spanning nearly four decades where she has championed the gastronomy of the region.

The future of the Riviera Nayarit's dining culture also looks bright as more high-end culinary options are on the way with the Four Seasons scheduled to open the much-anticipated Dos Catrinas.


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