Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week May 15-31, 2015
Festival Gourmet International Nov 16-22, 2015
Vallarta not only has natural beauty and fabulous beaches to entice you; it is one of the top culinary destinations in Mexico.
Twice a year the local restaurateurs celebrate their best with Restaurant Week in May and a Gourmet Festival in November.
The list of must-see restaurants is so long, you will need days to discover them all. Innovative menus, artistic presentation and casual elegance are just a few of the key words used when describing Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Restaurant Week is hosted by Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles magazine. This popular event takes place annually in the last two weeks of May. The area’s top restaurants offer their best-selling menu items at discounted prices; three-course meals range from $15-25 usd ($199 to $299 pesos). Needless to say, this much anticipated event is wildly popular with the local social set. For visitors, the weather in May is still pleasant, the ocean is warm enough for swimming and value season rates have begun at the vacation villas.
Click here to view menus from Restaurant Week 2014
The Festival Gourmet International in November is a world class event. The brain child of Thierry Blouet, local restauranteur extraordinaire, this week-long “wine and dine” party celebrates cuisine as an art form. Master Chefs from all over the world are brought in to mix it up in Puerto Vallarta. Progressive dinners, workshops, wine and tequila pairings, chef demos, plus a festive opening night gala called the “Gran Gourmet Village” with live music and fireworks. This unique food festival package also provides a rare glimpse behind the kitchen door; guests not only interact with the culinary artists at table but around the stove. Tickets available for the entire program or select events; some of the theme nights at various restaurants simply require a reservation.
Festival Gourmet XXI
Nov 16-22, 2015
PROGRAM
MONDAY 16
Gran Gourmet Village
Celebrate with all the master chefs and festival hosts. The first opportunity to meet and mingle with the visiting and local chefs and savor their culinary skills at the various ‘gourmet islands’ while enjoying select Wines, Tequilas and Beer. A festive party with live orchestra and fireworks.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: To be confirmed.
TUESDAY 17
Progressive Dinner
Visit four different restaurants for each course. The four Master Chefs join you afterwards to talk about your experiences.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Sapphire Ocean Club, Coco Tropical, Kaiser Maximilian y Café des Artistes.
WEDNESDAY 18
Culinary Art Demo
Workshop, wine pairing and luncheon with four high caliber chefs
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Café des Artistes.
Theme night at Kaiser Maximilian
Discover the culinary heritage of our guest chef through the chef’s table. An exquisite gourmet dinner, select wines and spirits, great ambiance and live music create a memorable evening.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Kaiser Maximilian.
THURSDAY 19
Wine and cheese Calypso Party
Taste fine wines at a Cérémonie de Fromages with Calypso music by the Bob Transen quartet.
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort.
Tequila Fascination – Patrón at Café Des Artistes
Experience an enjoyable evening with creative gourmet appetizers and specialties from the traditional house of tequila Patron.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Café Des Artistes.
FRIDAY 20
Talk with Great Masters of the Kitchen
Ideas and experiences are discussed with a panel moderated by Chef Thierry Blouet.
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Place: Universidad Tecnológica de Bahía de Banderas.
Kitchen Fiesta
Recognized guest master chefs and local chefs welcome you into their kitchens, where delicacies will be served directly from sizzling pans. This unique party includes live music, fine wines and spirits, and a spectacular dessert buffet at the end of the night.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: To be confirmed.
Theme night at Trio
Discover the culinary heritage of our guest chef through the chef’s table. An exquisite gourmet dinner, select wines and spirits, great ambiance and live music create a memorable evening.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Trio Restaurant.
SATURDAY 21
Olé Paella
A paella feast and spectacular show like no other. Enjoy all the trappings of a Spanish gourmet luncheon prepared in front of guests, including world-famous Jabugo ham and excellent wines.
Time: 1:00 pm
Place: To be confirmed.
Little Switzerland – Theme Night at Coco Tropical
Discover the culinary heritage of our guest chef through the chef’s table. An exquisite four-course menu featuring Swiss cuisine, wine pairings, live music and an Alpine theme.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Coco Tropical Restaurant.
SUNDAY 22
Fiesta Del Mar
Seafood buffet prepared by all the top chefs with live music in a tropical environment.
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00 pm
Place: To be confirmed.
Theme night at Sapphire Ocean Club
Discover the culinary heritage of our guest chef through the chef’s table. An exquisite gourmet dinner, select wines and spirits, great ambiance and live music creates a memorable evening.
Time: 8:00 pm
Place: Sapphire Ocean Club