Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The esteemed International Gourmet Festival has inaugurated its twenty-eighth iteration, continuing from November 9 through to the 19th, spanning across 31 distinguished restaurants in Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit and Tepic. Since its inception, the festival has become a beacon for gastronomic excellence, drawing in over 700 chefs from around the globe and captivating close to 700,000 visitors, earning its prestige as one of Mexico’s most illustrious culinary events.
The grand opening ceremony was hosted at the Garza Blanca Hotel, with a gathering of 31 acclaimed local chefs alongside an equal number of international culinary figures. They showcased a tantalizing preview of the dishes to be savored at each of the 31 participating venues.
Notables such as Susana Rodríguez, director of the North Coast’s Administrative Unit (UNIRSE), Luis Villaseñor, director of Puerto Vallarta’s Trust for Tourism Promotion, and Christian Preciado Cázares, the municipal director of Tourism, graced the event with their presence.
This year’s edition boasts a rich schedule with 13 exclusive events, kicking off with the “Grand Gourmet Village” and spanning to the finale with a “Picnic under Las Parotas” in Tepic, hosted by renowned eateries Loma 42 and Emiliano. Highlights include the “Wine Festival” at Los Muertos Pier, the “Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Safari,” and the “Night of the Stars,” culminating in the “Noche de Fuego.”
A standout event is slated for the 17th, dedicated to the LGBT+ community, featuring a gourmet dinner that underscores the festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The festival’s legacy, initiated 27 years ago by chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize, aimed at elevating the gourmet experience. Maintaining tradition, each restaurant extends an invitation to a culinary celebrity, ensuring a showcase of extraordinary talent.
As the festival unfolds, connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike will indulge in the unique flavors and culinary craftsmanship that make the International Gourmet Festival a cornerstone of Mexico’s gastronomic culture.
