Meet The Chefs Of "The Best Of Mexico Riviera Maya" (Slideshow)
Chef Carlos Gaytan, Guerrero
Chef Carlos Gaytan was named "Chef of the Year" in 2011 by the American Culinary Federation. He created a revolution in Mexican gastronomy with his Chicago restaurant Mexique, which has been celebrated with a Michelin star and awards from Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano, Guadalajara
Chef Francisco "Paco" Ruano began his culinary journey in Spanish Basque Country at the Escuela de Cocina Luis Irizar, then throughout Europe in some of the best restaurants in the world, such as Spain's Mugaritz and El Celler de Can Roca, and Noma in Denmark. In 2013, he opened Alcalde restaurant, widely considered one of the best in Guadalajara's exciting new dining scene.
Chef Mikel Alonso, Mexico City
Chef Mikel Alonso's restaurant, Biko, is regularly named among the world's 50 Best Restaurants. Under executive chef Xavi Perez Stone ("Best Chef in Mexico" 2013 and winner of "Iron Chef 2014") and alongside chef Bruno Oteiza, Alonso created the singular menu at Grand Velas' Cocina de Autor, the first all-inclusive restaurant to earn Five Diamonds from AAA. Food & Wine also named it among the world's "100 Best New Food & Drink Experiences."
Chef Ricardo de la Vega, Mexico City
Chef Ricardo de la Vega's passion for the culinary arts has taken him to leading Mexican hotels and restaurants in Puebla, Oaxaca, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. As executive chef of Frida in Grand Velas Riviera Maya, he focuses on modern explorations of Mexico's culinary riches.
Chef Zahie Téllez, Mexico City
Chef Zahie Téllez's culinary style blends her love for Mexican and Italian cuisine, enriched by her Lebanese and Mazatec roots. She's greatly admired for her cooking skills as demonstrated for six seasons on television's "El Gourmet," as well as her popular restaurant, Jose Guadalupe Platos de Cuchara.