Show 248, November 18, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

View from the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resport and SpaNow a tempting preview of this Saturday’s truly International show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Hola…We’re live from the Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort and Spa on a white sandy beach in sunny Puerto Vallarta. We’re the guests of the Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort and Visit Puerto Vallarta to celebrate the 23rd Annual Festival Gourmet International. A renovation has just been completed remodeling the front entrance, check-in area and adding the already popular Ceviche & Tequila Bar with a full ocean view. Our guest is Elsa Perez, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort & Spa.

Tourism is ingrained in Puerto Vallarta’s rich history, local culture, economy and development since the late 18th century. The people of Vallarta have been working in the hospitality industry for over 150 years. The City has entire generations who have depended on the travel industry. Our guest is Javier Aranda Pedrero, The General Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board.

2017 marks twenty-three years of the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta. In 1995 Chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize (later joined by Chef Roland Menetrey) originated the idea of ​​promoting and elevating the culinary level of this region to competitive international standards, interacting with new methods and the creativity of highly qualified Chefs from around the globe. The goal of this 10-day, great party was to strengthen the gastronomy of Puerto Vallarta as an exemplary showcase and to promote the destination through the excellence of the good table. Chef Thierry Blouet of Puerto Vallarta’s acclaimed Café des Artistes joins us.

Chef Nacho Cadena is the proprietor of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated La Leche restaurant and also a goodwill ambassador for Puerto Vallarta. “We like to reinterpret the culinary tradition irreverently, making the most of local products to reinvent the menu every day, making La Leche a fun, delicious and extraordinary space to live together.” Chef Nacho Cadena joins us.

One of the best ways for a first-time visitor to truly understand and appreciate the cuisine of a city is to explore the area on a local food tour. The premier operator in Puerto Vallarta is Vallarta Food Tours. “Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.” Vallarta Food Tours’ Co-Founder Lindsay Prime is our accomplished tour guide.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show! Gracias.

Show 248, November 18, 2017: Chef Nacho Cadena, La Leche, Puerto Vallarta

Nacho CadenaChef Nacho Cadena is the proprietor of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated La Leche restaurant and also a goodwill ambassador for Puerto Vallarta.

“We like to reinterpret the culinary tradition irreverently, making the most of local products to reinvent the menu every day, making La Leche a fun, delicious and extraordinary space to live together.”

“Each one of us has a certain essence that makes this kitchen something special and unique. Our bases: surprise, contrast, difference, fun and exquisiteness.”

“With a unique, minimalist and forceful style, the interior design proposes a monochromatic atmosphere where each diner awakens their senses by interacting with stimulating plates in a space conceived as a canvas, which will be intervened by the cuisine of Chef Alfonso Cadena (Chef Nacho’s son) and his dear visitors.”

Chef Nacho Cadena, the patriarch of Le Leche, is our guest.

 

November 18: Live from Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Elsa Perez, Director of Sales & Marketing, Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort Marriott
Segment Three: Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director General, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board
Segment Four: Chef Thierry Blouet, Café des Artistes, Co-Founder – Festival Gourmet International
Segment Five: Chef Nacho Cadena, La Leche, Puerto Vallarta
Segment Six: Lindsay Prime, Founder, Vallarta Food Tours

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s International show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Festival Gourmet InternationalHola…We’re live from the Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort and Spa in sunny Puerto Vallarta. We’re the guests of Visit Puerto Vallarta to celebrate the 23rd Annual Festival Gourmet International.

2017 marks twenty-three years of the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta. In 1995 Chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize (later joined by Chef Roland Menetrey) originated the idea of ​​promoting and elevating the culinary level of this region to competitive international standards, interacting with new methods and the creativity of highly qualified Chefs from around the globe. The goal of this 10-day, great party was to strengthen the gastronomy of Puerto Vallarta as an exemplary showcase and to promote the destination through the excellence of the good table. Chef Thierry Blouet of Puerto Vallarta’s acclaimed Café des Artistes joins us.

Tourism is ingrained in Puerto Vallarta’s rich history, local culture, economy and development since the late 18th century. The people of Vallarta have been working in the hospitality industry for over 150 years. The City has entire generations who have depended on the travel industry. Our guest is Javier Aranda Pedrero, The General Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board.

Chef Fred Ruiz is the Director of Operations for Kitchens & Restaurants at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. He joined the resort 12-years ago as Executive Chef. He’s received the prestigious Culinary Excellence Award from Marriott International three times! Las Casitas at The Marriott is part of the nightly Gourmet Dine Around of the Festival Gourmet International with their Pacific Flavor Journey. We’ll meet Chef Ruiz.

Chef Nacho Cadena is the proprietor of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated La Leche restaurant and also a goodwill ambassador for Puerto Vallarta. “We like to reinterpret the culinary tradition irreverently, making the most of local products to reinvent the menu every day, making La Leche a fun, delicious and extraordinary space to live together.” Chef Nacho Cadena joins us.

One of the best ways for a first-time visitor to truly understand and appreciate the cuisine of a city is to explore the area on a local food tour. The premier operator in Puerto Vallarta is Vallarta Food Tours. “Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.” Vallarta Food Tours’ Co-Founder Paul Mayer is our accomplished tour guide.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show! Gracias.

“LOVE AND PASSION – THE SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE GOOD!”

Thierry Blouet2017 marks twenty-three years of the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta featuring the talent and creations of over 30 chefs. In 1995 Chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize (joined later by Chef Roland Menetrey) came up with the idea of ​​promoting and raising up the culinary level of this region to competitive international standards, interacting with new methods and creativity of highly qualified Chefs from around the globe. Over 500,000 gourmet food fans have attended over the years along with close to 600 participating celebrity chefs.

The goal of this 10-day, great party is to strengthen the gastronomy of Puerto Vallarta as an exemplary showcase and to promote the destination through the excellence of the good table.

It’s a full schedule of culinary activities including chef tastings events, culinary safaris, seasonal tastings and themed nights offering distinct dishes from cities from around the world. Distinguished restaurants from Puerto Vallarta’s different zones will be participating.

In addition to all the special events every night of the 9-day Festival is the Gourmet Dine Around.” Nightly each of the 27 participating Puerto Vallarta restaurants and hotels serve a special menu offering creations and delicacies crafted by their respective guest chef.

Javier Aranda PedreroTourism is ingrained in Puerto Vallarta’s rich history, local culture, economy and development since the late 18th century. The people of Vallarta have been working in the hospitality industry for over 150 years. The City has entire generations who have depended on the travel industry.

Puerto Vallarta continues to attract a wide range of travelers with different interests and is renowned to be a safe, relaxed year-round destination where visitors know they will find friendly and attentive service and great value for money.

Today Puerto Vallarta receives well over 4 million annual visitors; many of which are repeat travelers. Last year tourism generated over $860 million US dollars in the local economy. Over 50% of Puerto Vallarta’s workforce is employed in tourism-related industries including accommodations, dining establishments, tour operation, and transportation. Local residents understand the value of tourism and are highly respectful of the opportunity it represents for them and the local community. They know that a safe, happy and satisfied visitor means a return visitor.

Our guest is Javier Aranda Pedrero, The General Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board.

Fred RuizChef Fred Ruiz is the Director of Operations for Kitchens & Restaurants at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. He joined the resort 12-years ago as Executive Chef. He’s received the prestigious Culinary Excellence Award from Marriott International three times!

Recently launched is the Ceviche and Tequila Bar offering more than 180 different tequilas, 12 kinds of draft beer, exclusive house-created recipe cocktails and a great variety of ceviches.

Las Casitas at The Marriott with guest chef Aldo Tirado is part of the nightly Gourmet Dine Around of the Festival Gourmet International with Pacific Flavor Journey.

“Las Casitas showcases delectable al fresco dining, poolside and beachside service. Feast on lobster tacos and tropical drinks as you gaze out at Banderas Bay. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

We’ll meet Chef Ruiz.

Nacho CadenaChef Nacho Cadena is the proprietor of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated La Leche restaurant and also a goodwill ambassador for Puerto Vallarta.

“We like to reinterpret the culinary tradition irreverently, making the most of local products to reinvent the menu every day, making La Leche a fun, delicious and extraordinary space to live together.”

“Each one of us has a certain essence that makes this kitchen something special and unique. Our bases: surprise, contrast, difference, fun and exquisiteness.”

“With a unique, minimalist and forceful style, the interior design proposes a monochromatic atmosphere where each diner awakens their senses by interacting with stimulating plates in a space conceived as a canvas, which will be intervened by the cuisine of Chef Alfonso Cadena (Chef Nacho’s son) and his dear visitors.”

Chef Nacho Cadena joins us.

Vallarta Food ToursOne of the best ways for a first-time visitor to understand and appreciate the cuisine of a city is to explore the area on a local food tour. The premier operator in Puerto Vallarta is Vallarta Food Tours.

Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.”

Vallarta Food Tours’ Co-Founder Paul Mayer is our tour guide.

“My wife (Lindsay Prime) and I started the food tour after realizing a need for connecting people to some of the local, off the beaten path eateries in Vallarta. Mexico has some of the best food in the world. Such great history and culture associated with it. Many people come and want to try local food, but are unsure where to start. We are able to showcase in about 3 hours a great feel for Puerto Vallarta through walking the streets, showcasing some interesting tidbits, and eating amazing local food. Our guests leave feeling much more connected to Vallarta, ready to continue exploring on their own. It’s very rewarding for us, as we are not only having fun showing off our town, our delicious food, and creating more fans, we are supporting small local businesses.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Elsa Perez, Director of Sales & Marketing, Puerto Vallarta Marriott Resort Marriott
Segment Three: Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director General, Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board
Segment Four: Chef Thierry Blouet, Café des Artistes, Co-Founder – Festival Gourmet International
Segment Five: Chef Nacho Cadena, La Leche, Puerto Vallarta
Segment Six: Lindsay Prime, Founder, Vallarta Food Tours