Press Releases

Gathering in picturesque Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean, guests were introduced to a diverse palate of culinary offerings by esteemed chefs Aarón Sánchez, Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, Ted Reader, Dean Max, Cindy Hutson, Rick Moonen, Bernard Guillas, Tim Grandinetti, Debbie Gold, Jorge Valencia, Federico Lopez, Reyna García, Zaraida Fernandez, Rosalia Chay Chuc, and Blue Diamond Resorts’ talented executive chefs Alfredo Romero, Freddy Chi, and Carlo Magno. With a great meal comes the perfect drink pairing, and several talented mixologists and sommeliers showed up for the task, including David Araya, Edson Frikitiki Arzate, Alejandro Perez, Eliu Salazar, Brandon Orozco, Federico Moreno, Jaime Basauri Alvarado, Gerson Soriano Cruz, Joaquín Torres, Javier Toledo, and Emanuel Micieli.

The Food + Drink Experience kicked off with welcome sentiments from Jordi Pelfort, President of Hotels and Resorts at Sunwing Travel Group, followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting officially marking the beginning of the weeklong event. Between Chef Rosalia’s traditional Recado Negro recipe, Ted Reader’s beach Burger Bar and Poutinerie, Edson Frikitiki Arzate’s interactive mixology sessions, and the Signature Pairing Dinner with Chefs Dean Max and Debbie Gold, the first day of the Food + Drink Experience was off to a successful start and a sign of what was to come – a show-stopping experience. As the week continued, guests were treated to interactive culinary demonstrations by Jorge Valencia, Federico Lopez, and Rick Moonen, sampled Tim Grandinetti’s Southern cuisine and Zaraida Fernandez’s plant-based meatballs, shared Cindy Hutson’s love of traditional Cuban food, and learned the key to classic American BBQ with Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe, and much more.

To wet the palate, event sommeliers lead guests through intimate wine tastings of some the best vines from Spain and Mexico, and dove into the complex world of mountain and Boutique Wines, while mixology Extraordinaires wowed guests with their unique creations and walked them through the tips and tricks of cocktail making. Throughout the week, ten of the best mixologists and bartenders across the Cancun-Riviera Maya region competed in the first-ever Mexican Caribbean Tiki Mixology Competition to showcase their take on a Tiki Cocktail. After multiple rounds witnessing unlimited creativity, it was Ramón Celis Esquivel who won judges over with his “Krakatoa” cocktail infused with flavors of coconut, saramuyo fruit, and allspice syrup.

Celebrations continued into the night as eventgoers enjoyed the lavish themed after-hours parties throughout the week featuring live music and energetic sets from Royalton CHIC Suites Cancun’s resident DJ.

“Connecting Blue Diamond Resorts’ passion for food and drink with the best culinary talent in the world translated to an indescribable guest experience and memories that will last a lifetime,” says Erik Peters, Corporate Food and Beverage Director of Blue Diamond Resorts. “Epic culinary demonstrations and non-stop entertainment ignited all the senses in this first edition of the Food + Drink Experience.”

Blue Diamond Resorts was thrilled to welcome HB S-Delli as the title sponsor of the Food + Drink Experience, alongside key sponsors Encore, Pilsa, and Front of House. Special thanks to Caribe Mexicano and many more for their support and participation at the inaugural event.