Haute Cuisine on the Riviera Maya

  • February 15, 2009
Haute Cuisine on the Riviera Maya
Published: February 15, 2009 / LuxuryTravelMagazine.com

To the surprise of increasing numbers of guests, media and restaurant business insiders, the best fine dining in Riviera Maya, Mexico's hot spot for luxurious living, is to be found at none other than an all-inclusive resort!

Breaking away from the category's stereotype once and for all is Grand Velas All Suite & SPA Resort Riviera Maya from the Mexican hospitality company Grupo Velas. Its second venture into the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive, the company already boasts one of only two AAA five diamond all-inclusives in the country – Grand Velas' sister property in Riviera Nayarit. The Riviera Maya iteration of the Grand Velas brand is expected to surpass the success of the former in no small part due to the quality of its fine dining offering.

Designed to emanate the passion of its namesake chanteuse, Piaf is the product of Executive Chef Michele Mustiere's culinary vision of French classicism. Boasting offerings such as Roasted Hake in a Three Pepper, Bacon and Endive Stew with a Star Anise Cream Sauce and Jus "au Madeire," or Roasted Rack of French Lamb in Antique Mustard and "Provence" Herb Rub served with a Casserole of "Morels" and Cream and a Bordeaux Reduction, Mustiere's formal training and years of leading the culinary teams at several of Mexico's best resorts demands an extreme attention to the details of each dish such as refusing to use thickening agents in the majority of his sauces and instead allowing them to reduce for upwards of 12 hours if needed. No shortcuts are taken in Mustiere's kitchen as he makes ample use of hot sous vide and dehydration techniques that insure the food's essential flavors come forth.

Piaf is just one of Grand Velas Riviera Maya's four fine dining restaurants from such renowned chefs as Mikel Alonso, Bruno Oteiza and Patrick Louis. For more information on Piaf or Grand Velas Riviera Maya, please visit www.grandvelas.com.

More information: Grand Velas Riviera Maya