I love watching cooking shows, in particular a reality-competition cooking show called “Chopped” which makes for “can’t miss” riveting TV. Take four chefs, a basket of mystery ingredients (picture canned sardines, animal crackers and watermelon) and 30 minutes to make creative & tasty dishes that are then critiqued by three (at times) snarky judges!

So what does a cooking show have to do with the title of my blog you might ask? Aaron Sanchez, one of my favourite judges from “Chopped” will be one of the celebrity chefs appearing at the upcoming inaugural Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival.

Riviera Maya is one of the most breathtaking cultural destinations on earth (picture world-class beaches, ancient ruins, mysterious cenotes & the world’s second largest barrier reef) and it will now share the spotlight with this upcoming culinary food event from March 15th-18th! The Caribbean culinary scene has mushroomed (pun intended) over the years and the Riviera Maya is well on its way to becoming a world class culinary destination. So while your eyes feast on the delicious surroundings, your taste buds will be doing the “mambo” thanks to the creativity and deft hands of some of the top chefs in the world!

This delightful gastronomic festival includes a gala reception, wine & spirits tasting, celebrity chef cooking demos, gourmet tasting village, catamaran cruise and and a closing fiesta with Latin grill competition (and so much more). Love tequila? Then experience “tequila heaven” by sampling the most refined tequilas and mezcals that only Mexico has to offer!

And the cherry on the top of this food event? Proceeds will benefit Ciudad de la Alegria – The City of Joy which assists children and the elderly in need in Quintana Roo. Wanna get in on a piece of the pie? Check out www.cancunwineandfoodfest.com

This festival in Cancun is a quick 45 minute hop from the quaint town of Playa del Carmen where you can hang your bathing suit at any of the luxurious, eye-popping, and mouth-watering oceanfront properties offered by Playa Beach Condos & Villas! You will find their properties staffed by the most welcoming and gracious people you’ll ever meet!

So cheers! Now go drink up the ambience of Playa del Carmen and bask in the laid-back rhythm of life in the Riviera Maya…

“Playa Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Condos & Villas!) salgal@playabeachcondo.com  (PS- Click on the feed and visit my ongoing blogs!)