Restaurants – Culinary Travels

Suite treats: the best hotel bakeries and cafés

24 June 2025 No Comments

In the golden age of “bakery tourism,” travellers are crossing continents in search of the perfect pastry. Whether it’s a mango pudding masterpiece in Tokyo or a just-right pain au chocolat in Paris, these hotel patisseries aren’t just dessert stops – they’re cultural experiences worth planning a trip around.

Café Sacher at Hotel Sacher

Vienna, Austria

Café Sacher is the birthplace of Austria’s most iconic dessert: the Sachertorte. Dense chocolate sponge layered with apricot jam and cloaked in a silky chocolate glaze, it’s a rich rite of passage for any dessert devotee. The red-and-gold interiors channel imperial grandeur, and the original 1832 recipe remains a closely guarded secret – one still prepared by hand in the hotel’s own patisserie.

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

Tokyo, Japan

Tucked inside The Peninsula Tokyo, this sleek 20-seat café draws pastry pilgrims with treats like kokunama custard-cream brioche and crisp, caramelized mango florentine, alongside a lengthy menu of tea blends. Executive chef Pascal Cialdella’s creations blend Japanese precision with French flair, served in a glass-encased space that feels more like an upscale boutique than a traditional café.

The Mandarin Oriental Shop

Bangkok, Thailand

A Bangkok institution since the 1950s, The Mandarin Oriental Shop offers a sweet retreat from the city’s bustle. Now with four locations, the original still resides within the storied colonial-style hotel it takes its name from. The shop’s famed chocolate mousse cake, impossibly smooth and deeply indulgent, has earned a devoted following. Pair it with tea served in delicate china, and linger like a local.

The Connaught Patisserie

London, U.K.

Beneath the glitzy Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, this blush-toned jewel box of a patisserie is helmed by renowned pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud. Every creation is a work of art, but the whimsical “Connaughty Hound,” a chocolate hazelnut cake shaped like the hotel’s canine mascot, is as delightful to eat as it is to admire.

Le Comptoir at The Ritz Paris

Paris, France

At the Ritz Paris, pastry chef François Perret has redefined the pain au chocolat, transforming it into a sleek, baton-like shape that guarantees chocolate in every bite. Housed in a minimalist marble-clad boutique that contrasts with the hotel’s Belle Époque opulence, Le Comptoir offers classics elevated to couture status – like the must-try madeleines, presented in gift boxes almost too pretty to open.

Galleria Iginio Massari at Helvetia & Bristol

Florence, Italy

In the heart of Florence, the historic Helvetia & Bristol hotel is home to Galleria Iginio Massari, the first Tuscan outpost from Italy’s most celebrated pastry chef. Inside this luminous boutique, glass cases gleam with delicious masterpieces like the Setteveli, a seven-layer chocolate and hazelnut cake that has become an Italian classic. From delicate fruit tarts to top-notch tiramisu, each dessert reflects Massari’s obsession with technique, balance and beauty.

The Fullerton Cake Boutique

Singapore

Housed in the stately, neoclassical Fullerton Hotel, this boutique serves up pastries with Southeast Asian soul. The pandan chiffon cake – soft, fragrant and neon green – is a nod to local heritage with its distinct aroma, drawn from the tropical leaf often called “Asian vanilla.” Light as air and delicately sweet, the treat is a favourite among both locals and visiting dignitaries.

Air France’s signature pop-up restaurant returns for summer

19 June 2025 No Comments

Following the success of its first pop-up restaurant at the Palais de Tokyo last summer during the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, Air France is installing its new restaurant on The Rooftop at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, on the eighth floor of the iconic Parisian department store.

This year, the restaurant is fitted out in an elegant, tailor-made decor in the airline’s signature colours, with navy blue, white to add light and contrast, and touches of red. With twenty covers and two lunch services, it resembles the private, cozy atmosphere of the airline’s airport lounges, ideal for enjoying a gourmet break in a unique setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. An outdoor lounge and sunbeds complete the setting, so you can take full advantage of the panoramic views of Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, not forgetting the beauty of the city’s rooftops.

Culinary highlights

The menu at this unique concept restaurant includes a French-style meal prepared with the expertise of Servair, the leading airline catering company, and served “just like on board”. With an appetizer, starter, main course, a selection of cheeses and dessert, each dish is served in tableware specially created for Air France by designer Jean-Marie Massaud, in a setting similar to that on board the plane, incorporating the airline’s Business meal tray.

The restaurant’s customers will be able to enjoy dishes created by triple Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon for Air France’s long-haul Business cabin. With meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian dishes, the à la carte menu will be identical to those available on board. With a Camargue rice trio with lemon, carrot and orange sauce, butternut and red beans or Chicken with morel mushroom sauce, rice pilaf and green asparagus, these culinary creations tell the story of the chef’s cuisine, inspired by nature and his home region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

When it comes to desserts, everyone can enjoy the pastries available on board created by Nina Métayer, awarded the title of World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2023. With a crunchy hazelnut and caramel delight and a Tatin-style crunchy delight, the chef’s gourmet yet light pastries are a feast for the senses. And to ensure the perfect wine to go with each dish, the French wine and champagne list has been created by Air France’s head sommelier Xavier Thuizat, who is also Head Sommelier at the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel and was crowned Best Sommelier in France in 2022. A wide choice of non-alcoholic drinks will also be available.

The Air France restaurant, on the eighth floor of Galeries Lafayette, Coupole Store, 40 boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Open from 25 June to 20 August 2025 daily (except Tuesday) from 11.30am to 3.30pm, reservation required. Lunch menu at 93 euros including drinks.

Vibrant Mediterranean eatery, Cleo, debuts in Miami’s South of Fifth neighbourhood

2 June 2025 No Comments

Cleo, a new dining destination where vibrant Eastern Mediterranean cuisine meets modern flavors, has officially opened at the Balfour in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighbourhood.

The restaurant captivates diners with a unique blend of Old World cooking techniques and a warm, homey atmosphere meant for sharing stories, laughter and memorable meals. This exciting new addition to Miami Beach’s dining scene features a “mezze-style” menu where familiar, shareable dishes are elevated by contemporary presentation.

Cleo is led by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, who has more than 15 years of culinary experience crafting globally inspired dishes that captivate diners. She has previously held positions at top-rated restaurants such as Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman, The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller, and Napa Valley’s prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant, The French Laundry. Olarte’s passion for cooking began in a lively household where the dining table was the heart of the home. This led to her formal training at Gato Dumas, Colombia’s leading culinary school, and Le Cordon Bleu in Lima, Peru, where she graduated with top honors.

“At Cleo, we aim to celebrate the rich traditions of Eastern Mediterranean culture and a lively communal spirit,” said Olarte. “Our approach is rooted in creating dishes that inspire conversation and connection, transporting guests to a summer-like escape that engages all five senses.”

Cleo invites guests to gather around wholesome, family-style dishes inspired by the cuisines of Greece, the Levant and Morocco. The culinary journey begins with house-baked Jou Jou Pita Bread served with signature Miza Dips, such as smoky Moutabel, made with char-grilled aubergine, tahini and lemon juice topped with fresh pomegranate seeds, and Walnut Muhammara, featuring hot peppers, tomatoes, walnuts and pomegranate molasses.

As the meal unfolds, diners are invited to savor a generous spread of colorful mezze, including Spicy Cigars (crispy brick pastries filled with spiced lamb and labneh) and shareable plates such as Butcher’s Lamb Köfte and Wagyu Beef Skirt Steak Kebabs. For those who appreciate seafood, Cleo offers the standout Grilled Branzino, which perfectly encapsulates the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean Sea. The menu also features artisanal cuts of meat, which beckon guests to settle in for long, leisurely lunches that effortlessly extend into evenings. Mediterranean-inspired desserts like the Baklava Tower and Pomegranate Granita offer a sweet finish.

Cleo also serves standout breakfast options, including Nutella French Toast prepared with brioche bread, cornflakes and Greek yogurt; Turkish Eggs, featuring chili oil and a manchego cheese toastie; and the Mediterranean Breakfast, featuring soft eggs and house-baked flatbreads alongside savory spreads and seasonal vegetables (best served with Cleo’s house-blend tea).

Cleo’s beverage program complements its food menus with bright and refreshing cocktails, imported and local beers, and a wide selection of wines. Inspired by three coasts of the Mediterranean Sea – France, Italy and Spain – the 3 Coasts Martini mixes French vodka, Italian aromatized wine, and Spanish sherry washed with Greek olive oil and is garnished with olives from each region. The Que Syrah Syrah, a spiced twist on sangria, combines wild strawberry cordial, pink peppercorns and Syrah for a delectable sip, while the Basbousa Ramos reimagines the classic Ramos Gin Fizz with flavors of the classic North African dessert combined with Amalfi lemon, saffron, almond and coconut.

Happy hour at Cleo introduces a comfortable, luxe way to unwind and socialize while delighting in $5 Mythos beer, $10 signature cocktails and half-off wines by the glass, plus specialty-priced mezze items. Guests can enjoy these options from 3-6 p.m. daily throughout the restaurant’s bar, dining room, exterior terrace and tropical poolside courtyard.

“Inspired by a summer of travel from the vibrant spice markets of Marrakech to the urban city cool of Athens and the ancient streets of the Levant, Cleo welcomes guests into an energetic space filled with natural light, the sounds of Balearic lounge music and lively jazz, and the bustle of activity,” said General Manager Lisbet Lopez. “Our chefs will be hand-rolling bread while guests toast with champagne by the restaurant’s central olive tree. It’s a place where date nights turn into celebrations, out-of-town visitors are impressed, and families come together over generous, elevated dishes.”

Originally designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, an important Miami Beach art deco architect, Cleo’s interiors captivate design-savvy guests with their timeless sophistication. Cleo seamlessly blends historic art deco charm with the chic, inviting warmth of the Mediterranean, striking a balance between comfort and luxury by maximizing natural light with white linen curtains and marble, stone and terrazzo surfaces. Heritage and family traditions are felt in the oil paintings and artifacts smeared across the walls, collected over a summer traveling across the Mediterranean. The restaurant extends outside to Balfour’s lush courtyard and wraparound terrace, which is adorned with intricate terra-cotta mosaic tiles juxtaposed with neutral fabrics.

Located at 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Cleo offers breakfast daily from 8:30 a.m. to noon and lunch from noon to 3 p.m., with happy hour mezzes and drinks available at the restaurant bar, dining room, exterior terrace and tropical poolside courtyard from 3-6 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and extended until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For reservations, book via OpenTable, email [email protected] or call 305.913.6552. For more information, visit cleomiami.com or follow on Instagram.

Europe’s first-ever Hell’s Kitchen debuts in Ibiza

29 May 2025 No Comments

Europe’s very first Hell’s Kitchen opens its doors today at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ibiza’s dining scene.

This bold new opening is the result of an exclusive collaboration between Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and leading hotel management portfolio Palladium Hotel Group, bringing the heat and culinary excellence of the globally recognized Hell’s Kitchen brand to Spain for the very first time.

Located in the heart of Playa d’en Bossa, the restaurant promises a truly unforgettable culinary and entertainment experience within the new The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel, launched as a disruptive and experiential luxury concept.

Open for dinner seven days a week, Hell’s Kitchen Ibiza combines the island’s vibrant energy with the fiery spirit of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants’ signature dining. The opening menu features a dynamic mix of adapted Hell’s Kitchen favourites, innovative new creations, and timeless Gordon Ramsay classics.

Reimagined favourites include croquettes, Hamachi crudo, and pan-seared scallops. 10 brand-new dishes exclusive to the Ibiza outpost highlight local ingredients and bold flavours, such as hell-fired scallops, Basque-style cheesecake, and whole grilled branzino. Guests can also indulge in beloved Gordon Ramsay signatures, including the beef wellington and the ever-popular sticky toffee pudding.

The bar at Hell’s Kitchen Ibiza is the perfect destination for after-dinner drinks or to kick off an exciting evening in style. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails from Hell’s Kitchen’s global outposts, including the vibrant tequila-based ‘Eighteen Stars’. Exclusive to Ibiza, three new cocktails bring a bold local twist to the menu. Highlights include ‘The Unexpected Sour’ and ‘The Thyme Traveller’, an herbaceous hit made with hierbas ibicencas, the island’s signature anise-flavoured spirit. Vibrant and unapologetically stylish, the bar captures the essence of Hell’s Kitchen and Ibiza in one elevated cocktail experience, the perfect bridge from dinner to dancefloor.

Gordon Ramsay commented, “I’m so excited to be bringing Hell’s Kitchen to the electrifying island of Ibiza this summer! This place has it all – explosive energy, legendary nightlife, and a food scene that’s absolutely world-class. Ibiza is the ultimate backdrop for the bold, high-octane experience that is Hell’s Kitchen. We’re turning up the heat like never before, with stunning dishes, killer cocktails, top-tier entertainment, and that unmistakable Hell’s Kitchen fire. Whether you’re local or flying in from across the globe, get ready for something unforgettable.”

Ana Morillo, Corporate Managing Director for All Inclusive & High Energy Brands at Palladium Hotel Group, says “We’re thrilled to partner with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to bring the iconic Hell’s Kitchen experience to Europe for the very first time. Launching it at The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel — one of Palladium Hotel Group’s most significant launches this year — marks a major moment for us. Hell’s Kitchen Ibiza will offer a bold, vibrant dining experience that perfectly captures the spirit of the island and our brand.”

Designed to be more than just a restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen Ibiza blends world-class service, striking interiors, live entertainment and high-energy ambiance into one seamless experience. Located within The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel, formerly known as The Ushuaïa Tower, the restaurant sits at the heart of a newly imagined hospitality concept that reflects the spirit and luxury of its surroundings. With six distinct bars and restaurants, the hotel is quickly becoming one of the island’s most exciting gastronomic destinations. For more information, visit here.

Opening times:

Without Ushuaïa Ibiza events – 7pm to 12am (kitchen closes at 11pm)
With Ushuaïa Ibiza events – 7pm to 1am (kitchen closes at 12am)

The world’s smallest chef just opened a restaurant in Edmonton

27 March 2025 No Comments

“Le Petit Chef,” a globally renowned and uniquely interactive culinary experience, has arrived in Edmonton and is sure to make gourmet hearts beat faster. At the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, visitors can expect a truly inspired and elevated culinary display combined with engaging 3D cinema.

Every guest can look forward to their own private show right on their plate! Between each of the five courses, the table magically transforms into a screen, where the little chef takes you on an entertaining culinary journey as he attempts to prepare culinary masterpieces right before your eyes—though they almost always end in disaster. Luckily, the talented culinary team at the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District is always ready to lend a hand to the virtual star!

Choose your menu

There are four curated menus to choose from: Le Grand Chef, Le Petit Classic, Le Petit Vegetarian and Le Petit Chef Junior. The most popular is Le Grand Chef, which includes such dishes as burrata with grilled heirloom tomatoes, radish, blistered asparagus, crostini, white balsamic glaze, rocket leaves, and microgreens; Bouillabaisse with seasonal crustaceans, root vegetables, rustic tomato saffron broth, fresh dill, and sauce rouille. This is followed by broiled lobster Thermidor with lobster ravioli, braised fennel, and caviar sauce.

The main course features a charcoal-spiced Alberta AAA beef fillet with charred wild broccoli, maple-glazed carrots, three-cheese gratin potatoes, shallots, and thyme jus. Finally, a warm lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berries, and brandy snap shards completes the menu. The careful selection of ingredients, as well as the offer of a vegetarian and a junior menu variant, caters to every taste and allows both young and old to enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey.

Dinner and a show

Behind the elaborate animations lies the Belgian artist collective “Skullmapping”, founded in 2010 by Filip Sterckx and Antoon Verbeeck. Using 3D mapping technology and profound artistic know-how, the 58 mm small chef was brought to life in 2015.

“At JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, we are deeply committed to creating legendary and unique experiences that resonate with our guests,” said Jeff Scheelar, General Manager. “Hosting ‘Le Petit Chef’ is an incredible example of how we continue to blend world-class hospitality with immersive entertainment, ensuring that every visit is not just a meal, but a memorable journey.”

The play times for “Le Petit Chef” vary by week but are usually from Thursday to Sunday at 5:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Additionally, there is an opportunity for private bookings for larger groups, making it an ideal choice for special events and celebrations.

All further information on the reservation and booking, as well as prices and the menu, can be found at lepetitchef.com/edmonton.

Nobu Hospitality brings iconic brand to the Netherlands with Nobu Restaurant Amsterdam

6 March 2025 No Comments

Nobu Hospitality, the global luxury lifestyle and iconic hotel, dining, and residence brand, is making its debut in the Netherlands with the Nobu Restaurant Amsterdam and the Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam.

Developed in partnership with Dutch real estate firm Breevast, this exclusive project will bring Nobu’s signature style to the heart of Amsterdam’s most coveted neighborhood, Oud-Zuid.

The Nobu Residences Park Meadows Amsterdam will feature branded residences, combining the prestige of ownership with elevated services of a luxury hospitality experience. Offering both private residences for purchase and serviced luxury residences available for extended stays, this exceptional development caters to those seeking a seamless blend of residential comfort with Nobu’s renowned hospitality.

Stepping into the spotlight as only a legendary culinary brand can, the Nobu Restaurant Amsterdam will set a new standard for destination dining at the Nobu Residences, with the serene Beatrixpark as its backdrop. The Nobu restaurant and lounge bar will serve as a vibrant gathering place, welcoming both the local community and international travelers to experience its signature blend of innovation and tradition.

Just moments from the world-famous museums, luxury boutiques and the financial Zuidas district, residents will enjoy a refined living experience designed with Nobu’s signature Japanese minimalism. Residents will have exclusive access to a Nobu restaurant, in-residence dining, state-of-the-art wellness center, and a dedicated experience team for unparalleled access to the city.

Cathay Pacific partners with upscale Chinese restaurant Mott 32

4 February 2025

Cathay Pacific has partnered with Mott 32, one of the world’s most awarded Chinese restaurant brands, to bring customers an elevated dining experience at The Pier, First class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport.

The thoughtfully-crafted tasting menus have been introduced on rotation from Jan. 21 alongside The Pier, First’s monthly a-la-carte menus, featuring Mott 32’s iconic dishes reimagined for the lounge setting. Embracing seasonality, variation and a sense of balance, the dishes offer a sophisticated taste of contemporary Chinese cuisine that honours the rich culinary heritage of the airline’s home city, Hong Kong.

“As a world-renowned fine-dining establishment, Mott 32 is deservedly celebrated for its innovative approach and dedication to true Chinese flavours,” said
Cathay’s general manager of customer experience and design Vivian Lo. “This deeply resonates with our commitment to pursuing quality and service excellence at Cathay, and offering our customers a truly memorable dining experience by partnering with premium, award-winning brands that share our values.

“This collaboration also reflects our shared roots in Hong Kong and our passion for delivering a culinary experience that not only delights the palate, but also enriches our customers’ journeys even before they set off for their next destinations. Our home city’s rich heritage and culinary vibrancy are front and centre in the dishes and drinks we serve, highlighting the diverse flavours and traditions that make Hong Kong unique.”

Mott 32 co-founder Malcolm Wood said: “We are thrilled to partner with Cathay Pacific, an icon of Hong Kong, to bring Mott 32’s authentic Chinese cuisine to The Pier, First class lounge. With nine locations globally and nine more in development, Mott 32 has always strived to celebrate Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage on the world stage. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to showcasing the vibrant flavours and traditions of our home city. Together, Mott 32 and Cathay Pacific are proud to share the essence of Hong Kong with travellers from across the globe, elevating their journey with an unforgettable taste of its culture and cuisine.”

Mott 32 co-founder Xuan Mu added: “For this partnership, we’ve carefully crafted a menu that reflects the essence of Mott 32 while tailoring it specifically for Cathay Pacific’s discerning guests. Featuring signature favourites like our crispy crab meat puff and Sichuan-style dumplings, alongside new creations inspired by Hong Kong’s culinary diversity, each dish has been reimagined to suit the elegant lounge setting. We focused on delivering an authentic yet innovative experience that embodies the harmony of traditional techniques and contemporary flavours — just as Mott 32 has always done.”

Oceania Cruises brings signature French restaurant aboard new ship, Allura

21 January 2025

Oceania Cruises is bringing its signature French restaurant, Jacques, on board its newest ship, Allura, which launches in mid-July.

Named after renowned chef Jacques Pépin, the founding father of Oceania Cruises’ culinary philosophy and the line’s first-ever Executive Culinary Director, this sophisticated restaurant is already a crowd favourite with Oceania Cruises guests sailing on Marina and Riviera.

In addition, Jacques will make its debut aboard Vista, Allura’s sister ship, in October 2025, joining the Polo Grill steakhouse, Italian restaurant Toscana, and pan-Asian Red Ginger on all four of the line’s 1,200+ guest ships.

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, said: “Jacques is our culinary patriarch, having been a member of the culinary team since day one. His creativity and expertise form the very heart of our philosophy, The Finest Cuisine at Sea, which drives everything we do. Bringing this fabulous restaurant to Allura as she launches this summer, and to Vista later in the year, means the world to me, and the entire Oceania Cruises family.”

Oceania Cruises’ two Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, will be working with Chef Pépin to bring new flavors to the menu, as well as honing the well-loved dishes that have been on the menu since Jacques was first introduced to the fleet when Marina was launched.

Chef Pépin commented: “I am so excited to be writing the next chapter of Jacques with my friends and colleagues, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale. This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some delicious new dishes and to explore unique ways to serve some of the classics that our guests have come to know and love. We have lots of exciting plans for this latest iteration of Jacques. I cannot wait to share them.”

Chef Quaretti added: “It is wonderful to bring Jacques to our two newest ships, and I am thrilled to be working alongside the man himself to create this latest version of our signature French restaurant. When considering this new generation of Jacques, it was very important for me to introduce recipes from personal childhood memories and to share my vision of French family food as well as honoring the classic French bistro experience.”

Oceania Cruises’ most-loved dishes from Jacques on board Marina and Riviera will remain on the menu, alongside a selection of new options. These include duck with a Grand Marnier-infused orange sauce, and a veal medallion with a morel sauce, in addition to new vegetarian dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, classic French desserts Crêpes Suzette and profiteroles will join other indulgent choices on the dessert trolley.

Guests can look forward to more experiential dining in Jacques through the introduction of tableside service for a range of new dishes, including beef tartare. This, plus new, carefully chosen crockery, glassware, and silverware to reinforce the importance of “l’art de la table,” augments the authentic Parisian bistro experience.

“Our beautiful new ship, Allura, represents Oceania Cruises’ dazzling future but also honours our history,” Del Rio said. “The addition of Jacques to her and her sister, Vista, is a wonderful tangible example of this – celebrating our heritage, our heartfelt passion for food, while always looking ahead to what’s on the horizon.”

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor.

Unico 20°87° has picked its next celebrity chef for its in-house restaurant residency

1 January 2025

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya, a five-star, all-inclusive beachfront resort in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, today announced illustrious Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo as its next celebrity chef-in-residence to helm the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Cueva Siete.

Since opening, Cueva Siete has become a vibrant hub of rotating celebrity chefs who interpret the region’s cuisine with signature techniques, locally sourced ingredients, and unique flavors. Under Chef Gerardo, Cueva Siete will undergo a culinary renaissance, bringing distinctive new dishes and a fresh perspective to every table.

Since its inception, the Chef-in-Residence program at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya has hosted numerous master chefs to oversee the entire restaurant for two full years, transforming the experience and ensuring a refreshed experience for returning visitors. The resident chef is granted full creative control of Cueva Siete’s menu and kitchen in order to showcase their expertise and signature specialties.

“I am thrilled to officially be part of the Chef-in-Residence program at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya. My predecessors, Chef Lula Martin Del Campo, Chef Xavier Perez Stone, and Chef Christian Bravo have truly laid a remarkable foundation and exceptionally high standard for the program,” said Chef Gerardo. “I’m most looking forward to seeing hotel guests experience my menu with unique flavors and hopefully, have them coming back for seconds.”

About Chef Lugo

Chef Lugo brings more than 25 years of experience to Cueva Siete, with a focus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and responsible sourcing from regional farmers and growers.

He is currently Executive Chef at the renowned Nicos, named among Latin’s America’s 50 Best Restaurants for 10 consecutive years, and a recipient of the prestigious Diners Club Lifetime Achievement Award. Chef Gerardo has helmed exceptional kitchens across the globe, including Le Bristol in Paris, Las Rosas Restaurant in Turin, Imperial Hotel Tokyo, and numerous others. He serves as a mentor to Young Chefs S.Pellegrino, and also appeared as a judge on the first edition of Netflix series Iron Chef Mexico.

Chef Gerardo’s menu at Cueva Siete will feature traditional Yucatan dishes, including Xe’ek, a fresh citrus salad and Salbut Dzik, a modern take on a pulled protein salbute. The menu will dive into local flavors and ingredients like jicama, plantain, purslane and achiote.

With the launch of this latest culinary initiative, UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya further solidifies its reputation as a top culinary destination for thoughtfully prepared, authentic cuisine defined by the unique tastes, textures, and aromas of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

For more information, visit http://www.unicohotelrivieramaya.com.

Portland chef Deepak Saxena brings all-American fare with Indian flair to Oregon

1 October 2024

Deepak Saxena can still recall the events of a rainy Thursday afternoon in April 2015, when he slid open the counter window of his food cart, Desi PDX, for the first time.

“It was mostly a lot of my friends who were coming by to try the food,” he said.

Now, almost a decade later, customers are still lining up for Saxena’s take on Indian-American comfort foods, like the crispy chai cardamom chicken wings, which have been a staple since day one.

A self-described, self-taught culinary enthusiast, Saxena first dabbled with cooking in his 20s.

But it would be nearly 17 years after working in the tech industry, when Saxena finally took a leap of faith and quit his day job, choosing instead to focus on nurturing his culinary hobby.

Now with two locations, Desi PDX brings a modern take on traditional Indian fare to Portland’s competitive culinary scene. Best-sellers include the tea brined, tea stained and deep fried cardamom chai tea chicken wings, and butter chicken katsu plate. Saxena is one of many talented chefs driving innovation in Portland’s culinary scene, as restaurants embrace high-end Southeast Asian cuisine and foodies welcome the opportunity to explore culture through taste buds.

“For me, cooking is really about using the flavours that I grew up eating; I consider myself a bit of a cultural mutt,” said Indian-born Saxena, noting that he grew up in Africa, lived in Mozambique and then Brazil, before moving to the U.S. as a child. “My food is really an exploration of that, to these ancestral connections. Food is very much about community and bringing people together.”

In 2022, Saxena expanded his footprint in Portland with his first brick and mortar restaurant, Masala Lab. Open for breakfast and brunch, the restaurant menu spotlights American breakfast favourites with an Indian twist—think pakora waffles served with homemade chutney and smoked yogurt, or a chaat hash with lime pickled greens, curried shrimp grits, and lentil fritters in a mushroom gravy (a genius take on biscuits and gravy).

At both restaurants, Saxena’s food is a playful exploration of Indian cuisine. “It’s local fare with Indian flair,” he says. “There’s this idea that Indian food is eight dishes that you get at the buffet, and I’m looking to challenge that.”

Recently, Saxena partnered with a few other Portland chefs to launch a brand new concept called Bar Asha, which highlights small plates of South Asian fare and curated cocktails. This new endeavor is symbolic of the exciting and collaborative energy within Portland’s diverse culinary scene.

Desi PDX is located at 4233 N Mississippi Ave and is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Masala Lab is located at 5237 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.