Search results matching tags 'Cooking', 'Travel', and 'Hotels'

OH! Food Workshop - Sustainability you can eat!

435836 — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:34:00 GMT

Sustainability. Carbon Footprint. Environmental Impact. In 2012, these terms are now a part of our everyday vernacular. Regardless of your stance on global warming, I think we all can agree that each one of us needs to do our best to minimize the negative impact increased travel might bring to the more delicate corners of the globe we explore. In keeping with this sentiment, over the past decade, "Eco-tourism" has exploded into what is now the fastest growing segment in the travel industry with no signs of abating. One can now easily plan a whole vacation geared toward conservation and preservation!

The idea for the OH! Food Workshop came about as a result of a late dinner on the shores of the Caribbean where a chef and a developer shared their ideas about sustainable tourism and decided to develop a workshop that would share their knowledge and passion about alternative lifestyles. Hartwood Restaurant Chef/Owner Eric Werner and Casa de las Olas Co-Owner Jimmy Greenfield have built businesses in Tulum that resonate with their core beliefs on sustainability. Both businesses support the environment, the local people, their economy and their culture.

Casa de las Olas provides simply elegant eco-friendly accommodations on the beach in Tulum, Mexico, a growing Mayan community located a short distance from the Cancun International Airport where the jungle and Caribbean Ocean meet. The property is 100% solar powered and makes use of geo-thermal cooling and rainwater catch systems. Grey water is re-purposed to maintain the indigenous plants that make up the landscaping and a composting station is in constant use processing organic waste materials into nutrient rich soil.

The founders of Hartwood Restaurant bring their core beliefs about sustainability straight to the table. Hartwood is a "Farm to Chef" restaurant that is 100% solar powered. Chef Werner sources the finest local ingredients in his culinary creations and chooses to prepare all meals by hand, without the use of any electrical appliances. "Farm to Chef "cooking is back to basics and showcases the rich complex flavors drawn out by slow roasting and open fire cooking. OH! Food Workshop will show participants how to successfully combine sustainable cooking methods with eco-friendly development and building practices in this unique tropical retreat.

This, the first OH! Food Workshop, will be held from November 30 - December 5, 2012. The event will be hosted by Werner and Greenfield and Ricardo Garcia Gaxiola, accomplished sommelier and owner of Off the Vine in Playa del Carmen, three men that will keep you learning and keep you laughing for 5 straight days! This will be an intimate travel experience that includes Tulum beachfront accommodations, cooking classes, a welcome evening, and a dinner party to celebrate the week on the shores of the Caribbean. To top it off, the final evening will feature event sommelier, Ricardo Garcia, hosting a special dinner where guests will learn more about the culture of Mexico through its world renowned wines and tequilas.

Come to the shores of the Mexican Caribbean November 30th - December 5th and learn how you can develop a healthy sustainable lifestyle with out compromising taste, luxury, decadence or beliefs. You can have it all and feel good about it!

Space is limited so email info@casadelasolas.com to reserve your spot and to inquire about room availability and pricing.

I moved to Mexico with my family in 2004 with the hope of offering our children a more global education and world view. Since then, we have traveled through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, gathering friends and life experiences and learning a lot about ourselves along the way. When we are not out and about exploring, Rob and I own and operate BuyPlaya, a Playa del Carmen real estate company and FurnitureMex. "Life's a Beach" is a catch-all blog where you may find anything from restaurant reviews, to recipes, gardening tips, commentary about expat daily life, local events, information about moving to Mexico and educating children in Playa del Carmen. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Learn the Art of Mixology at Viceroy Riviera Maya

435836 — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:58:00 GMT

Learn how to mix Mojitos, Margaritas and other popular cocktails the way expert bartenders do by immersing yourself in the art of mixology with a unique hands-on program introduced at the Viceroy Riviera Maya. Artisanal Cocktail Coaching teaches professional mixology skills and insights that can easily be applied at home - and incorporates actually working at the resort's Coral Bar to hone your newly acquired knowledge.

"More than a class, Artisanal Cocktail Coaching is an experience where our guests learn mixology from the bottom of the glass up," explained General Manager Pedro Lara. "The full scope of mixology is covered, including understanding the unique characteristic of each ingredient, rules and techniques of blending, putting the perfect final touches on a cocktail, and practical application by working at our Coral Bar as part of the mixology team."

Guests not only learn to make a variety of different drinks like a professional bartender, but also sophisticated specialty cocktails that have been created by the master mixologists at the Viceroy Riviera Maya. These include Mojitos in fruit flavors, including Very Berry and Citric; Popsicle Margaritas, in such flavors as Ginger, Pineapple and Cilantro, and Watermelon Smash, garnished with a popsicle of a complementing flavor; Micheladas, prepared cocktails that are similar to a Bloody Mary; and Carafe sparkling drinks in unique flavors such as Julep (with aged rum, gin, sour orange and mint leaf) and Mango Basil (with rum, prosecco, mango nectar, sour orange and basil leaf). See the attached Viceroy Riviera Maya Cocktail Menu.

Artisanal Cocktail Coaching is available for one guest, a couple, or a group of up to four guests. Rather than held at a set time, it may be arranged at a time convenient for the guests. It is conducted by the Artisan Mixologist Master at the Coral Bar. The cost is $85 per guest and includes all the alcohol, mixers and other ingredients. The training is approximately 1 ½ hours, followed by about 1 ½ hours of working at the bar. In recognition of their new skills and understanding of mixology, guests receive a diploma certifying them as an ‘Artisan Cocktailier.'

"By transcending the traditional class concept with a fully immersive, hands-on experience, guests are instilled with the ability and confidence to dazzle their friends back home with the most professional cocktails," added Mr. Lara.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a serene hideaway of sugary-white sands lapped by the warm Caribbean and a jungle ambiance of ferns, palms and guava trees. The resort merges every luxury amenity with dramatic sea and jungle, bringing together the best of the destination. All 41 villas feature a private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling, thatched-palapa roof that resonates with the jungle environment. Guests enjoy fine dining on the sea-view loft of La Marea, Mexican-Mediterranean fare at beachside Coral Grill, a Maya-inspired spa, and state-of-the-art workout equipment in the fitness center. The resort has its own pier where guests can sunbathe, enjoy massages, savor romantic dinners, and may be conveniently picked up by boat for snorkeling, diving and other excursions. The six-acre resort is on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula 40 miles south of Cancun International Airport, and three miles north of popular Playa del Carmen, known for its beach scene, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. For more information and reservations, contact Viceroy Riviera Maya at 866-332-1672 or reservations@viceroyrivieramaya.com.

The Little Mexican Cooking School Grows at New Location

435836 — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:53:00 GMT

The Little Mexican Cooking School in Puerto Morelos, voted TripAdvisor best attraction in the Yucatan Peninsula, has relocated to a larger, more interactive space this month for the first time since its opening in 2009.

Instructing Chef Pablo Espinosa taught the first class in the new location October 18, introducing a new format that offers a fully hands-on experience. Departing from the original, demonstration-heavy curriculum, students are now invited to create the dishes they learn about from scratch. Classes continue to feature an in-depth survey of the history and culture of Mexican cuisine and its classic ingredients.

The new season brings a complete set of fresh menus, including items like Pescado a la Talla, avocado gazpacho, pork ribs in Adobo sauce and Salsa Borracha. The kitchen classroom features personal and group work stations and observation mirrors for demonstration, allowing students to choose their level of interactivity.

The school’s new home at Casa Caribe Seaside Retreat, a newly-opened bed-and-breakfast located on the main avenue, brings students closer to the ocean and town square and offers on-site accommodation, which includes breakfast service designed by Espinosa.

The new campus also offers wireless Internet and includes an expanded selection of items used during class in The Little Mexican Kitchen Shop, where students and guests can purchase local ingredients, cookware, artisanal gifts and The Little Mexican Cooking School Cookbook (3rd edition).

Classes are offered regularly each week; contact for upcoming availability. Small groups, special events and private classes can be accommodated upon request. The Little Mexican Cooking School and Puerto Morelos are located in Riviera Maya approximately 20 miles south of the Cancun airport.

For school and booking information, visit www.thelittlemexicancookingschool.com or contact owner Catriona Brown, (998)159-8890; US (512) 410-8146; cat@puertomorelosliving.com.

The Fairmont Mayakoba Introduces "Appetite for Luxury" Package

435836 — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 02:30:00 GMT

At The Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya hotel, the first course is value. This fall, the AAA Five Diamond resort is introducing "Appetite for Luxury", a savory all-inclusive Playa del Carmen vacation package highlighting the resort's award-winning cuisine.

With an abundance of unique dining options and the ease of having an entire meal plan prearranged, this exciting Riviera Maya package allows guests to savor each of Fairmont Mayakoba's delicious culinary options without missing a beat. From snacks by the pool to seaside ceviche and prime cuts at dinner, all food and beverage services are included. Guests can even choose to dine at the area's only oceanfront AAA Four Diamond Playa del Carmen restaurant, Las Brisas -- adding an unforgettable experience to the culinary aspect of their journey.

When reserving this Riviera Maya vacation package, families can be certain that both fun and food are taken care of. Children up to five years old enjoy complimentary food and beverage service from the kids menu, as well as daily supervised Kids Club activities. For children five years and older, a meal supplement will apply.

Starting at $499 per night, "Appetite for Luxury" is available through December 21, 2011. Inclusive features consist of: deluxe Riviera Maya hotel accommodations, bird-watching boat tours, use of BMW bikes, and meal and beverage service complete with gourmet buffet and a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner for two adults at La Laguna, Las Brisas, the Lobby Lounge and beach and pool bars. Gratuities and tax are included in the price of this Riviera Maya package.

For reservations or further information, visit the Riviera Maya luxury hotel online or call 1(800) 540-6088.