Chef John Gray Launches New Menu Concept

435836 — Wed, 11 May 2011 03:17:00 GMT

The John Gray Restaurant Group is pleased to announce the introduction of a new menu concept in both of its Riviera Maya restaurant locations. Beginning in May, John Gray’s Kitchen in Puerto Morelos and John Gray’s Place in Playa del Carmen will introduce a fixed price menu. Guests will be able to choose from a selection of Chef Gray’s popular signature dishes as well as new culinary creations. The menus will change weekly and will feature seasonal produce, locally caught seafood and of, course, the creativity of Chef Gray and his enthusiastic staff. Lunch, served with a soda, iced tea or beer will be $100 pesos per person. An elegant dinner, with a choice of appetizer and entrée is set at $200 pesos.

Fans of John Gray will be pleased to know the tireless Chef will be personally heading up not only the menu creation but also its execution in both locations nightly. “Historically, the “Kitchen” in Puerto Morelos has attracted an early dining crowd. I can be there for prep and service and still have time to chat with the guests before heading south.” Gray explained “The dinner crowd in Playa tends to turn up later and stay later. It’s really the best of both worlds for me.”

The new fixed price menus were initiated this week and the response has been overwhelmingly positive from regular diners and newcomers alike. Devotees were pleased to find old favorites such as the pate, fresh fish with mango salsa and the Roquefort encrusted pork tenderloin sharing the menu with new items such as truffled deviled eggs and charred tuna served in a lettuce taco. The duck, a mainstay on Gray’s menus, has received a makeover, being roasted whole and served atop smashed sweet potatoes and wilted watercress. “I’m looking forward to mixing things up a bit.” said Gray with a boyish smile “I want people to be surprised every week!”

Date Announced for Taste of Playa 2011

435836 — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:38:00 GMT

Playa del Carmen’s third annual Taste of Playa has been announced for November 20, 2011. Taste of Playa, the Riviera Maya’s premier culinary festival, will once again be held in Parque Fundadores on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean. This day-long event will offer residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines created by many of the region’s local chefs. Distinctive restaurants from all along the Riviera Maya will gather to showcase new menu items and highlight old favorites.

Pleased by the success of Taste of Playa 2010, many of last year’s corporate sponsors and participants have already pledged their support for Taste of Playa 2011. “We are already seeing a lot of interest this year.” remarked event Chairperson Monica Hartlief. “The event grew much faster than we had anticipated. A lot of restaurants have already contacted us to reserve a place.” Over 40 restaurants, bars and specialty food merchants will offer their signature dishes to a crowd that is anticipated to exceed 7000 people.

Originally conceived in early 2009, Taste of Playa is organized by a Committee of Playa del Carmen business owners who strive to draw positive attention to the many and varied cultural resources of the Riviera Maya. Community events, such as the Mexican Wine Festival, held for the first time in February 2011 and the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, looking forward to its eighth successful year, have become an integral part of the campaign to promote and attract new visitors to this beautiful region.

Photographs courtesy of Rafael Lizarraga Photography.

Search results matching tags 'real estate playa del carmen', 'Taste of Playa', and 'Events'

Chef John Gray Launches New Menu Concept

Date Announced for Taste of Playa 2011