This June, Velas Vallarta became the stage for one of the most vibrant and heartwarming celebrations of the year. From June 18th to 21st, the rich flavors, colors, and traditions of Mexican heritage came to life by the Pacific at the Esencia de Frida culinary festival—a sensory tribute celebrating Mexico’s iconic flavors.
June 18th | The Origin of a Culinary Journey
The celebration began in the resort lobby, where guests gathered for a welcome cocktail as the golden hour sun prepared the perfect atmosphere for opening night. Later, Andrea restaurant opened its doors for an unprecedented four-hand dinner. The kitchen came alive under the talent of chefs Abigahi Pérez, from Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and Ricardo de la Vega, from Grand Velas Riviera Maya, showcasing the authentic heritage and prestige of Mexican fine dining in every dish.
The evening flowed flawlessly, starting with exquisite appetizers such as plantain molotes, fresh tuna crudo, a traditional chilpachole soup, and a comforting zucchini and poblano pepper cream soup with confit duck. For the main course, diners savored the delicate notes of the fish lime and a rich lamb barbacoa, finishing the night with a sweet tribute to cacao and a classic coconut rice pudding.
June 19th | From Farm to the Ocean Shore
The second day of the festival kept the culinary excitement soaring. The lobby filled with energy once again during the evening reception before moving into Andrea restaurant. This time, chef Karla Rivera, from Grand Velas Los Cabos, paired her contemporary vision with guest chef Tonatiuh Cuevas, renowned for his Cosecha Farm to Table concept in Puerto Vallarta. Together, they crafted a menu defined by local ingredients and flawless modern techniques.
The menu masterfully intertwined land and sea, opening the feast with a tuna tlayuda with relish, a refreshing pink aguachile with hibiscus and bougainvillea, crispy squash blossoms, and a habanero cream soup with pork belly. The main course captivated guests with a perfect duality: beef fillet and short rib with a duo of moles, alongside a pristine catch of the day with tejuino miso. To finish, desserts featured a guava cheesecake tart, a Greek yogurt shot from the ranch, a traditional tres leches cake, and an innovative cacao and Oaxacan mole mousse.
June 20th | Masterful Local Hospitality
Saturday night captured the joyful charm and traditional warmth of the destination. Following the welcome cocktail, Andrea restaurant hosted an exceptional pairing dinner led by chef Sandra Macías, from Casa Velas, alongside Velas Vallarta’s beloved host chef, Adán Macín. The dinner became a heartfelt reflection of traditional Mexican roots, letting classic aromas drift over ocean breezes.
Diners enjoyed remarkable appetizers that honored authentic Mexican roots, featuring a zarandeado lobster taco, an exotic quintonil garden with edible insects, and a warm green pozole. The strength of the main courses shined through a stunning sea bass with lagunero adobo and an outstanding Oxiik-style lamb rib. The evening came to a close with ingenious sweet bites: a Mexican marranito filled with vanilla ice cream, corn bread with corn ice cream, a mezcal and chocolate black truffle, and the playful flower pot dessert made with guajillo chile and chocolate.
June 21st | Solstice, Mysticism, and a Mexican Fiesta
The festival reached its breathtaking climax right on the resort’s beach. To welcome the change of the season, the afternoon began at 5:00 p.m. with an authentic Huichol solstice ceremony, sharing a deeply moving moment of cultural connection by the shore. The celebration then flowed into a spectacular Mexican Fiesta featuring all the festival’s guest chefs in a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere. The night came to a close with live music, flowing champagne, and exclusive oceanfront food stations under the stars.
While the Esencia de Frida festival has come to an end, the memories of perfect nights by the Pacific will stay with us forever. Start envisioning your next seaside escape and book your stay in our stunning suites to ensure your place at our upcoming highlights.
