The Porta del Sol Food Festival returns for its seventh edition on April 26, at 6:00 p.m. at Parque Litoral in Mayagüez. The gastronomic event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Western Puerto Rico is back with a proposal full of flavors and classic rhythms, the participation of the most prestigious chefs and restaurants in Puerto Rico, and the special presentation of Chef Giovanna Huyke.
“This year under the Retrotheme, Parque Litoral will once again become an impressive ‘mesón’ by the sea where food lovers can enjoy the delights of the best restaurants, drinks, music, and live competitions featuring the most prominent local chefs. Also, the event will feature the exclusive participation of Top Chef Porta del Sol 2013 winner Luis Piñero and Puerto Rico’s culinary ambassador, Giovanna Huyke, who will visit the island for the fourth time to participate in our event,” revealed Jimmy Fox, President of the Organizing Committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Western Puerto Rico.
The celebration of the most important gastronomic event in the Western region will include three full days of the best Puerto Rican food. On Friday, April 25, the weekend will kick off with a gastronomic prelude for VIP guests. On Saturday, April 26, the main event will take place at Parque El Litoral with the participation of over 45 restaurants, more than 15 exhibitors of drinks, beers and spirits, among other exhibitors providing a unique opportunity to explore the varied classic cuisine that characterizes the Porta del Sol region. Finally, on Sunday, April 27, the closing ceremony will be held with a gastronomic offering for VIP guests.
Among the distinguished chefs that will participate at the event on Saturday, April 26, include: Sebastien Lamerre from Uva Playa Restaurant, José Terrero from Bagua, Josué Díaz from Rincón of the Seas Hotel, Pablo Feliciano from Café Rústico Restaurant, Alexis Sanchez from Francachela Restaurant, Héctor Escobar from Il Mulino New York, Joerick Rivera from Sophia’s Sushi Bar, José Méndez from La Jataca Catering, Kelvin Traverso from Chef’s Fine Caribbean Cuisine, Wilson Matos from the Martiott Hotel in Aguadilla, Ivan Pérez from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Gabriel Badillo from Santaella, and José Carles from Royal Isabela.
All these chefs will face off in Top Chef Porta del Sol 2014 where they will elaborate before the public a dish with the same surprise ingredients which they will receive simultaneously. A jury of chefs and personalities from the world of gastronomy will evaluate the taste, technique, creativity and presentation of the dishes in order to select the winner. Another attraction featured at the event will be the Classic Cocktail Competition which will consist of the preparation of classic drinks with a tropical twist using rum and local products.
Positioned as the main course in the cultural and gastronomic agenda of Mayagüez and organized by María Paula Lozano and José Javier Martinez, the Porta del Sol Food Festival is an innovative proposal from the Chamber of Commerce of Western Puerto Rico to propel the tourism industry, encouraging the creation and growth of local business and revitalizing the economic activity in the region.
The event has the support of the Municipal Government of Mayagüez, through its Office of Tourism Development, the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico, Cervecera de Puerto Rico, and El Nuevo Día.
Tickets for the event on Saturday, April 26th cost $60.00 per person. However, you can purchase tickets at a discounted price of $45.00 per person until March 15 at www.festivalportadelsol.com. You can also purchase your tickets at the Office of the Chamber of Commerce of Western Puerto Rico or by calling (787) 832-3749. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page or call (787) 363-6955.