Playa Del Carmen A Food Destination
Playa Del Carmen has been known as a beach destination, a gateway to the Mayan Ruins, a diving destination and a chill town where people felt they were getting away from big city life. The history of Playa Del Carmen started in the 1970’s when divers wanted to catch the ferry to the ‘new’ dive destination of Cozumel, discovered by the one and only Jacque Cousteau, well not discovered, but made popular by this diving icon who publicized the beauty of the 2nd largest Barrier reef in the world.
After a recent event held in Playa, People are talking about this town as a food destination. Yes, a food destination that they are right! Taste of Playa was an event developed by a group of business women who felt that there was one area that Playa was famous for but not highlighted. THE FOOD! So on September 5, 2009 over 25 restaurants came together in the central Zocalo, Parque Fundadores, and bam! Residents and tourists had a lightbulb go off in their heads! Playa Del Carmen is a food destination, and we have to say, people were impressed.
Other international cities are great at highlighting their chefs, their restaurants and their produce. Here in Playa, people just create and they forget about getting the word out. We don’t have many international publicists who tell the world how great the food it, restaurants just cook, create and make people happy. But the word is out and a portion of the Playa Del Carmen restaurants put their food on display. The result, great food, a great time, great feedback and people are now understanding the genius of the chefs in this area.
So what was so great about the day? This event and the restaurants that participated did educate the public on what they had to offer. They showed how they use local ingredients to to create great flavours, and great meals. Local chefs and international chefs who have chosen Playa Del Carmen as their home and business destination, worked together to show people how they use basic ingredients and traditional influences to make world class meals. Tacos are not just tacos any more, cochinta pibil, an ancient mayan recipe, is not just a meal served at special occasions. Playa Del Carmen is no longer a place of taco stands and street food, though this is a part of what makes Playa so special, it is a food destination that compares to any other international city in the world. Bold statement but true! And there are some pretty consciencous chefs out there that continue to improve and work on their craft, food.
If you have never thought of Playa Del Carmen as a food destination, think again. With over 700 eateries in the city, there is a variety that compares to Toronto, or New York. There is a variety that matches any price point, any desire or any craving. Welcome to the new foodies haven and it would be to your advantage to check out www.tasteofplaya.com to research the restaurants that participated and the new ones booking for 2010. Taste of Playa is dedicated to highlight the creativity of chefs in the area and will continue to bring new information to people coming to visit. Check it out and email at info@tasteofplaya.com if you want further information on Playa restaurants, lastest events and upcoming food demonstrations.
