Mexico’s #1 resort, Viceroy Riviera Maya has announced the promotion of an exciting young cook, Julio Cesar Chavez Arias to lead the already impressive team of culinary experts at its fine-dining restaurant: La Marea. Widely known as one of the region’s top fine dining destinations, Viceroy Riviera Maya stands out for its unique interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine and customs.
Chef Julio Cesar Chavez holds a Bachelor’s in Gastronomy from the University of Celaya, and is a rising star in the Mexican culinary world after winning “Cook of the Year, Zona Centro” in 2018 – where his mastery of Tlaxcalan dishes awarded him the first place in the competition. Known as autonomous and acutely intuitive, the self-taught chef will continue to uphold the integrity and standards of the five-star resort, which specializes in elevated local gastronomy through extraordinary flavors.
Chavez’s wealth of experience and impeccable technique are expected to bring a creative approach to the enticing and ever-changing menu offerings at Viceroy Riviera Maya, while continuing to use the freshest local ingredients in the resort’s innovative dishes. He does not believe in compromising when it comes to flavor, for him healthy doesn’t mean boring when it comes to food and will be introducing new menu options including vegan and vegetarian offerings.
Speaking about his appointment as Head Chef, Julio Cesar Chavez said:
“I see all ingredients as opportunities; carrot or caviar- they have the same value in my eyes. AI believe a skilled chef can transform anything, and If I’m able to evoke deep feelings within another person through my food, that’s when I know I’ve achieved my goal.”
La Marea was recently named in the Gastronomic Mexico Guide 2022, a compendium of 250 restaurants around the country (in alphabetical order and with no ranking) edited by Culinaria Mexicana and printed by Larousse Cocina.
La Marea also features on the 2022 edition of “La Liste” – a list of the best restaurants of the world based on guidebooks, media publications, and millions of online reviews.
Mexico’s vast biodiversity and vibrant cultural traditions are the fabric of its rich gastronomic identity, which has claimed the spotlight in recent years amid the culinary world. Attracting thousands of visitors worldwide, guests at Viceroy Riviera Maya will continue to enjoy unmatched dining experiences rooted in high-quality local ingredients and of course, the outmost regard for the treasure that is Mexico’s culinary legacy.
For more information, please visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
