Today, EDITION Hotels unveils an exciting collaboration with powerhouse chefs, Francisco “Paco” Ruano and Tomás Bermudez, who are set to spearhead the culinary experience at The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai.
Paco Ruano & Tomás Bermudez Launch Innovative Gastronomy Experience
Located in the new luxurious hotel community of Kanai in Riviera Maya, the brand’s first property in Mexico opens in preview this month. The luxury resort, perched atop a 620-acre nature reserve along the Yucatán Peninsula, offers unparalleled ocean views from its beachfront location. Designed with a minimal footprint to preserve the destination renowned for its mangroves, tropical beaches, ecological reserves, and the world’s second-largest coral reef, The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai will redefine the luxury experience in Mexico with its 182 guest rooms and suites, six food and beverage venues, and destination spa.
Ruano and Bermudez, both acclaimed award-winning chefs recognized by the esteemed World’s 50 Best, will each have their own restaurants at the resort. Ruano will lead the property’s signature restaurant and introduce a casual contemporary Mexican dining concept, while Bermudez will take charge of the hotel’s Côte d’Azur inspired beach club, situated along the serene Caribbean coastline.
Ruano, a native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, possesses an innate rebellious spirit and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. Upon completing his education in Guadalajara, he embarked on an internship under the guidance of Thierry Blouet at Café de los Artistas in Puerto Vallarta. He honed his culinary skills at the prestigious Luis Irizar cooking school and subsequently gained valuable experience at renowned establishments like Mugaritz (Basque Country), Celler de Can Roca (Girona), and Noma (Denmark).
At no. 54 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023, Chef Ruano’s restaurant Alcalde in Guadalajara sees him decipher the flavors of his home state of Jalisco through traditional flavors and textures. The restaurant was ranked Highest New Entry in 2017’s Latin America’s 50 Best before being recognized with the Highest Climber Award in 2019 and honored in The World’s 50 Best this year.
Fueled by a deep appreciation for the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine passed down through generations by his mother and grandmother, and enriched by his European culinary adventures, Chef Ruano has crafted a culinary style that passionately showcases flavor, and embraces the connection to the land, with an emphasis on simplicity.
Chef Ruano shares, “I am delighted to be partnering with EDITION Hotels and joining an esteemed global family of celebrated culinary talent. Preparing for the launch of my offerings at the Riviera Maya property has helped further develop my skills and propelled my cooking to new heights.”
The launch of The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai will bring together two chefs who have been friends for over ten years. Ruano adds “Tomás and I have known each other for more than a decade and have fostered a professional respect that has blossomed into a strong friendship. I admire his straightforward culinary style that begins at the source of his ingredients and resonates with all taste buds.”
Bermudez grew up in Durango, Mexico, and embarked on his culinary journey with a humble beginning, taking on roles as a dishwasher among various small kitchen positions before honing his skills under the tutelage of renowned Spanish chef, Martín Berasategui, a culinary legend boasting an impressive 12 Michelin stars. From Berasategui, Chef Bermudez embraced the virtue of discipline and also cultivated his expertise in the art of grilling while working at La Parrilla del in Buenos Aires where he mastered the intricacies of handling embers, barbecues, and open flames.
In 2012 Tomás launched La Docena in Guadalajara. Here, oysters take center stage at the bar and grill, which combines famed elements of New Orleans and Buenos Aires. With two further branches in Mexico City, and one in São Paolo, the restaurant was recognized as No.41 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019, and No. 42 in 2022.
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“I am looking forward to showcasing the freshest local produce from Riviera Maya within a stunning beachfront EDITION property” adds Chef Tomás Bermudez.
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai sets the perfect stage for the brilliance of Chef Ruano and Chef Bermudez’s to come to life, as EDITION expands its partnerships with esteemed global chefs which include Jean-Georges Vongerichten, John Fraser, Tom Aikens, Jason Atherton, Osman Sezener, Enrique Olvera, Diego Muñoz, Paola Colucci, and Josh Niland.
