The Flavors by Women: Chocolate Bonbon Workshop
Our culinary identity at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a masterpiece painted by the talent, precision, and passion of the women leading our kitchens. This March, in honor of International Women's Month, we are opening the doors to our creative sanctuary to pay tribute to the female visionaries who define our flavors.
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce "The Flavors by Women: Chocolate Bonbon Workshop", an initiative centered on an exclusive Women's Month chocolate workshop. This experience is designed to highlight the essential role of women in our gastronomy and their undeniable impact on the global food scene. Beyond just a cooking class, it is a celebration of the alchemy that happens when heritage meets modern innovation.
A Women's Month chocolate workshop unlike any other
Under the expert guidance of our award-winning chefs, guests can dive into the delicate art of crafting artisanal bonbons from scratch. This isn't just a simple tasting session; it's a deep dive into the very soul of Mexican cocoa, often referred to as the "food of the gods."
In this Women's Month chocolate workshop, guests explore a curated selection of milk and dark chocolate infused with deeply Mexican flavors. Imagine the heat of local chilies, the zest of fresh oranges, and the sweetness of wild red fruits melting into a perfect ganache. While the flavors are the stars, the technique is the foundation. Participants will learn:
- The science of tempering: How to give chocolate that professional, glass-like shine.
- Molding and design: Creating intricate shapes that look almost too good to eat.
- The art of the filling: Balancing textures to ensure every bite is a surprise.
- Perfect finishing: Techniques to decorate each bonbon like a jewel.
Beyond the technical skills, each session offers an authentic window into our chefs' personal journeys. This allows small groups a rare chance to connect with the dedication, discipline, and heart that beats behind every apron in our resort.
Meet the visionaries and minds behind the flavor
This Women's Month culinary experience is led by four extraordinary leaders whose mastery is the backbone of our resort's prestige:
Mariana Alegría Gárate
Executive Sous Chef
Hailing from Mexico City and trained under Maître Chocolatier Franck Madala in Monaco, Mariana blends surgical precision with her expertise as a certified sommelier.
Erika Anahí Villanueva Mora
Chef at Cocina de Autor
Leading our Michelin-starred restaurant, Erika views food as the most powerful bridge between cultures.
Lorena Serrano Lara
Suite Service Chef
A true story of growth; Lorena joined us in 2012 as a steward and climbed the ranks through discipline and an unstoppable energy to lead her own department.
Martha Elena Hidalgo López
Pastry Chef
With 23 years of experience (15 of them with the Velas family), Martha is the master of the avant-garde techniques that make our desserts legendary.
A legacy that lasts all year
While this specific Women's Month chocolate workshop was born from our commitment to celebrate female talent during this special month, we believe that true excellence has no expiration date. The contributions of these women are vital to our daily success and the joy of our guests.
Because of this, we are proud to announce that the workshop will remain available throughout the year for private group reservations. We invite you to discover the balance of flavors and the technical excellence of our chefs on your next visit. Let's celebrate the contributions that define the world-class gastronomy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya together, one chocolate at a time.