Top Italian Chef Helms “New” Restaurant at Luxury Riviera Maya Resort

Top Italian Chef Helms the “New” Lucca Restaurant

At Grand Velas Riviera Maya

March 18, 2016) –  Conjuring up culinary visions of what he calls the “Bel Paese,” beautiful country, with his Italian cuisine, Chef Fulvio Ferretto has taken the helm at the “new” Lucca restaurant in the Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

His new simple, seasonal menus pay close attention to the smallest details, using fresh and top quality ingredients that do not exceed six per recipe so as not to confuse the palate.  Fresh, artisanal pasta and bread are made daily following traditional recipes from all regions of Italy. The finest imported products are used, ranging from Burrata, Parmigiano, and Pecorino cheese, to olive oil and Prosciutto San Daniele. The crockery is also imported from Europe, featuring a classic-modern design that emphasizes the presentations of dishes.

Highlights of the new menu offerings include an asparagus tart with Parmesan fondue, Fontina cheese and black truffle; handmade potato gnocchi with duck ragout; and a Beef Tenderloin topped with a potato and Portobello “tortino” and dressed with Mustard Butter and Barbaresco Wine Sauce. Waiters expertly advise on wine pairings from the 47 varietals included as part of the all-inclusive nightly rate.

Prior to his new position, the Genovese Chef Fulvio collaborated with Chef Mauro Elli, a two star Michelin Star holder. He also studied new culinary techniques with Chef Fabio Tacchella, captain of the National Italian Chefs Academy and winner of the 2014 worldwide competition.

Open for adults and children nightly from 6 – 11 pm, the new space in the Ambassador Section of the resort seats 140 people with a birds-eye view of the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. Architect Ernesto Vela is responsible for the interior design of Lucca, which boasts a spacious wine room that can hold over 400 bottles. He previously completed the interior design of the other five gourmet restaurants at the resort and its Presidential Suites.

For more information on Grand Velas Riviera Maya, call 1-888-407-4869 or visit http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

Set on 206 acres of pristine jungle and mangroves and with the finest white sand beach in the Riviera Maya, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive resort. Guests can choose among three separate ambiances in this Leading Hotel of the World, including adults only oceanfront, family friendly ocean view and a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. All 539 designer-like suites are exceptionally spacious, more than 1,100 square feet each, all with balconies, and some with private plunge pools. All feature fully stocked mini bars, plasma TVs, Wi-Fi, L’Occitane amenities, artisanal tequila, and Nespresso coffee machines. Bathrooms deserve special mention with walk in glass shower, deep soaking Jacuzzi tubs and marble interior. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza, Mikel Alonso and Xavier Pérez Stone, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Grand Velas Spa, a Leading Spa of the World, is the region’s largest spa sanctuary at more than 90,000 square feet, known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around world and signature seven-step water journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids Clubs and Teen’s Club; Karaoke Bar; Koi Bar; Piano Bar, and business center. The resort offers more than 91,000 square feet of meeting space and outdoor areas for events inclusive of a 31,000-square-foot Convention Center, able to accommodate up to 2,700 guests. The resort has won numerous awards from Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA Today and several other magazines and major companies worldwide. This year, the resort entered TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame for obtaining the Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years in addition to the Signature Spa being awarded “Best Luxury Resort Spa-The Americas” at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2014. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and President of Velas Resorts, with his brother Juan Vela, Vice President of Velas Resorts.

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