NEW YORK - October, 2009 - Once again, Puerto Vallarta will reign as Mexico’s capital of culinary arts from November 12-22, 2009 with the 15th annual International Gourmet Festival. Over 25 restaurants will be participating in this year’s program with highly acclaimed guest chefs from Mexico and around the world. Foodies can enjoy special winemaker’s dinners; sample wine, cheese, and chocolate at special tastings take part in cooking demonstrations, and even partake in a culinary “safari” sampling special dishes at four restaurants in one evening.

Puerto Vallarta’s fine gastronomic scene has the ability to impress the most sophisticated palates. The city’s natural beauty is a source of inspiration for the creation of an exciting amalgam of flavors that blend traditional Mexican ingredients with contemporary tastes from around the globe.

In April 2009, the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS) awarded eight Puerto Vallarta restaurants with the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award, considered to be the most notable accolade a restaurant may receive, in recognition of their fine gastronomy, superior quality, cleanliness and service. Puerto Vallarta is considered home to the second best restaurant scene in Mexico, after Mexico City.