BEST SELLING CELEBRITY FOOD WRITER/CHEF MARK BITTMAN
TO HOST “COOKING AND CONVERSATION” CLASSES AT
THE RITZ-CARLTON, CANCUN CULINARY CENTER
Cancun, Mx. – October 10, 2008—For everyone who has ever read Mark Bittman’s column in “The Minimalist,” his weekly New York Times Dining section, bought one of his best-selling cookbooks (“How to Cook Everything”), or seen him teaching easy, delicious recipes to Matt Lauer on The Today Show, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is offering an exclusive weekend of cooking and conversation with the James Beard award winner, November 13-16, 2008. Limited to only 16 people and available for $5,800 USD per couple (excluding airfare) the weekend will be filled not only with expert cooking advice and hands-on lessons but loads of fun for all attendees, from the experienced gourmet to the aspiring backyard chef.
Classes will be taught in the state-of-the-art Viking equipped kitchen at the Culinary Center, whose windows overlook the Caribbean. While the schedule of classes is still being finalized, they include the cuisine of the Yucatan with a visit to the local fish and produce markets to explore the best ingredients, returning to the academy kitchen for class; then dine outside on the terrace to enjoy the meal with a selection of unique Mexican wines. A casual barbeque on the beach will give guests the chance to grill along with Mark Bittman as they sample an array of Tequilas from the hotel’s collection of more than 100 varieties.
A typical Mexican brunch and an afternoon visit to area restaurants to sample the best of local cuisine will be followed by an afternoon of leisure activities, including couples massage in the award-winning spa. An evening dine-around at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun’s AAA five diamond restaurants will include menus created by Mark Bittman and prepared by the resort’s chefs. At each class and all activities, guests will be able to share their love of food, and questions about the best ways to prepare it, with the chef/author, while enjoying the company of other fellow cooking enthusiasts .
With 16 best-selling cookbooks to his credit, along with two PBS series (a third, with Gwyeth Paltrow and Mario Batali, has just premiered) and regular appearances on NBC’s The Today Show, Mark Bittman is one of the best known and widely admired food personalities in America.
COOKING AND CONVERSATION WITH MARK BITTMAN
Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun will enjoy luxurious suite accommodations in the resort, which is rated AAA Five Diamond and has won numerous accolades in reader surveys at Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Renown for its service, the hotel has also won the National Quality Award of Mexico in recognition of its exceptional personal service for its guests.
Available for $5,800 USD per couple, this alluring culinary package includes overnight accommodations, all cooking lessons, tastings, meals and recreational activities planned for this special weekend of gastronomic delight. For reservations please contact you travel professional, the hotel directly at 52-998-881-0808 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com. Additional room nights available at prevailing rates.