This year Taste of Playa celebrated its 5th anniversary with a spectacular special even night, a wine and food pairing event hosted by La Casa del Agua.  The menu included a salad of Melon and Goat Cheese, Seabass in Romescu Sauce, a slow roasted Portabello Confit, sauteed Squid filled with Pancetta Mousse, Beer Marinated Short Ribs and finally a Triple Chocolate Cake. All six courses were timed perfectly, the food was served at the right temperature and the wines were poured on time…. no easy feat with a group of 50 discerning, well-traveled and in this case rowdy foodies. The Kumar’s also attended the same dinner and said it was a great way to kick off the Taste of Playa 2013 and get to know the event committee and others people who had bought VIP passes. You can read the full review and see pictures on Life’s a Beach blog.

Held Sunday November 24th at Parque Fundadores in Playa Del Carmen, Taste of Playa culinary event honored the cultural influences and creativity of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya and those from abroad who have chosen to make Mexico their home. This year was bigger and better than ever with 40 participating local restaurants and bars, organizers estimated over 8,o00 local and international visitors to this year’s event. The food festival originally started in 2009 with 25 participating businesses and 3055 attendees. It is no surprise this popular food festival has grown so big over the years, the Taste of Playa executive committee is an interesting global group that work well together to put on a high quality culinary event.

I started out taking food pictures and it was not long I was juggling my camera and sample sized plates. Everything I tasted was delicious, and I can honestly say same for the 4 out of 5 past years I attended as well. As I ate my way through the festival, I sampled some amazing roasted pork, a few kinds of yummy ceviche, 3 different and equally delicious salads, a tasty sandwich and some mouth watering sweet treats. For drinks I went with a blueberry margarita which had a surprisingly interesting taste, like liquid jam.

If you are not yet convinced you should put Taste of Playa 2014 on your travel calendar, see the full Taste of Playa 2013 participants list to help twist your arm. Plus you will be helping a good cause by going to Mexico and stuffing your face 🙂

Much like Ambergris Caye and Belize. Play Del Carmen, Mexico has a strong sense of community. The Taste of Playa committee is dedicated to helping develop and sustain community based initiatives that have a positive effect on the residents of Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya area. This year a portion of the proceeds from Taste of Playa 2013 will be used to assist a not-for-profit food or clean water program in the area.

Video of a well attended  Taste of Playa

To see more food and people pictures from the event, you will find 292 of them Taste of Playa 2013- 5th Anniversary album by CatEye Creations HD Media Productions.