USA Rice Foodservice Activities in Mexico Influence Next Generation of Chefs

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO – Puerto Vallarta is a major player on the gastronomic stage, hosting international gourmet festivals attended by award winning chefs from around the world.  The vibrant culinary scene is known for its world-class restaurants and the extraordinary cuisine, and earlier this month, USA Rice conducted three foodservice seminars and student chef competitions here.  

“Our goal with these activities is to have a presence in the region and to ultimately influence the future chefs in this important and booming market,” said USA Rice Vice President International Hugh Maginnis.  “In addition, we want to encourage the hotel and restaurant industry here to use more U.S.-grown rice in their menus as a way to provide patrons with delicious, elegant, gourmet meals while increasing their own profits because of the affordability of rice as an ingredient.”
 
USA Rice events were held at three culinary institutions and included foodservice seminars under the slogan, “Increase your Profits with Rice,” presentations on U.S. rice production and the importance of rice in the foodservice industry, and an interactive rice cooking instruction.  

The cooking competitions were the final activity of the day and generated much excitement as student chefs created a variety of gourmet rice dishes, including paella, desserts, and healthy dishes that were the perfect combination of rice, proteins, and vegetables for optimal nutrition.  

“It’s worth noting that the culinary training schools where we stage these events have a high success rate in placing students in jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Maginnis.  “Past contestants in USA Rice competitions have gone on to work at top restaurants throughout Mexico as well as at a Michelin Star restaurant in Spain where they are making menuing decisions that include U.S. rice.”