Themed Games × Gourmet Wine – Five-Star Hotels Present World-Class Culinary Delights

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Mexico is the birthplace of several ancient civilizations in Central America, boasting mysterious ruins of the Maya culture, stunning Caribbean scenery, magnificent Spanish-style architecture, and a cuisine that primarily uses corn as its staple, with diverse regions developing unique, vibrant, and colorful signature dishes. In the eyes of today’s world-renowned food experts, Mexican cuisine ranks among the world’s top five cuisines, alongside those of China, France, India, and Italy. In terms of culinary style, the use of natural ingredients such as olive oil, lime juice, tomatoes, and chili peppers reflects a laid-back and leisurely lifestyle. This year, the buffet restaurants of five hotels under the Grand Park Hotels Group—located in Taipei, Hsinchu, Tainan, Jhiben, and Jiaoxi—are launching the “VIVA Mexico Mexican Food Week.” The group has specially invited Mr. Arturo Cristiane, the Mexican Executive Chef from its overseas property, The Grand Ho Tram Strip, to guest chef during the Mexican Food Festival, which will run from April 15 to April 30.

To allow the public to savor the most authentic Mexican cuisine, the Grand Park Hotels Group specially dispatched culinary teams from its various hotels to train under Chef Arturo at The Grand Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam. Some unique ingredients and spices were also imported specifically for this event, ensuring an authentic presentation during the “VIVA Mexico Mexican Food Week.” This Mexican Food Festival has received support and guidance from the Mexican Cultural Office in Taiwan. In addition to authentic flavors, the dining atmosphere and performance activities will offer the public a comprehensive experience of Mexican culinary culture.

The “VIVA Mexico Mexican Food Week” organized by the Grand Park Hotels Group — where “VIVA” originally means “cheer” or “celebrate” in Mexico, also represents the Mexican people’s reverence for a beautiful life. The five Grand Park hotels have designed different themed games, each infused with Mexican enthusiasm, featuring delicious food and renowned Mexican alcoholic beverages, warmly inviting the public to join this Mexican culinary carnival.

Characteristics of Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine blends the essence of Spanish, Indigenous, and Western culinary cultures. Its most distinctive features are its vibrant colors and tangy-spicy flavors, combining chili peppers, spices, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The guest chef invited for this event, Arturo, currently serves as the Deputy Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef at The Grand Ho Tram Strip. He has worked at five-star hotels in Mexico, Turkey, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, South Korea, and Vietnam, accumulating extensive international culinary experience. Chef Arturo, who grew up in Mexico, developed a unique insight into Mexican cooking through his upbringing in a food-rich environment. He emphasizes that Mexican cuisine focuses on being “simple and natural,” using versatile cooking techniques to skillfully blend natural ingredients and spices. Mexican food is fundamentally spicy, with corn and beans as its main staples, and an astonishing variety and quantity of spices used in dishes. This results in even simple recipes offering rich and layered flavors.

Chef Arturo has brought over fifty traditional Mexican dishes to this event, among which the most iconic “Mexican Quesadilla” was personally taught to the chefs of the five Grand Park hotels. He also brought a wooden press for making tortillas from his hometown, allowing guests to experience the authentic process and flavor of freshly made tortillas. The crispy tortilla is filled with grilled chicken, cilantro, tomato salsa, guacamole, yogurt, and spicy sauces, creating a rich, multi-layered flavor profile that blends perfectly without overwhelming the palate. With each bite, you’ll feel as if you’re strolling through the streets of Mexico, freely enjoying authentic street snacks.