Mexico City's Culinary Excellence Receives International Recognition

MEXICO CITY, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, a Mexican cuisine restaurant is included in The San Pellegrino List of the World's Fifty Best Restaurants.  Pujol, the flagship restaurant of acclaimed chef and Mexico City local Enrique Olvera, debuts on San Pellegrino's registry of the most exclusive and notable international restaurants, securing position 49.  Further solidifying Mexico City's stature as a top culinary destination, Biko – a Basque-inspired restaurant featuring one theme on a split menu, where one side offers traditional dishes and the other boasts modern interpretations using molecular gastronomy – has secured the 31st spot, which is up 15 places from the 2010 list.  

"This honor is the result of a collective effort –not an individual one – so it's an achievement for the entire team at Pujol," says Enrique Olvera, owner and executive chef of Pujol.  "Mexican food is extraordinary whether it comes from traditional recipes, home and street cooking, or from our amazing local markets.  However, that greatness had not previously been seen in the Mexican restaurant experience and our concept proves it can be done."

The debut of Mexican gastronomy on the illustrious world stage is as much a recognition of Mexican culture as it is of the renowned chefs that call Mexico City home and embrace its influences.  As one of the ancient city's most essential haute-cuisine destinations, Pujol is a modern expression of the traditional cuisine, maintaining the integrity of its historic elements and flavors.  Mexico City joins the company of renowned cities in 22 countries that have nurtured notable chefs such as Thomas Keller (of Per Se in New York City), Heston Blumenthal (of The Fat Duck in Bray, England) and Ferran Adria (at El Bulli in Roses, Spain).  

The San Pellegrino List of the World's 50 Best Restaurants is considered to be world gastronomy's truest ranking, as well as a rigorous and trustworthy dining guide known around the world.  The list is established by the Electrolux Academy, comprised of more than 800 industry leaders, such as journalists, chefs, restaurateurs and prominent food experts, spread across 27 regions around the world.  Each individual is allowed up to seven votes on behalf of restaurants where they have eaten in the previous 18 months.  The complete register is available at http://www.theworlds50best.com/awards/1-50-winners.

Mexico City is the country's premier tourism destination, welcoming more than 12 million visitors a year.  The ancient capital presents a vibrant, contemporary culture combining pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern influences that span nearly seven centuries.  With 160 museums (more than any other city in the world), 31 distinct archeological and historic sites, as well as 100 art galleries, the city's tourism industry is enhanced with the support of the Tourism Promotion Mixed Fund of the Federal District of Mexico City (Fondo Mixto de Promocion Turistica del Distrito Federal).  This government entity works with industry partners and the Tourism Ministry to attract both leisure and business travelers by implementing the use of dedicated public- and private-sector funds.  For more information, please visit www.mexicocityexperience.com, and for daily updates please friend/follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MexicoCityExperience) and Twitter (@MexicoCity).

SOURCE Mexico City Tourism Promotion Mixed Fund