Palace Resorts & BBVA Bancomer Partner With World-Renowned Chef Joan Roca

MIAMI, March 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Palace Resorts - the company that sets the standard in five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations – proudly announces El Celler de Can Roca Experience, a unique gastronomic experience in partnership with three-Michelin-star Chef, Joan Roca and BBVA Bancomer, to Moon Palace Cancun, on May 8^th & 9^th, 2018. The exclusive dinners will benefit the rebuilding of schools in Mexico City that were destroyed during the country's recent natural disasters.

As part of the brand's commitment to elevating its epicurean experiences, Moon Palace Cancun will welcome one of the world's best culinary masters, Joan Roca, owner of Spain's celebrated El Celler de Can Roca, in Girona, Spain. The restaurant, which has earned three Michelin stars, was named the best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine, in 2013 and again in 2015. In addition, it has consistently ranked among the top five on Restaurant Magazine's coveted World's 50 Best Restaurants list since 2009. The world-renowned restaurant has also earned three Repsol "Suns," a prestigious distinction that recognizes restaurants and chefs in Spain that have demonstrated culinary excellence and are on the vanguard of Spanish and Portuguese gastronomy. In addition, Roca was recently awarded with "The Best Chef Awards" in 2017. The award, which is voted for by the other chefs from The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, recognizes an individual who has gained the respect and admiration of his peers for his inspirational work and leadership in the industry.

In conjunction with the Palace Foundation and BBVA Bancomer, acclaimed Catalan chef, Joan Roca will bring two nights of back-to-back gastronomic magic to guests, while giving back to local communities. 'Alta Cocina con Valores', an initiative to bring high-end culinary experiences paired with human values, will bring Roca to the Mexican Caribbean to offer an unprecedented gastronomic experience.

As the leader in the luxury all-inclusive space, Palace Resorts has demonstrated its dedication to elevating the dining experience by aligning with top brands. Now, in partnering up with Michelin Star Chef, Joan Roca and BBVA Bancomer, the brand reinforces its commitment to elevating its already high gastronomic offerings and sets itself apart from the competition by bringing elite culinary experiences from around the world, right to its guests.

"Palace Resorts is consistently searching for strategic partnerships that take our brand to the next level," said Jabib Chapur, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Palace Resorts.  "In this case, partnering with Joan Roca and BBVA Bancomer made perfect sense, given that both brands share similar philosophies, emphasizing innovation, teamwork, the desire for constant improvement and, of course, the desire to excel. Bringing the El Celler de Can Roca experience to Moon Palace Cancun is a testament to our commitment to bring guests unique culinary experiences, in this case, the greatest restaurant in the world, while at the same time giving back for the greater good to our communities that so desperately need it after tragedy strikes."

Joan Roca is considered one of the best chefs in the world. Together with his brothers, Joan and Josep Roca opened El Celler de Can Roca in continuing a family tradition in the restaurant trade that has spanned generations. Younger brother Jordi later joined the venture, and the three are now world-renowned culinary superstars, revered for their innovative approach to food combinations, preparations, and presentations. El Celler de Can Roca is considered the flagship of the culinary universe, bringing constant dialogue blending tradition and science.

"I am so excited to bring the El Celler de Can Roca experience to Moon Palace Cancun. The ability to help rebuild after last year's earthquakes in Mexico City is very special to me and an initiative that I hold dear to my heart," said Joan Roca, Executive Chef of El Celler de Can Roca.   "My brother Josep was in the capital that day, and he witnessed the strength of the earthquake, and its catastrophic remnants, first-hand. I am thrilled to be a part of this initiative and I am confident that the partnership with Palace Resorts and the BBVA Bancomer Foundation will be very successful. "

Mauricio Pallares Coello, Head of Corporate Marketing at BBVA Bancomer detailed that the financial group, through its foundation is committed to improving access to education for children in middle and high school, as well as at the university level. "With this partnership, Palace Resorts and El Celler de Can Roca solidify our commitment to rebuild and reestablish the infrastructure in schools, while  allowing students to return to classes as soon as possible."  Pallares expressed that BBVA Group's vision is to work towards a better future for people and will fulfill it by acting immediately, as soon as the affected community needs it.

El Celler de Can Roca Experience will take place at the newly renovated, "La Trattoria," located on the Jack Nicklaus golf course at Moon Palace Cancun, on May 8^th & 9^th, 2018.  The event will kick off with a welcome cocktail at 8:00 p.m. where guests will mingle with star chef, Joan Roca. Ticket prices are $ 750 USD ($ 14,500 MXN) per person. The dress code is formal attire and will be strictly enforced. For ticket information and bookings, please visit: www.palaceresorts.com or call (998) 193 1993, or email [email protected].

Palace Resorts is committed to offering world-class epicurean experiences at each of its properties, designed to exceed expectations and enhance the guest experience. In 2017, the brand announced an exclusive partnership with Certified Angus Beef®, making it the first and only hotel chain in Cancun to offer the highest quality of beef at all ten of its properties.  And, just recently the brand announced an exclusive partnership with world-renowned pastry chef, Antonio Bachour. Named one of the ten best pastry chefs in America, Bachour's partnership with Palace Resorts features an exclusive menu selection curated by him and featured at all ten of the brand's oceanfront properties in Mexico and Jamaica.

In addition the brand has taken a step further in its commitment to perfecting its culinary offerings by launching its own cooking school and pastry shop. Here, chefs have access to ongoing educational seminars, additional trainings and can stay up to date on the latest culinary trends.

To reserve your stay at Palace Resorts, please visit www.PalaceResorts.com, call (800) 635-1836 or contact your preferred travel professional.

To download high-resolution images here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n8t31zhz3c2isfe/AAANpW-3WQxpbUzvH2GV28zZa?dl=0

About Palace Resorts
With ten oceanfront resorts overlooking sparkling turquoise waters, Palace Resorts sets the highest standards for five-star all-inclusive vacations in Mexico and Jamaica. Offering luxurious and spacious accommodations accentuated by signature in-room double whirlpool tubs, nightly entertainment, the Caribbean & Mexico's most extravagant spas, a premier Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, Palace Resorts sets the stage for a truly exceptional experience for travelers. The unparalleled level of service and comfort found at each property makes Palace Resorts a leading provider of world-class resort vacations. For more information, visit www.palaceresorts.com.

About BBVA Bancomer
BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States; and it is also the leading shareholder in Garanti, Turkey's biggest bank for market capitalization. Its diversified business is focused on high-growth markets and it relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. More information about BBVA Group can be found at bbva.com.

About El Celler de Can Roca
El Celler de Can Roca was founded by the brothers Joan and Josep Roca in late August of 1986, in Girona. In 1997 the youngest brother, Jordi, joined the restaurant and became assistant chef for desserts. The origin of this restaurant goes back to a small eatery alongside the one run by their parents, Josep Roca and Montserrat Fontané, owners of the original Can Roca, a popular restaurant set up in 1967 in Taialà, on the outskirts of Girona. The Roca brothers' restaurant started out in these modest premises next to their parents' traditional eatery. The current El Celler de Can Roca is the evolutionary consequence of a family dedicated to the restaurant business for generations. The family of Montserrat Fontané – as she herself explains – has worked in the restaurant business since 1700, originally in Sant Martí de Llémena, also in the province of Girona. The Roca brothers received two kinds of training from the start: in traditional and French cuisine. They started out by reworking dishes from both culinary traditions in the famous Escola D'Hostaleria catering school, where they took their first steps in the world of haute cuisine. In 1995 came the first Michelin star, in 2002 the second. They got their third Michelin star in 2009, the same year the English publication Restaurant placed El Celler de Can Roca fifth out of the 50 best restaurants in the world. They rose to fourth place the next year before leaping to second in 2011 and 2012. Ultimately, in 2013, they were elected the best restaurant in the world. They took second place in 2014 before recovering the crown in 2015. In addition, Roca was recently awarded with "The Best Chef Awards" in 2017. The award, which is voted for by the other chefs from The World's 50 Best Restaurants list, recognizes an individual who has gained the respect and admiration of his peers for his inspirational work and leadership in the industry.

SOURCE BBVA

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