Cocina de Autor

Businessman Eduardo Vela Ruiz owned Grand Velas Resorts, an all-inclusive resort company in Mexico, until his death in 2023. During his lifetime, the brand opened at three coastline locations: Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit, and Los Cabos Corridor, Baja California Sur.{{cite web|url=https://www.milenio.com/negocios/muere-eduardo-vela-empresario-de-tampico-fundador-de-grupo-velas|title=Muere Eduardo Vela Ruiz, empresario de Tampico|language=es|work=Milenio|first=Jesús Alberto|last=García|date=25 November 2023|location=Tampico|access-date=1 November 2024|trans-title=Eduardo Vela Ruiz, businessman from Tampico, has died|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207200741/https://www.milenio.com/negocios/muere-eduardo-vela-empresario-de-tampico-fundador-de-grupo-velas|url-status=live}}

The resorts operate independently. Guests pay a nightly rate that includes access to all amenities, such as pools, spas, and restaurants. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has eight standalone restaurants, including Cocina de Autor.{{cite web|url=https://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/the-riviera-maya/experiences/news/review-grand-velas-riviera-maya-is-the-most-expensive-all-inclusive-resort-in-mexico-is-it-worth-the-price|title=Is Mexico's Most Expensive All-Inclusive Resort Worth the Price?|work=Fodor's|first=Amanda|last=Ward|date=19 February 2024|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221000811/https://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/the-riviera-maya/experiences/news/review-grand-velas-riviera-maya-is-the-most-expensive-all-inclusive-resort-in-mexico-is-it-worth-the-price|url-status=live}} The restaurant is also one of the seven dining venues at the Los Cabos resort.{{cite web|url=https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/cabo-san-lucas/grand-velas-los-cabos|title=Grand Velas Los Cabos|work=Condé Nast Traveler|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=23 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223045043/https://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/cabo-san-lucas/grand-velas-los-cabos|url-status=live}} The name translates to "signature cuisine", a concept that reflects a chef's personal culinary vision, often characterized by dishes that do not adhere to a specific cooking style, country, or cuisine type.{{cite web|url=https://elegantmexico.com/best-restaurants-in-cabos-san-lucas/|title=Best Restaurants in Cabos San Lucas|work=Elegant Mexico|date=29 November 2021|access-date=1 November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://elitetraveler.com/finest-dining/restaurants-finest-dining/best-restaurants-in-los-cabos|title=The Best Restaurants in Los Cabos|date=19 June 2024|first1=Kim|last1=Ayling|first2=Ellys|last2=Woodhouse|work=Elite Traveler|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=4 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804095550/https://elitetraveler.com/finest-dining/restaurants-finest-dining/best-restaurants-in-los-cabos|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://revistas.filos.unam.mx/index.php/nuevaspoligrafias/article/download/1684/2032|title=Notas sobre la cocina de autor(a)|trans-title=Notes on Signature Cuisine|language=es|publisher=National Autonomous University of Mexico|first=Julieta|last=Flores Jurado|magazine=Poligrafías|page=2|date=November 2018|issue=4|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=7 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907001051/https://revistas.filos.unam.mx/index.php/nuevaspoligrafias/article/download/1684/2032|url-status=live}} Consequently, food and travel reviewers label the brand's cuisine as "creative".{{cite web|url=https://stylemagazine.com/news/2017/nov/03/avant-garde-cuisine-highlights-mexican-ingredients/|title=Avant-Garde Cuisine Highlights Mexican Ingredients During The Best of Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya|date=3 November 2017|access-date=7 September 2024|work=Houston Style Magazine|archive-date=7 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907231540/https://stylemagazine.com/news/2017/nov/03/avant-garde-cuisine-highlights-mexican-ingredients/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://travelinsidermagazine.com/cocina-de-autor-cabo/|title=You Must Visit Cocina de Autor—a Michelin Star Restaurant While Visiting Cabo|work=Travel Insider Magazine|access-date=7 September 2024|archive-date=22 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422235243/http://travelinsidermagazine.com/cocina-de-autor-cabo/|url-status=live}}

Both restaurants offer an eight- to ten-course tasting menu.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/this-foodie-favorite-los-cabos-all-inclusive-resort-shines-bright-with-a-michelin-star-204507574.html|title=This foodie-favorite Los Cabos all-inclusive resort shines bright with a Michelin star|work=Yahoo!|author=Meagan Drillinger|date=13 June 2024|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=20 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720200633/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/this-foodie-favorite-los-cabos-all-inclusive-resort-shines-bright-with-a-michelin-star-204507574.html|url-status=live}} The Riviera Maya establishment welcomes guests aged 12 and older and has a smart casual dress code. The Los Cabos diner is open to guests aged 18 and older, with a business casual dress code. Reservations are required at both locations.{{cite web|url=https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor|title=Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya|work=Grand Velas Resorts|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=13 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813195739/https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor|title=Cocina de Autor Los Cabos|work=Grand Velas Resorts|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921023602/https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor|url-status=live}}

When the Michelin Guide debuted in 2024 in Mexico, it awarded 18 eateries with Michelin stars.{{cite web|url=https://www.afar.com/magazine/michelin-guide-mexico-debuts-with-stars-for-these-restaurants|title=Mexico's First Michelin Guide Debuts With 18 Starred Restaurants—Including a Taco Stand|work=Afar|first=Katherine Alex|last=Beaven|date=7 June 2024|access-date=2 July 2024|archive-date=3 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703030353/https://www.afar.com/magazine/michelin-guide-mexico-debuts-with-stars-for-these-restaurants|url-status=live}} Each location of Cocina de Autor received one star, denoting "high-quality cooking, worth a stop".{{cite web |url=https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/quintana-roo/playa-del-carmen_2068368/restaurant/cocina-de-autor-riviera-maya |title=Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya |work=Michelin Guide |access-date=24 June 2024 |archive-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517235847/https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/ciudad-de-mexico/miguel-hidalgo_1999281/restaurant/quintonil |url-status=live}} Grand Velas is the only all-inclusive resort brand in the world to offer two Michelin-starred restaurants.

Each location of the restaurant brand also received the Five Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association (AAA), becoming the first restaurant within an all-inclusive resort to earn the rating.{{cite web|url=https://www.fb101.com/maitres-cuisiniers-de-france-unite-for-event-at-mexicos-grand-velas-riviera-maya/|title=Best of France Event Unites 4 Top Maîtres Cuisiniers de France At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, October 14-18th|date=22 July 2015|location=Riviera Maya|work=Food & Beverage Magazine|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=20 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620190245/https://www.fb101.com/maitres-cuisiniers-de-france-unite-for-event-at-mexicos-grand-velas-riviera-maya/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/top-mexican-chefs-unite-top-mexican-beach-resort-244507/|title=Top Mexican Chefs Unite at a Top Mexican Beach Resort|date=22 June 2016|work=Robb Report|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326063641/https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/top-mexican-chefs-unite-top-mexican-beach-resort-244507/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/08/diamonds/|title=California Wine Country Hotel, Cabo San Lucas Restaurant Earn AAA Five Diamonds|first=Aixa|last=Diaz|work=American Automobile Association|date=26 August 2024|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913160649/https://newsroom.aaa.com/2024/08/diamonds/|url-status=live}}

The Riviera Maya resort began operations in 2008 in Solidaridad Municipality, Quintana Roo.{{cite web|url=https://forbes.com.mx/velas-resorts-pasion-por-la-hospitalidad-desde-1989/|title=Velas Resorts: pasión por la hospitalidad desde 1989|language=es|date=6 May 2019|trans-title=Velas Resorts: A Passion for Hospitality Since 1989|work=Forbes México|access-date=19 October 2024|archive-date=12 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512010958/https://www.forbes.com.mx/velas-resorts-pasion-por-la-hospitalidad-desde-1989/|url-status=live}} Cocina de Autor opened alongside the resort, with Xavier Pérez Stone serving as its first head chef.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2016/02/14/best-restaurants-in-playa-del-carmen/|title=Best restaurants in Playa del Carmen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606082506/http://www.ocregister.com/2016/02/14/best-restaurants-in-playa-del-carmen/|archive-date=6 June 2017|work=The Orange County Register|first=Brad. A|last=Johnson|date=14 February 2016|access-date=1 November 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}} Nahúm Velasco became the head chef of Cocina de Autor in 2024. He studied at the Centro Culinario Ambrosía in Mexico City and worked as a chef at Cocina de Autor, Geranium, and Passion before returning to the first one.{{cite web|url=https://pinchosytapasmexico.com/jurado/jurado-de-degustacion/nahum-velasco/|title=Nahum Velasco|work=Concurso Nacional de Pinchos y Tapas|date=22 August 2023 |access-date=20 October 2024|language=es|archive-date=15 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615204141/https://pinchosytapasmexico.com/jurado/jurado-de-degustacion/nahum-velasco/|url-status=live}}

Cocina de Autor Riviera Maya features dishes inspired by Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, chefs from Biko in Mexico City, who also collaborate at the restaurant.{{cite web|url=https://mbmarcobeteta.com/lugares/cocina-de-autor/|title=Cocina de Autor|language=es|work=Marco Beteta|access-date=20 October 2024|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003171707/https://mbmarcobeteta.com/lugares/cocina-de-autor/|url-status=live}} Meagan Drillinger wrote for Travel Weekly that the restaurant's menu is updated regularly, with options that have included spider crab with jackfruit; roasted pork with black garlic; and Cocina de Autor's own Melipona honey.{{cite web|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/Restaurants-at-Mexico-all-inclusive-earn-Michelin-stars|title=Michelin stars rise at four Mexico all-inclusives|first=Meagan|last=Drillinger|date=5 June 2024|access-date=20 October 2024|work=Travel Weekly|archive-date=5 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605121837/https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/Restaurants-at-Mexico-all-inclusive-earn-Michelin-stars|url-status=live}} Isabel Leal from Robb Report México visited the resort during its Sensory Voyage festival. She was presented with gazpacho, smoked whipped cream, {{lang|es|chicharrón}}, Australian wagyu with figs, Ossetra caviar, scallops, fricassee, and venison with a crust of raisins and coffee, served with a pine nut and cinnamon sauce.{{cite web|url=https://robbreport.mx/news/como-es-la-experiencia-en-cocina-de-autor-el-restaurante-de-grand-velas-con-1-estrella-michelin/|title=Cómo es la experiencia en Cocina de Autor, el restaurante de Grand Velas con 1 estrella Michelin|trans-title=How is the experience at Cocina de Autor, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Grand Velas?|date=15 October 2024|access-date=21 October 2024|first=Isabel|last=Leal|work=Robb Report México|language=es}} The Michelin Guide mentioned that the menu "emphasizes novel flavor combinations and compelling textures".

Grand Velas Resorts launched the Los Cabos resort in November 2016 in the municipality of the same name in Baja California Sur. Francisco Sixtos and Sidney Schutte are the executive chefs of Cocina de Autor. Sixtos was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and has worked at the kitchens of Le Méridien, Hyatt and Carlyle hotels.{{cite web|url=https://experts.velasresorts.com/contenido/MwXriQ9Po1/chef_francisco_sixtos_bio_es_u69.pdf|title=Chef Francisco Sixtos|language=es|work=Grand Velas Resorts|access-date=3 November 2024}} Schutte is a Dutch chef and the head of Spectrum, a Michelin two-star restaurant in Amsterdam as of 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/food/eating-out/2024/07/15/avant-garde-european-meals-at-new-fine-dining-restaurant-molina|title=Avant-garde European meals at new fine-dining restaurant Molina|first=Abirami|last=Durai|date=15 July 2024|work=The Star|access-date=3 November 2024|archive-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909065953/https://www.thestar.com.my/food/eating-out/2024/07/15/avant-garde-european-meals-at-new-fine-dining-restaurant-molina|url-status=live}} Schutte also heads Loto, another restaurant in Grand Velas Los Cabos.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/this-mexico-resort-elevates-all-inclusive-to-new-levels-of-indulgence-20240826-p5k5ck.html|title=This Mexico resort elevates 'all-inclusive' to new levels of indulgence|first=Rob|last=McFarland|date=3 October 2024|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=22 October 2024|url-access=registration|archive-date=4 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004114114/https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/reviews-and-advice/this-mexico-resort-elevates-all-inclusive-to-new-levels-of-indulgence-20240826-p5k5ck.html|url-status=live}} Schutte described his cuisine as being "distinctive for its outspoken [flavors] that pop".{{cite web|url=https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/two-star-michelin-chef-head-star-studded-culinary-team-cocina-de-autor-244660/|title=Two Star Michelin Chef To Head Up Star-Studded Culinary Team at Cocina de Autor, Grand Velas Los Cabos' Signature Restaurant|work=Robb Report|date=20 October 2016|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=28 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128161627/https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/two-star-michelin-chef-head-star-studded-culinary-team-cocina-de-autor-244660/|url-status=live}}

Drillinger described its dishes, such as scallops with miso butter and beef tenderloin with celery root purée, poached beetroots, and [maitake mushroom]]s. Further, she mentioned that the restaurant "takes diners on a culinary journey, with a dimly lit, sumptuous dining room to set the scene".{{cite web|url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-all-inclusive-resorts-for-foodies-8669270|title=11 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Foodies|first=Meagan|last=Drillinger|work=Travel & Leisure|access-date=22 October 2024|date=7 June 2024|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910095042/https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-all-inclusive-resorts-for-foodies-8669270|url-status=live}} Becca Hensley of Elite Traveler highlighted additional menu options like Australian wagyu with smoked parmesan and figs, oysters in its shell served in green apple aguachile, and fig and arbequina juice.{{cite web|url=https://elitetraveler.com/travel/hotel-news/mexican-all-inclusive-resorts-michelin-starred-restaurants|title=The Mexican All-inclusive Resorts with Michelin-starred Restaurants|first=Becca|last=Hensley|date=20 September 2024|work=Elite Traveler|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=1 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901203000/https://elitetraveler.com/travel/hotel-news/mexican-all-inclusive-resorts-michelin-starred-restaurants|url-status=live}} Alan Nájera wrote for El Universal that he enjoyed giant oysters from Comondú served with green apple aguachile, cucumber and a tempura crisp, longfin yellowtail served with daikon slices, accompanied by nixtamal and a cilantro-habanero sauce, shiitake mushroom, pecan, and jicama {{lang|es|tetela}}, drizzled with corn velouté, and a piece of sliced beet in sauce, on a sourdough base, topped with smoked almond zabaglione and black sesame.{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/menu/cocina-de-autor-los-cabos-el-restaurante-con-estrella-michelin/|title=Cocina de Autor, Los Cabos: el restaurante con estrella Michelin|language=es|date=26 July 2024|work=El Universal|first=Alan|last=Nájera|trans-title=Cocina de Autor, Los Cabos: the Michelin-starred restaurant|access-date=22 October 2024|archive-date=13 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813132609/https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/menu/cocina-de-autor-los-cabos-el-restaurante-con-estrella-michelin/|url-status=live}}

CNN named Cocina de Autor Los Cabos one of the best new restaurants in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-new-restaurants-for-2017/index.html|title=The best new restaurants for 2017|date=3 January 2017|first=Chris|last=Dwyer|access-date=22 October 2024|work=CNN|archive-date=14 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414200530/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-new-restaurants-for-2017/index.html|url-status=live}} Forbes Travel Guide awarded it four out of five stars, noting that while fine dining is uncommon at all-inclusive resort, the restaurant "redefines the art of vacation dining".{{Cite web |title=Cocina de Autor |url=http://www.forbestravelguide.com/restaurants/los-cabos-mexico/cocina-de-autor |access-date=24 June 2024 |website=Forbes Travel Guide |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624044622/https://www.forbestravelguide.com/restaurants/los-cabos-mexico/cocina-de-autor |url-status=live }} The Michelin Guide mentioned that the terrace "is a nice spot for bites and cocktails, and a few choice tables overlook a koi pond".{{cite web |url=https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/baja-california-sur/cabo-san-lucas_2059129/restaurant/cocina-de-autor-los-cabos |title=Cocina de Autor Cabos San Lucas |work=Michelin Guide |access-date=24 June 2024 |archive-date=17 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517235847/https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/ciudad-de-mexico/miguel-hidalgo_1999281/restaurant/quintonil |url-status=live}} According to Nájera, following the restaurant's Michelin star recognition, it began accepting reservations from the general public, no longer requiring guests to stay at the resort.

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• {{official website|https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor}} (Los Cabos)
• {{Official website|https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/dining/cocina-de-autor}} (Riviera Maya)

{{Michelin stars in Mexico}}

{{Restaurants in Mexico}}

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Category:2008 establishments in Mexico

Category:2016 establishments in Mexico

Category:Los Cabos Municipality (Baja California Sur)

Category:Michelin-starred restaurants in Mexico

Category:Restaurants established in 2008

Category:Restaurants established in 2016

Category:Solidaridad (municipality)