By Chef Norma Llop
Contact: nllop@prtourism.com
Yes, the trend is here to stay! It started on board of mega ships where global celebrity chefs were invited to navigate with passengers and show plus tell how to mix great locale ingredients while on board. Such trend is now taking over the Caribbean too. Just 6 years ago, our celebrity chefs, Willo Benet and Roberto Treviño were the first ones in going ahoy! Today the trend seems to take place on-the-island, in Puerto Rico.
We at Puerto Rico Tourism Company perhaps are well aware of growing trend for unique experiences in land tours for “port of call” stop over cruises to sell. The trend is a fact currently taking full action. We hosted travel agents sailing on MS/Noordam, last November 10th and under the flag of mayor Cruise Holidays adventure operations in USA.
Their pre-winter 20011-2012 familiarization trip, started for 300 travel agents were transported in seven 40 passenger buses by Gray Line Tours, after disembarking at the port of San Juan. Agents continued eastward to El Yunque Rain Forest playground ending at Grand Melia Resort for an afternoon destination and cruise lines trade show. All three hundred (300) guests from USA cities, enjoyed “Get A Bite of Puerto Rico” Gastrotour by four (4) collaborating food partners in buffet style presentations. Two Mesones Gastronómicos served Mesón Costal del Sol, in Guayama, with a cool Gazpacho Jíbaro as starting shooter, Mesón Starfish at Fajardo Inn, where a hot cup for Asopao de Gandules, was perfect for the rainy day at rainforest was perfect. Also present was Chef Edgardo Rodriguez from recently opened Panza Restaurant with Chef Norma Llop, PRTC’s team leader served a savory Seafood Fettucine. Last but not least, Get Shopped, tour operation owned by Michele Llama, showcased as the NEW BITE special, a cooking class for Mofongo Tour, by Chef Cotto. A great start in sightseeing and shopping “combo” in Old San Juan come together at Airemuno Restaurant on Luna Street.
For beverages, all travel agents enjoyed Rums of Puerto Rico cocktail bar and freshly brewed café exppreso by Café Don Ruiz, providing them with a chance to shop for the excellent gourmet coffee from Ciales. Early dinner and seminar ended the affair.
Participaron: MSC, Central, Crystal Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Carey Driving Success, RBC Insurance, Oceana Cruises, Rocky Mountaineer, Sprout Loud, Travel Bound, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Destinations, Ama Waterways, Access America, Kensington Tours, Silversea, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Trafalgar, Uniworld, Insight Vacations, Shore Excursions,