UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya – the first resort to debut under the UNICO brand in early 2017 – proudly announces the appointment of Christian Bravo as Executive Chef. In this role, Bravo will oversee all culinary operations for Cueva Siete, the property’s inaugural rotating chef restaurant concept that will pay homage to regional Yucatan dishes and provide guests with a modern and colorful dining experience.
“With an intimate knowledge in Mexico’s gastronomic diversity, Chef Christian Bravo’s innovative cooking style expertly combines classic and modern-day Mexican cuisine with Yucatan flair,” said Jan Hundrieser, General Manager of UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya. “His remarkable culinary talent and love for the region will give guests a real taste of Mexico that completely transcends the typical all-inclusive dining experience.”
Hailing from Mexico, Bravo comes to UNICO Hotel Riviera Maya with more than 11 years of industry experience and international influences. In addition to significant time spent at luxury hotels and resorts, as well as three Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain, Bravo’s resume also boasts an impressive background as lead menu curator for the presidential banquet surrounding the meeting of George W. Bush and Felipe Calderón, personal chef for French President, Nicholas Sarkozy and participant in top-tier national competitions, such as Top Chef Mexico. Receiving an early education in food from his parents in their seafood restaurant, he learned to refine his flavor combinations, letting each ingredient on the plate stand out, and today Bravo serves playful and sophisticated dishes that draw from a wide breadth of taste tempting Mexican cuisine.
The rotating chef, all-day dining restaurant concept will celebrate Mexico’s culinary diversity and ingredients – past, present and future – taking guests on an edible tour of the country by serving dishes rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions. The eclectic menu will feature Mexican street food for breakfast, such as antojitos – “little cravings” – including, tamales, flautas, gorditas and hand-made tortilla station, and a more refined chef-driven menu in the evening with both familiar and lesser-known Mexican specialties. Exclusively at Cueva Siete, guests are invited to conclude every meal with a shot of top-shelf mezcal and small chocolate. Named for the seven origin caves in Mayan mythos, Cueva Siete – or Cave Seven – derives its inspiration from all that is Yucatan.
