There's a decision behind every dish that comes out of the kitchens at Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments: which ingredients to use, how long to cook them, what to pair them with. That decision runs through Mariano Jiménez, the hotel's Executive Chef of Food and Beverage. We asked him to tell us, in his own words, what a day of flavor looks like at the hotel — and this is his route.
A kitchen that feels like home
For Mariano, the kitchen at Buenaventura Grand comes down to three ideas: warmth, variety, and consistency.
"You'll find a warm, homestyle kitchen, with constant innovation, hitting the exact point of flavor we need to satisfy our guests."
He rounds it out with something he repeats often in the kitchen: quality and hygiene are non-negotiable. Every dish passes through that filter before it reaches the table.
The menu must-tries, according to the chef
Corazón Contento: the Mexican flavor that's non-negotiable
If there's one restaurant where Mariano doesn't hesitate with his recommendation, it's Corazón Contento. The pork chamorro and the beef manchamanteles are, in his words, the stars of the menu — and the chamorro is already included in your all-inclusive stay, at no extra cost. The starter moles also have a good reputation among guests. The setting helps: more intimate spaces, a calm atmosphere, and service that becomes personalized almost by design.
Sunset: from the Italian classic to the cheese prepared right in front of you
At Sunset, two stories coexist. The first is the classic one: the Genovese lasagna and the panko-and-parmesan breaded chicken breast, dishes that already have returning guests. The second is more recent: the Grana Padano, a premium pasta finished tableside, right in front of the guest. In the afternoons, Sunset also serves fresh seafood and aguachiles for those looking for something light after the beach.
Frutas y Flores and Palmita: for when the plan is to keep going
The Frutas y Flores buffet is, according to Mariano, one of the hotel's signature spots: stews, chilaquiles, and such a wide variety that it becomes a complete experience on its own, not just a list of dishes.
And for those who don't want to leave the pool, Palmita Snack & Bar has you covered with burritas and snacks — among the chef's own favorites. Around midday, near the beach, the seafood restaurant opens from 12:00 to 5:00 pm with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for that meal between activities.
The perfect flavor route, from morning to night
Breakfast
Frutas y Flores for variety and pace — or Sunset if you're after something more relaxed and personalized.
Lunch
The seafood restaurant by the beach, or the aguachiles at Sunset. And if it's a pool day, Palmita has you covered without anyone having to leave the lounge chair.
Dinner
Corazón Contento. Warm atmosphere, attentive service, and the chamorro waiting on the menu, with no surprises on the bill.
A menu that both kids and adults love
Mariano puts it simply: the menu is built so an adult can order for a child knowing they'll enjoy it. Behind that is a constant process of listening — guest feedback, observations from the floor team, and adjustments every time a new dish is tested. Nothing stays fixed out of habit; everything is checked against what families actually enjoy.
Next time you're walking to the pool and the aroma of something fresh out of the kitchen catches your attention for a second, now you know who's behind it. See for yourself on your next stay at Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments.
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