Le Chique in Quintana Roo Receives Prestigious Michelin Guide Award

On December 4, 2024, Le Chique, a restaurant located in Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, was officially awarded a plaque from the esteemed Michelin Guide. This honor recognizes the innovative culinary work of chef Jonatán Gómez Luna and his team, further establishing Quintana Roo as a global gastronomic hotspot.

Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna, a native of Mexico City, has refined his skills in world-class restaurants such as El Bulli, Noma, and El Celler de Can Roca. In 2008, he established Le Chique within the Azul Sensatori hotel, now known as Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún. Under his guidance, the restaurant has gained recognition for its pioneering cuisine that blends modern techniques with local ingredients, providing a unique multi-sensory dining experience.

From its inception, Le Chique has been notable for its unique training model, with approximately 85% of its team composed of interns. This restaurant has provided a unique platform for young people from various universities in Quintana Roo, other parts of Mexico, and even overseas, to learn and grow. The training methodology involves advanced students mentoring newcomers, all under the watchful eyes of the restaurant's core team, including department heads and the sous chef. This approach not only maintains high-quality standards but also encourages a culture of continuous learning.

This training experience strikes a balance between professional growth and understanding the industry's demands, emphasizing consistency, dedication, and passion for the culinary arts as key success factors in a sector known for its low wages in Mexico. This model benefits both the students, who gain invaluable lessons, and the restaurant, by reducing costs and training hundreds of aspiring chefs. In May 2024, the Michelin Guide announced its first selection of Mexican restaurants, awarding Le Chique a Michelin star for its culinary excellence and contribution to modern Mexican gastronomy.

This accomplishment positions Le Chique as a must-visit destination for those seeking top-tier culinary experiences. The official plaque presentation on December 4 not only reaffirms the restaurant's global recognition but also underscores its commitment to innovation and quality. Le Chique has been instrumental in the evolution of Riviera Maya's gastronomy, raising Mexican cuisine to unprecedented levels. Now in its 16th year, Le Chique continues to evolve, shifting from molecular cuisine to an avant-garde approach that puts ingredients at the forefront.

Le Chique is renowned for transforming traditional dishes into extraordinary creations, blending textures, spherifications, and haute cuisine techniques to delight the senses. The restaurant's tasting menu is a nearly 20-course exploration of Mexico's diverse flavors, combining local ingredients with international techniques. Each dish is a work of art that stirs emotions, tapping into diners' taste and smell memories.

Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna recently announced a book project documenting Le Chique's history and philosophy. This 300-page book, featuring over 100 recipes, aims to encapsulate the restaurant's essence and its evolution over the years, solidifying its status as a benchmark for contemporary Mexican gastronomy.

Le Chique also exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the private sector.