Cancun, Mexico; February 6, 2008 - Aqua Cancun offers a dining experience like no other, with three highly unique and rarified culinary adventures. Tapping into taste with a trio of esteemed and well-respected chefs, Aqua Cancun is proud to present distinct restaurants from chefs Martha Ortiz, Michelle Bernstein and Franco Maddalozzo, as well as an exciting new lounge from Steve Olson. 

Martha Ortiz’s Siete Restaurant focuses on local flavors and traditional Mexican fare, while Franco Maddalozzo’s Azur fuses Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian flavors for a truly unique experience. Celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein’s MB Restaurant finds its inspiration from locally produced organics for her signature cuisine. And Steve Olson features a variety of wines from several global regions and a list of exotic cocktails at his AKA Wine & Mezcal Bar.  

MB: Seasonal Organic Combinations
MB Restaurant is as innovative as it is delicious.  Chef Michelle Bernstein, takes her “Luxury Comfort Food” approach-- where her menu is created from locally sourced organic ingredients.  This creates a flavor foundation where regional specialties and exotic creations merge with eclectic ambience.

At MB Restaurant, Chef Bernstein focuses on dishes rooted in Latin and Asian influences. Seasonal signature dishes include Tuna Tartar with Chili Oil, Scallions, Soy and Ginger; Gambas al Ajillo, a Spanish style Shrimp and Toasty Garlic, Pan con Tomate; and Braised Short Ribs with a Creamy Polenta and Moroccan Carrots.

Chef Bernstein won worldwide acclaim for her restaurant, Michy’s, in Miami. Michy’s was named one of the United States’ Top 50 Restaurants. Bernstein is a twice nominated James Beard Foundation chef.

Siete: Mexican Splendor
Chef Martha Ortiz updates traditonal Mexican flavors with a 21st Century twist at Siete.  Known for her highly praised restaurant,  Aguila y Sol in Mexico City, Chef Ortiz has become a local celebrity. 

Siete offers a casual environment with full flavor. Entrées include Spicy Shrimp with Pickled Peppers,  Duck in a Rich and Spicy Green Pumpkin Seed Sauce  and Fillet Mignon in Spicy Chilpotle Butter with Creole Pumpkin. 

Chef Ortiz was named Best Mexican Chef 2007 by Bon Appétit magazine. Ortiz also regularly consults with upscale developers seeking her expertise on new restaurant concepts and has developed menus for Lufthansa Airlines.

Azur: Mediterranean Fusion
Chef Franco Maddalozzo offers an unforgettable al fresco dining experience at Azur.  His menu uses playful ingredients from the Mediterranean, Mexico and Asia to make tantalizing ceviches and tapas. 

The Glazed Rib Eye Tacos, Risotto a la Champaña with Arugula and Pears, and the Mediterranean Hogfish Sashimi with Truffle Essence are some of Maddalozzo’s signature fusion dishes.  Azur’s menu also has an array of tempting tropical cocktails and delightfully light bites.

Chef Franco Maddalozzo trained in Indonesia, Singapore, Kenya and Europe. Using a combination of these influences, he sets the stage with a tempting  array of flavors. 

AKA Wine & Mezcal Bar by Steve Olson:  Playful Cocktails
Steve Olson, aka the Wine Geek and renowned mixologist, created a world class wine list and signature handcrafted cocktails at his AKA Wine & Mezcal Bar.  Drinks are served in a casual setting offering over 200 bottles of wine and 60 tequilas and mezcals.  The wines represent many regions and grape varieties, with the primary focus on Spain, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and a comprehensive selection of highly regarded Mexican wines.  The cocktail list has 16 tequila cocktails, three types of sangria, tequila flights, mezcal flights and food from any of the property’s restaurants is available at the bar.

In addition to the AKA Wine & Mezcal bar, Olson created several signature drinks available only throughout the Aqua Cancún resort. Liquid Smoke, a house Margarita like no other, features Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime and agave nectar with the smoke of Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal.  The Michy Bonita, a special blend to match the talent and style of our chef, Michelle Bernstein, is a beautiful combination of Tanqueray No. Ten, fresh grapefruit, orange and lime with a touch of chamomile. The bar also boasts the Watermelon Mojito, an incredible blend of fresh watermelon crushed with yerba buena, cane syrup and Havana Club Platinum Rum. 

Olson is also a Food Network personality and regularly contributes to Food & Wine Magazine, Wine & Spirits and Santé. In 2007, Olson was selected by Bon Appétit magazine as their exclusive wine and spirits consultant.

Aqua Cancun: Relax and Repair
The Shore Club ensures guests enjoy exclusive beach-side lounging, featuring cabanas, hammocks, sunbeds, swings and massage tables. Cool mist chills the air throughout.

After hours, Bar Egos is an ultra posh bar and lounge, guests dance till dawn to the rhythmic pulse of a variety of high-enery techno cuts spun by in-house DJ, Gotardo Dorado.

Dorado is also the visionary behind the resort’s soundtrack. Each area of the resort features a different mood underscored by Dorado’s selections such as the soothing, tranquil music in the lobby during the day that becomes a pulsating beat at night.

About Aqua
Aqua is a new brand of high-end lifestyle hotels by Grupo Posadas. The properties break out of the traditional concept of industrial design and offer an innovative and playful space for unforgettable vacations. This radical new concept creates a hotel that is memorable, transcendent and unique, giving guests the feeling that the resort was created just for them. The vanguard architecture, good taste and attention to detail work together to create the “Aqua accent” and surpass guests’ expectations, letting them experience the true essence and superior quality of the hotel.

About Grupo Posadas
Grupo Posadas operates more than 104 hotels and more than 18,000 rooms in 50 beach and city destinations in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The company’s hotels – Aqua, Fiesta Americana Grand, Fiesta Americana, Lat 19°, One Hotels, Fiesta Inn, Caesar Park and Caesar Business in Brazil, Argentina and Chile – make it one of Mexico’s best known international brands.  Grupo Posadas has been listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange since 1992.

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Media Contact: Elizabeth Ortega, Ypartnership, (407) 838-1817 / Elizabeth.Ortega@ypartnership.com