Pulse News Mexico photo/Melissa T. Castro

By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

Russian beluga caviar, Cinco Jotas Iberian ham and $300-a-bottle wines from California’s Robert Mondavi Winery were paired against Mexico’s finest Karla Correa Bedolla wines, Cervecería Charro beers and tangy Terra Sepia tacos during the grand finale of the 10th edition of Millesime at Centro Citibanamex on Wednesday, Nov. 23, Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.

The exclusive, three-day gastronomic taste-off, which was sponsored by GNP insurance and whose theme this year was “Mi Amado México” (“My Beloved Mexico”), offered a sampling of the best of Mexican and international cuisine presented in an architectural wonderland of lights and structures, wrapped in an aura of a live, modern jazz concert.

Millesime, Mexico’s most-important culinary event, is an annual sensual fusion of visual design and gastronomic arts intended to showcase both established and up-and-coming masters of the kitchen for restauranteurs, wholesalers and connoisseurs.

The setting, designed by Mexican architect Mauricio Galeano, who has been a key member of the Millesime project since its foundation in 2013, created a walk-through fantasy landscape with six separate restaurants and dozens of wine, beer and mixed-drinks stands for guests to explore.

The three-day event included the participation of some of Mexico’s most distinguished chefs, sommeliers and winemakers, and five talented artists walked away with the much-coveted Millesime GNP “Living Is Incredible” Award: Carmen Titita Ramírez, Paloma Torres Estrada, Gina Diez Barroso, Francisco González Compeán and Carlos Castroparedes.

This year’s event also included the participation of Spain’s two-Michelin-star chef Paco Roncero.