TORONTO — Velas Resorts prides itself on its gourmet cuisine, saying that it defies all pre-conceived stereotypes about all-inclusive dining.

This was on display in Toronto this week with chef Xavier Perez Stone cooking an eight-course meal for some three dozen trade and media representatives at Arcadian Studio.

Chef Xavier has been ranked as Mexico’s best chef and was the recent winner of the Iron Chef international competition held in Toronto.

He leads the kitchen at Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, the world’s first all-inclusive restaurant to receive a AAA Five-Diamond award.

“With pristine properties set along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean seas, a stay at any of the Velas Resorts offers a global culinary experience like no other,” said Sophie Raymond, regional sales manager, Canada, Velas Resorts.

“From Asian cuisine to Italian comfort food to French bistro fare or Mexican favourites, the variety and quality of dining options at Velas Resorts are unmatched.”

The four Velas Resorts are in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit and have earned 43 AAA Diamonds. Two properties belong to the Leading Hotels of the World.

Chef Xavier, who has had spells in San Sebastian in Spain (which has the highest concentration of 3-star Michelin restaurants in the world) and Stockholm, works with local ingredients.

This was on display this week in Toronto with dishes such as foie gras wrapped in lettuce and cotton candy; lobster, black corn and truffle puree; and venison, red berries and beets among other dishes.

For more information, visit grandvelas.com.