Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico - The Second Annual Cuisine of the Sun food and wine festival kicked off last night with a Mexican themed party alongside the Villa La Estancia hotel's pool, where celebrity chefs met and mingled with guests, while serving up fantastic two-bite hors d'oeuvres in their Mexican themed tents.

At this sensational opening event, which featured great wines and tequila tasting and an impressive line up of local and international music, Chef Betty Vázquez, the Culinary Ambassador for the Riviera Nayarit, delighted attendees with an outdoor demo and introduction to the Mexican culture and its cuisine. The evening ended on a sweet note, with the hotel culinary crew serving up the most outrageous display of chocolates and desserts as a spectacular firework display lit up the night sky.

The AAA Four Diamond beachfront resort's general manager, Oliver Coupat, said that he was overwhelmed by the festival's star-studded line up of celebrity chefs, led by famous Food Network chef and USFOODS culinary specialist, Penny Davidi.

In addition to Penny Davidi and our own Betty Vázquez, the stellar lineup of celebrity chefs participating in the Second Annual Cuisine of the Sun includes two-Michelin star recipient Gilles Epie of France, who at the age of 22 was the youngest chef to ever have received this honor; Patrick "Pat" Neely, also known as 'The King of BBQ'; Chris Kyler, Rahm Fama, Michele Ragussis, Martita Jara, Dakota Weiss, and Cloyce Martin, the youngest of the group. Davina Thomasula and Israel Díaz are the mixologists on tap.

Ever enthusiastic, Davidi said that she was happy to have the support of these chefs whom she calls family, as well as that of Villa La Estancia and all the sponsors that have once again made this dream a reality. Alaska Airlines and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau top the long list of sponsors who are supporting this magnificent culinary event in Mexico's Pacific Treasure.

Over the next three days, attendees will enjoy cocktail events with live music, tastings, fashion shows, cooking classes, dinners under the stars and the very popular talk shows among other surprises, including contests. A Twitter Party will take off on Friday, April 28th from 4-6 pm with Celebrity Chefs and friends will share festival experiences using the hashtag #CuisineoftheSunFest.