Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten To Escort Travelers Through Brazil

Guests on AuthentEscapes’ exclusive journey will experience private culinary presentations with Chef Jean-Georges


Sarasota, Fla. (Sep. 9, 2009)  –  AuthentEscapes, a new concept in luxury travel that pairs iconic hosts with the world’s most exotic destinations, announces “Culinary Brazil With Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten” a 7-day tour that will allow guests to discover the country’s extraordinary food, people and rich culture. This exclusive journey takes place February 18 – 24, 2010.

“We are thrilled to have a chef of Jean-Georges’ caliber introducing our guests to the flavors and culture of Brazil,” said Malaka Hilton, CEO of AuthentEscapes. “Much like us, Jean-Georges shares a passion for travel. Our guests are in for quite a treat when he prepares specialty meals highlighting the local cuisine.”

Guests will stay in the region’s most famous hotels and relish in the music and dance of its people throughout the itinerary. Chef Jean-Georges will welcome guests for two private culinary presentations, including a demonstration of local cuisine and his specially prepared gala dinner, with ample opportunities to savor the variety of flavors and traditions of Brazil and Salvador.

"I think the best way to learn about a culture is through its food, so this trip is the perfect way to really get to know what Brazil is all about,” said Vongerichten. “I can't wait to visit the markets and draw inspiration from the smells, flavors, and spices of Brazilian life. These will be meals to remember the cities by."

The trip kicks off in Rio de Janeiro with a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, affording an overview of the city and its beaches from high above. During the second day, guests will take a trip to the city’s center to get a glimpse of traditional commerce and Brazilian architecture. After proceeding to the charming historical district of Santa Teresa, guests will enjoy lunch at Aprazível Sabor Restaurant, where the award-winning kitchen serves up a variety of Brazilian dishes with an emphasis on tropical flavors. After experiencing Rio de Janeiro, guests will tour Salvador where Chef Jean-Georges will join Salvador’s leading chef, Marc Le Dantec, in a hands-on cooking demonstration. 

Other exciting experiences included on this trip are an evening Folklore performance and dinner, a morning schooner cruise of All Saint’s Bay and a visit to a traditional Candomblé Temple.

Born and raised on the outskirts of Strasbourg in Alsace, Jean-Georges' earliest family memories are about food. Internationally reputed for his innovative, groundbreaking cuisine, Jean-Georges Vongerichten has emerged as one of the country's leading chefs. Acclaimed by critics as 'formidably gifted,' a 'residential genius' and the 'enfant terrible of modern French cooking,' his culinary vision has consistently set new standards and helped define today's generation of cooking. Jean-Georges is responsible for the operation and success of a constellation of three and four-star restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.