A Night Honoring the Best of Mexican Cuisine
The Claustro de Sor Juana served as the epicenter of gastronomy at the 34th edition of the Canirac Restaurant Merit Awards, recognizing chefs, traditional cooks, sommeliers, mixologists, baristas, entrepreneurs, and restaurants.
Ignacio Alarcón Rodríguez Pacheco, national president of Canirac, encapsulated the spirit of the event: “We are an essential part of this country’s life. Despite challenges, our industry remains standing, generating employment, driving opportunities, and showcasing Mexico to the world, dish by dish.”
The Awardees: Inspiring Trajectories
The highest honor of the night, the Entrepreneurial Restaurateur Merit Award of the Year, was bestowed upon Germán González Bernal for his leadership and contributions to the sector.
Other notable recipients included:
- Víctor Garibay, recipient of the Nemesio Diez Riega Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year;
- Lupita Vidal, from Tabasco, named Chef of the Year;
- Claudia Ruiz Sántiz, from Chiapas, recognized as Young Chef of the Year;
- Michelle Catarata, awarded as Pastry Chef of the Year.
From abroad, Mexican talent shone with:
- Rafael Covarrubias (Canada), named Outstanding Mexican Chef Abroad;
- Honorina Arroyo Gómez, from Tlaxcala, recognized as Traditional Cook of the Year.
In the beverage sector, awards went to:
- Romina Mendoza, named Sommelier of the Year;
- Jaime Morales López, named Mixologist of the Year;
- Juan Carlos de la Torre, named Barista of the Year.
Lourdes Catalina de León Ayala, of Gorditas Doña Tota, received the Director of the Year award for her business management.
Restaurants Setting Trends
The restaurant recognitions highlighted the richness of Mexican gastronomy:
- El Mural de los Poblanos (Puebla) – José Inés Loredo Award for Mexican Cuisine;
- Cascabel (CDMX) – María Aguirre de Arroyo Award for the Preservation and Promotion of Mexican Cuisine;
- Mexica Fé (Mexicali, Baja California) – Award for Commitment to Sustainability and a Green Mexico;
- Crudo (Oaxaca) – Carlos Anderson Award for Culinary Innovation.
Orfebre Cocina Artesana – JW Marriott (Nuevo León) – César Balsa Award for Hotel Restaurant;
La Cocina del Bizco (CDMX) – Antonio Ariza Cañadilla Award for Foreign Cuisine Specialties.
Emotional Hosts and the Purpose of Recognition
The gala was hosted by chefs Zahie Téllez and Mikel Alonso, who brought an emotional and intimate tone to the ceremony. In his speech, Francisco Mijares, president of the Restaurant Merit Awards, reminded everyone of the purpose behind these distinctions: “Behind each award lies more than just a career; it’s passion for ingredients, commitment to service, and leadership, even in the most uncertain times.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the main event? The 34th Canirac Restaurant Merit Awards, celebrating Mexican culinary excellence.
- Who were the key recipients? Germán González Bernal received the Entrepreneurial Restaurateur Merit Award of the Year. Other notable recipients included Víctor Garibay, Lupita Vidal, Claudia Ruiz Sántiz, Michelle Catarata, Rafael Covarrubias, and Honorina Arroyo Gómez.
- What other categories were recognized? Sommeliers, mixologists, baristas, and restaurant business management were also honored.
- Which restaurants received special recognition? El Mural de los Poblanos, Cascabel, Mexica Fé, Crudo, Orfebre Cocina Artesana – JW Marriott, and La Cocina del Bizco were among those recognized.
