Rhythms of the Night, long considered the quintessential dinner-and-show experience of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, is entering a new culinary chapter. Adventures Group, the leading tour operator in Mexico’s Bay of Banderas, has introduced Premier Gastronomic Journey, a refined dining experience created in collaboration with acclaimed Mexican chef Paco Ruano.
For the first time, Mexico’s No. 1 nighttime experience, ALMA, Rhythms of the Night, is partnering with a chef to develop a signature menu, bringing haute cuisine to one of the country’s most iconic evening spectacles. The result is an immersive experience that seamlessly blends gastronomy, nature, and performance art in a dramatic waterfront setting.
Paco Ruano Brings Global Prestige to the Bay
Widely recognized for a contemporary style deeply rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, Ruano has built an international reputation through his work in some of the world’s most prestigious Michelin-starred kitchens. His flagship restaurant, Alcalde, is featured on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and ranked No. 15 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, following notable placements in previous editions.
In 2016, Alcalde received the “One To Watch” award from Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, and Ruano was honored in his home state with the Chef Consumado (Most Accomplished Chef) award.
Ruano’s connection to Banderas Bay runs deep. His professional journey began here under the mentorship of celebrated chef Thierry Blouet at Café des Artistes. Those formative years left lasting impressions that now shape the Premier menu — from the distinctive notes of local raicilla and traditional tuba enjoyed at sunset along the Malecón, to the freshness of locally caught seafood, velvety coconut, and the sweetness of ripe summer mangoes.
Equally influential are the region’s landscapes: the dramatic convergence of the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the dense tropical jungle, and the annual return of humpback whales to the bay. These elements continue to inform Ruano’s culinary vision, anchoring his cuisine firmly in place.
A Signature Dining Experience by the Sea
At ALMA, Rhythms of the Night, Ruano presents an exclusive menu inspired by the flavors of the Pacific, expertly executed with modern techniques. The dishes spotlight local seafood, seasonal produce, and regional culinary heritage, interpreted through a refined and contemporary lens.
Served at the water’s edge and framed by candlelight, champagne, and the surrounding natural beauty, the experience elevates the bay’s nighttime offerings, positioning it alongside some of the world’s most memorable destination dining experiences.
Where Cuisine and Performance Converge
The evening begins with a sunset cruise across Banderas Bay, transporting guests to a secluded tropical cove illuminated only by candles and torches. Following the dining experience, guests enjoy preferential access to ALMA, the acclaimed open-air performance directed by Artistic Director Mukhtar Mukhtar.
The production features set design by Academy Award-winning Mexican designer Eugenio Caballero and a cast of more than 30 performers from around the world, including Mongolia, Brazil, and Mexico. Through dance, acrobatics, live music, and mythological storytelling, the show delivers a multisensory finale that cements Premier Gastronomic Journey as one of Mexico’s most distinctive nighttime experiences.
