Destinations|Airlines|Hotels|Dining|Entertaiment
Number 14 January 2013
Digital magazine
QuĂŠbec
2013 looking for
new experiences
DESCUBRA
SU ENTRADA AL ENTRETENIMIENTO, CULTURA Y ESTILO DE VIDA DE LOS ÁNGELES. Hay más de 2,000 vuelos internacionales directos a Los Angeles. El Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Ángeles (LAX) le invita a descubrir lo que más de 55 millones de personas de todo el mundo viven cuando pasan por LAX. Los Angeles es la capital mundial del entretenimiento, pero también ofrece más de 100 fabulosos museos, sensacionales playas, centros comerciales de clase mundial e incomparable gastronomía. Para más información visiten www.descubraLosAngeles.com
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Summary
4 - Editorial 6 - New Fantasy Land simply enchanting
15 - Welcome to Pasadena 24 - Canada
shares its experiences
32 - Riviera Maya,
ecotourism and adventure
42 - Waldorf Astoria
High category close to you
TRAVEL TIMES
Monthly magazine published by OVCET S.R.L. de C.V. Editorial Director Luis R. Cuevas Glez Coeditor Raquel I. Membrila Graphic Designer Rafael Sánchez Staff Horacio Rodríguez Vicente Ochoa
46 - The Caribbean for children
52 - Skiing: There is snow for a while at Vail Resorts 60 - The Toluca airport is reborn 66 - Apps
Consultant Rebeca López García
Information: Tel. (55) 1742-1604. Published in Cairo 164, Clavería, México D.F. http://www.traveltimes.com.mx luis.cuevas@ovcet.org
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Editorial
Mexico City, January 2013 Dear readers, We would like to cordially greet you. On your screen you will find the January issue of our specialized tourism digital magazine, “Travel Times”. We invite you to read each report, ar cle or review presented here. More and more magazines have gone out of print to become digital magazines such as is the case of Newsweek in the United States of America. The reasons for this transion range from ecological to a larger and more effec ve distribu on. More impact at a lower cost. We have been doing this for over two years. Our easy to read texts and agile design, allow you to enjoy each one of our stories. We invite you to keep us company throughout the magazine, web page and social networks where we already have over 25 thousand followers. Thanks to new technologies, you will be able to easily share our content with friends. Thank you and much success! Lic. Luis Rubén Cuevas González Bravo General Director
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s i m p l y enchanting
Walt Disney said it well: “Disney will never be completed. It will con nue to grow as long as imagina on exists�. Such a statement is fulfilled with the inaugura on of the New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World Orlando.
By Luis Cuevas 6
Many people awaited the occasion to witness the largest expansion ever in the history of the Magic Kingdom. This pa ence gave fruit on December 6th when the president of Disney Parks Resorts, Tom Staggs, alongside Mickey Mouse and other celebri es, cut the inaugural ribbon. Imagina on, technology and art are some of the words which should not be omi ed when describing the New Fantasyland which is the result of exhaus ve work days from the Walt Disney Imagineering crew, headed on this occasion by the crea ve mind of Chris Bea y who explains, “there were many ideas born in our minds which were then captured on paper and which, a er arduous teamwork, we can now share with our visitors�.
The new area has its own castle inspired by the Beauty and the Beast story which, as a result of adequate op cal illusion management, majes cally rises over the en re place. The image of a fire spi ng dragon which flies over the castle will never be forgo en by visitors. This is a secret jealously guarded by the Imagineering team. 7
The a rac ons that can be enjoyed by visitors are varied: In Under The Sea, Journey of the Li le Mermaid, they enter the Li le Mermaid world aboard travelling clams which move through the successful Disney movie´s different scenes and which are perfectly set to the original soundtrack. In Enchanted Tales with Bella, visitors enter the world of Beauty and the Beast through a magic mirror a er which, they not only meet Bella and the charisma c Lumiere, but they also interact with them while recreating the story´s passages.
Photos: Walt Disney World News
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In the Storybook Circus area they find the classic and must-see flight with Dumbo which has now been mul plied in size in order to quickly sa sfy the children´s (and their parent’s) need to fly on this most loved elephant. Here, visitors also find the Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini, a roller coaster where riders fly alongside the talented pilot Goofy, and his an cs. Visitors will also want to take their photograph with their favorite character at Pete´s Silly Slideshow with backdrops perfect for that great picture. Good food lovers have two op ons to calm their fierce appe te at the New Fantasyland: At the Be Our Guest Restaurant, they can partake in an enchan ng gastronomic and service experience. Here, thanks to new technologies, a waiter will serve delicious French food straight to their table. During the day, the menu is fast food while at night the place offers luxurious dinners. It is important to men on that the decora on and ambience is another great a rac on. The second op on is Gaston’s Tavern, where visitors can taste the restaurant´s favorite beverage: LeFou’s Brew.
The New Fantasyland expansion will continue. Prin-cess Fairytale, home to the Disney princesses willl open its doors in a couple of months. Here visitors will be able to take the desired picture with the princesses. es. Vertigo lovers await the 2014 inauguration of The Seter ven Dwarfs Mine Train, a high technology roller coaster which will travel through the world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. 11
Another Disney World park, Epcot Center, is also celebrating with the inauguration of the reinvented attraction Test Track, presented by Chevrolet. Visitors become sports car designers and then test drive their creation on the track. Once again interaction and high technology work in favor of entertainment. A year of successful premieres for the Disney family culminated in Downtown Disney with the launching of Splitsville Lanes, a fun bowling alley which includes a restaurant, sports bar and more. It is ideal to ďŹ nish o a day of surprises and festivities. 12
This en re new fantasy world can be enjoyed with the same entrance cket to Magic Kingdom. It is recommended to arrive as early as possible to enjoy the park as much as possible. Don´t forget to stay at the Disney World hotels, on occasion you will be able to enter the park before admission is open to the general public. 13
Photos: Pasadena CVB, CALTECH & Travel Times
Co Color, creativity and diversity help initiate the ye year. Following this celebration, the Rose Bowl t takes place. This is an American college football classic that takes place at the beautifu ful stadium which is also called the Rose Bowl.
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Welcome to
Pasadena This city is much more than a beau ful Los Angeles suburb, it enjoys a life with its own history, tradi ons, culture and gastronomy which make it a des naon all on its own. Visit it. Staff
Upon entering Pasadena, we are welcomed with many flowers which are a testament to the ecological conscience and love for gardening that exist here. It is no accident that this city is always linked to flowers and rose beds. The first stop you must make when entering Pasadena, even before checking into your hotel, is in front of the Municipal Palace in beautiful Old Pasadena. This is really a pal15
ace with renaissance and Spanish influence which culminated in 1927. It is the work of famed architects John Bakewell and Arthur Brown. The city has various lodging options that range from hotel chains to the sophisticated Langham Huntington Pasadena, which was built at the foot of the San Gabriel sierra. This luxurious hotel has been continuously renovated to maintain its splendor which dates back to 1906. To visit it is to travel back in time. It has 380 guest rooms of all categories, many of them are high class suites and cottages. The distinguished Spa with ancient Chinese treatments, the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, the prized gastronomy and their special event installations make this hotel a great lodging alternative. Pasadena´s attractions are quite varied. How about beginning with a tour of the beautiful “Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens”? It is not only beau-
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tiful, but peaceful. It has beautiful Chinese and Japanese style gardens with desert plants, greenhouses and unforgettable rose beds, some with ponds, fountains or pergolas. This attraction also gives us the possibility of observing valuable art collections and a library which includes a bible printed by Gutenberg. All of these are part of a legacy from Henry Edwards Huntington, who was an art lover and who built this emporium at the beginning of the twentieth century. Another two great business men also lived important periods of their lives in Pasadena and now their legacy can be visited by travelers. The industrialist Norton Simon was a passionate art collector. He treasured great classic, impressionist and Asian pieces. Today, these pieces are exhibited in a museum named after the man. Prepare yourself to observe great works of art such as the portrait of Van Gogh´s mother, which is unique in its type, o sculptures from Degas. The enigmatic “Gamble House” is an inheritance which David Gamble left the city of Pasadena. Built out of wood, with a unique architecture, eccentrically decorated and with many secrets hidden behind its dark walls, this house is as catalogued a Nation´s Historic Site.
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The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) deserves to be mentioned on its own since many scientific and technological breakthroughs have come from here. The campus can be visited and you can follow along the steps which some of the 31 Nobel Prize winners who studied here left behind. If you like TV shows, “The Big Bang” TV characters, studied at this location. On campus, you will find “The Athenaeum”, which offers lodging for Caltech visitors. Albert Einstein and other great scientists stayed at this historic location sometimes.
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In the year 2012, the Santa Anita racetrack hosted The Breeder’s Cup, a horse race with great lineage and prized on an international level. Among the memories which those present were able to take home with them was not only the excitement of the race, but the beautiful scenery of where the event took place, which is surrounded by mountains. There are races all year long, which is another of the city´s great attractions.
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Flavors of Pasadena Pasadena´s gastronomy is one of the most diverse in the United States: it has over 500 restaurants. Old Pasadena offers walking tours to visit and taste several types of food. The Parkway Grill is one of the must visit restaurants where we recommend lamb based dishes. The centrally located Café Santorini and the Malbec offer delicious Italian and Argentinian food respectively and have spectacular sangria. For lunch, there is no better option than Le Grande Orange: built in an old train station, it offers abundant American style food. There are year round events in Pasadena but two specifically surpass borders and are a part of the city´s traditions. Dozens of allegorical floats decorated with tons of flowers invade the city during the Rose Parade which takes place on the first morning of the year. By Raquel Membrila / Sazón...es
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Canada
shares its experiences “The maple leaf country” has created a program for tourists to fully enjoy its a rac ons. Canada´s tourist authori es have joined the top service providers in order to offer over 160 unforge able and unique travel experiences. Por Vicente Ochoa Leyzaola
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Signature Experiences Collec on has something for every taste and everything has been designed to sa sfy the traveler´s most extraordinary expecta ons. This is perfect for those who wish to abstain from tradi onal tours and instead want to experiment the best and most authen c ac vi es each place has to offer. Signature Experiences Collec on can only be described as the most emblema c experiences Canada has to offer, which make the country the perfect des na on since they offer the top open air ac vies, excellent gastronomy, memorable scenery and overall, a special warmth on behalf of hosts who always bring a special authen c touch.
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Jorge Morfin, General Director of Canada´s Mexico Tourism Commission
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On the long list of marvels which Canada has to offer its visitors, the following must be included: Observing the aurora borealis in Yukon, the Manitoba polar bears, Quebec´s gastronomy, flying in a helicopter over Niagara Falls, ge ng into the urban rhythm in Montreal, visi ng the cosmopolitan Vancouver, going to Victoria Island and ending the day at the Butchart gardens. Looking for more op ons? Try skiing in Whistler or traveling through the Alberta glaciers. Perhaps a fishing tour on the lakes and rivers, tas ng ice wine and authen c maple syrup, ea ng salmon and crab un l full. In one sentence, enjoying the unique style each place in this great country has to offer with all five senses. Canada is an extraordinary des na on for families. Touring Canada on train is without a doubt one of the most recognizable experiences offered thanks to VIA Rail with their emblema c route “The Canadian”, which joins the distant ci es of Toronto and Vancouver. The traveler can make stops along the way or enjoy the trip all at once. Lodging, entertainment and ameni es on board are top notch and the scenery is varied and indescribably beau ful.
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During the program´s presenta on, Jorge Morfin, General Director of Canada´s Mexico Tourism Commission, men oned that the catalogue presented would allow tourism industry partners to be er promote this des na on among world travelers. Learn more at: mx.canada.travel
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”La cocina es un arte de vida,que provoca una sonrisa y el mejor momento de placer”. @sazones Revista Sazón es Sazones Gastronomía
La mejor información del mundo de la gastronomía encuéntrala en Revista Sazones. visítanos: www.sazones.com.mx 31
Photos: Alltourna ve.com & Rafael Sรกnchez
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Riviera Maya, ecotourism and adventure
The Riviera Maya is more than simply beaches and theme parks. Travel Times recommends several other op ons for nature lovers and those addicted to adrenaline. By Rafael Sรกnchez
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Sian Ka’an, “The place where the sky is born” Was declared World Heritage UNESCO in 1987, it is a protected natural space where earth and sky converge. A er arriving at the wharf area and listening to a short ac vity introduc on, we begin our boat journey through the lagoon un l we reach the opposite bank and then con nue through a canal built by the Mayans. The water is so clear, the colors of the fish can be observed. Once “customs” is reached (a prehispanic construc on), the best part begins: you must put on a floater and then jump into the canal in order to be transported by the current. While floa ng adri one can get lost in his or her own thoughts while contempla ng the beau ful green and blue scenery. The Community Tours company, organizes these escapades. Once here, you can enter the jungle and visit a gum camp where you can learn everything about chewing gum which comes from a tree called the “chicozapote”. With any luck you will encounter a wild boar or a deer. This is a unique experience! 34
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Yucatan Explorer If you like motorcycles and adventure, Yucatan Explorer gives you the op on of entering the jungle in a four wheeler. The experience can last from 20 to 25 minutes depending on the driver´s ability. You can stop at a natural well called the “Moon Natural Well” because of its crescent shape which is perfect for swimming in its crystal water.
Akumal, “Turtle Place” Akumal is a coast on the Yucatan peninsula which is unique in its type. Previously it could only be visited by boat. As a result, this area is perfect for the arrival of hundreds of turtles each year which lay their eggs. Of the 7 species of marine turtles which exist, 3 can be found at this beach: green turtle, caguama and laud, all of them in danger of ex nc on. Among the ac vi es available here, and following strict previously designed safety measures, is the nocturnal search for a chelonian making its nest or the release of the newborn turtles.
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Mayan Encounter In the area which harbors the Coba archeological zone, where Nohoch Mull, Mexico´s largest Mayan pyramid and the number one stele rise, there is a stone with glyphs which, according to experts indicates three key dates for the Mayans. A company called Altourna ve offers the possibility of visiting a self sufficient Mayan community located in the heart of the jungle. A er a winding and entertaining journey, you will arrive at a natural well called “Jaguar”; the locals welcome you with a Mayan ceremony during which one must pay proper respect. A er the ceremony we head to a natural well. To enter, one must climb down rappel style. The view of the vault is impressive, from one specific loca on, one can observe to orifices of light which, in conjunc on with a forma on of stalac tes, give the impression of becoming a great roaring jaguar (hence the name of the place). All of these ac vi es are organized based on the premise of respec ng nature. Rule number one is “do not touch anything”. Remember to say Yuum bo’o k, which means thank you.
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Outside The Jungle A good option not only for lodging but also for living this adventure is the Playacar hotel by Palace Resorts, which offer all inclusive packages. After a day full of activities, don´t forget to visit Playa del Carmen´s 5th Avenue, where you will be able to find stores, bars, restaurants and have a great time. We recommend the “Ah Cacao” soda fountain where you can taste chocolate beverages and a number of specialties.
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Si crees que en el Turismo debe existir Responsabilidad Social, esto te interesa:
www.turista-altruista.org Turista Altruista @Turistaltruista Info@turista-altruista.org 41
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Photos: Waldorf Astoria
High category close to you On your next trip to Orlando, an excellent top category hotel op on is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. By Luis Cuevas
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Located just a short distance from the Disney World theme parks, this beau ful hotel looks a er even the smallest detail to ensure that the guest lives an experience of total comfort. Among the advantages you will find here, is the complementary transporta on to each one of the Disney parks in an elegant bus, a first class Spa with 22 cabins of magnificent installa ons and premiere products, and an eighteen hole golf course designed by Rees Jones, without a doubt, the best in the area. The restaurants at the resort deserve to be men oned on their own. You can enjoy the gastronomy at the emblema c New York Waldorf Astoria at the famous Bull&Bear Steakhouse, Oscar´s and Peacock Alley. The guest rooms have all the facili es for a relaxing stay. These range from technological with large high defini on screens, cable, high speed internet and iPod connec ons, to comfortable pillow and bedspreads on orthopedic beds. All ameni es are Ferragamo. It isn´t in vain that the Waldorf Astoria Orlando has received several prizes among which are the following: 2011 Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Award #12 on Top large City Hotels in US/Canada and 2011 Conde Nast Traveler Top 100 “Best in the World” Ranked #17 in Top Hotels in the U.S. More informa on at: www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
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The Caribbe for children
Now is a good me to plan your vaca on with the kids. Cancun and the Mayan Riviera oer ideal ac vi es for them. We recommend four experiences so that they enjoy some unforge able days. D.C.R.
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an
Photos: Xel-Hรก, Captain Hook, Interac ve Aquarium, Travel Times
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With the soul of Indiana Jones The archeological zones of the Mayan world are several and each has its own charm. Tulum is wonderful because of its architecture and its loca on right on the Caribbean, but if children are young, one opon for them to learn to like history is by visi ng the King´s Ruins which are in the Cancun hotel area and can be easily visited. The recently opened Mayan Museum in Cancun is also recommendable.
Pirates of the Caribbean Imagine coming aboard the replica of a galleon and travelling on the Caribbean waters in search of adventure. This experience can be enjoyed by all members of the family in “Captain Hook”, an adventure which sets sail every a ernoon from Cancun on three different ships. Travelers interact with the sui generis crew which is accordingly dressed, and may play games and dance with them following the rules of the charisma c and energe c captains. Drinks are served on board. Halfway through the journey, a delicious lobster or premium steak dinner is served. The adventure concludes with a great surprise where the pirates will fight for their lives and those of the people aboard. Everyone on board!. 49
Xel Ha, the natural aquarium This beau ful park belonging to the Xcaret group oers many ac vies for children. Among them, the possibility of walking on the ocean floor while coming in contact with inoensive yet majes c fish and rays. With the aid of modern and safe technology, even those who cannot swim can enjoy the experience thanks to the Sea Trek helmet with allows for comfortable, safe and natural underwater respira on. No training is needed. With the new Dolphin Trek you can interact underwater with these mammals.
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Swimming with dolphins Spending me with these intelligent animals is an experience no child will ever forget. One can interact with these graceful mammals at the Interac ve Aquarium located at “La Isla�. We recommend the advanced program where the bonding is greater. You will be able to caress them, sing with them, be impelled through the pool by them and even give them instruc ons. Don´t miss the aquarium which is right next door.
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Photos: Travel Times, VAIL RESORTS
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Skiing:
There is snow for a while at
Vail Resorts One does not need to be a meteorologist to know that the winter weather will con nue un l the end of march, this will allow ski lovers to enjoy many more weeks of fun. We recommend the top des na ons so that you may ski on down those slopes. By RIMI 53
VAIL A preferred spot for Mexicans. Located in Colorado with more than 200 mountain hectares, it has excellent snow for both advanced skiers and amateurs. It offers high technology for skier tracking and enjoyment as well as special areas for the children. Vail also offers an outstanding cultural and gastronomic life. Other recommendable desna ons in Colorado are: Beaver Creek Resort and Keystone Resort. American Airlines offers flights to the nearby Eagle County airport.
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Lake Tahoe Its territory extends over two states: Nevada and California. The area has several resorts: Heavenly Mountain, Kirkwood Mountain and Northstar California. All three are top resorts because of their installa ons, security measures, technology, entertainment centers and restaurants. Another area a rac on is without a doubt the casinos which are located on the Nevada side. One can also fly over the beau ful lake in a helicopter or travel through the area in a special motor bike.
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Remember that each resort has professional and friendly instructors who will teach you to easily ski or to improve your technique. For any unexpected problem, the medical services are the best. Don´t forget that you can enjoy all resorts when purchasing the All Epic Season Pass, your fun will have no limits or fron ers. 58
Other options The range of op ons is even broader if we consider the resorts which Vail oers at other loca ons such as the recently purchased A on Alps in Minnesota and Mount Brighton in Michigan. Old Con nent Vail Resorts has united forces with the Swiss loca on of Verber to oer four premium mountain resorts which include: Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Thyon.
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T h e To l u c a airport is
reborn 60
Photo archive
With renewed air, this airport terminal will try to reposi on itself among passengers searching for inexpensive op ons to fly. Sta
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For several years, the airport showed a marked growth for both na onal and interna onal flights, reaching the number of 4.1 million passengers in the year 2008. When Mexicana le the market however, it le empty slots in the Mexico City airport and many companies moved there to fill them. By 2011, the Toluca airport only moved 2 million passengers. Li le by li le and thanks to new airlines such as Spirit Airlines and the introducon of new flights from Aeromexico, Interjet and Volaris, the Adolfo Lopez Mateos Interna onal Airport is once again calling out to passengers. 62
Aeromexico will restart opera ons there as of February 25th with the purpose of increasing na onal and interna onal connec vity from the Mexican capital. The airline will fly to Guadalajara, Monterrey, Acapulco and Cancun. It will also connect said terminal with the Interna onal Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, allowing their passengers to reach mul ple des na ons. Interjet recently inaugurated their direct flight from Toluca to Las Vegas, this des na on joins their previous flights to San Antonio, Monterrey, Los Cabos, Cancun, Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. 63
Volaris, offers direct flights from Toluca to Cancun and Guadalajara. Other des na ons can be reached by connec ng at the Guadalajara airport onto Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Jose and Tijuana. The low cost United States airline Spirit Airlines flies from Toluca to the ci es of Fort Lauderdale and Dallas directly. It offers mulple connec ons in these ci es to other United States des na ons. Javier García Bejos, director of the Toluca terminal, hopes that the passenger mobiliza on will increase in 30% for the year 2013. Talks are being held with several airlines for them to begin or increase opera ons at this airport. Advantages such as less fuel usage as a result of quicker take off and landing mes are being pointed out, as this allow for lower prices to passengers.
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Volaris presentó junto con Invex y Visa su nueva tarjeta de crédito. En pleno vuelo ejecuƟvos de las tres empresas dieron a conocer las ventajas de converƟrse en tarjetahabiente. Conoce más detalles y solicítala fácilmente en:
www.tarjetavolaris-invex.com
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Apps
Travelling with your iPhone in hand New technologies are truly at arm´s length, especially if you own an iPhone. We present a few applica ons which will help you incursion into the world of tourism.
Backseat Driver Designed by Toyota, this applica on won the “Golden Lion” at the Interna onal Cannes Crea vity Fesval and was created to keep children entertained during road trips. Thanks to the integrated iPhone GPS, young tourists can drive their virtual car and spot their current loca on on a map. They can also iden fy loca ons and buildings, and accumulate points which can be exchanged for car equipment. 66
Play&Tour Audioguides Imagine travelling through 15 European capitals with your audioguide in hand and as a result, learning detailed facts about 1500 loca ons in Spanish narra on. These guides offer this amazing service, they also include integrated maps so that you do not have to spend addi onal money on internet while abroad. It is con nually updated. Among the included ci es are Madrid, Barcelona, London and Rome.
Camera Genius According to the New York Times “This applica on does everything”, and it is true. Thanks to this applica on, not only will you be able to take excellent pictures in which you control ligh ng, but you will also be able to edit them and give them special effects so that you can immediately share them on social sites or send them via e mail.
Mexico Webcams It allows you to observe real me imagines from various tourist des naons in Mexico. Colonial ci es, beaches or marvels of nature are available 24 hours a day. Thanks to this technology you can simultaneously observe the beau ful sunset in Los Cabos while watching nightlife begin in Playa del Carmen.
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Promociona tu destino, atractivo o servicio turístico a través de
TRAVEL TIMES Revista Digital mensual en español e inglés Portal de actualización diaria Amplias y diversas redes sociales Conoce nuestro alcance, !Te sorprenderá! Travel mes Turismo
Revista Travel Times
TRAVELTIMES TURISMO
TravelTimes
www.traveltimes.com.mx luis.cuevas@ovcet.org Tel +52 55 17421604
@TravelxTimes travel_ mes
Year 2013, Insert 1
Carlos Llaguno,
a Chef from Puebla who has succeeded in
New York The President´s
gastronomic secrets A culinary tour through time
Revista digital mensual publicada por OVCET (Ofi cina de Visitantes, Convenciones y Eventos de Turismo). Editada en Cairo 164, Col. Clavería. C.P. 02080, México, D.F. DIRECCIÓN EDITORIAL Raquel Membrila Icaza Editor Gráfico Rafael Sánchez Vera CORRECTOR DE ESTILO Horacio Rodríguez Colaborador Vicente Ochoa INFORMES rimi@sazones.com.mx Tel. (55) 1742-1604 ©Material, concepto e ideas registradas ante Derechos de Autor. Prohibida la reproducción total o parcial de esta obra.
Dear Reader: They say 2013 is a year of changes, it is the opportunity to cook up the best moments and ac ons, to bake great projects so that in the end, the banquet is exquisite. The first dish Sazones offers this year is its union with Travel Times, where you will be able to accompany us on culinary trips where you will discover the best restaurants, share experiences with different chefs and get to know the newest gastronomic novel es. Welcome to the gastronomic supplement Sazones. Raquel I. Membrila Icaza torial D irecto Editorial Director ones M agazin Sazones Magazine www.sazones.com.mx @sazones FB Revista Sazón es FB FB Sazones Gastronomía FB
Experimenta el MĂŠxico real a travĂŠs del sabor www.saboresmexicofoodtours.com
Carlos Llaguno, a Chef from Puebla who has succeeded in New York
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Photos: Luis Cuevas
This charisma c man from Puebla overcame the diďŹƒcul es of being an immigrant to become the Execu ve Chef of the famous New York restaurant Les Halles. A friend of Anthony Bourdain, he shares his experiences with Raquel Membrila over coee.
Raquel Membrila
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It was in 1994 when Carlos Llaguno le his na ve Puebla to move to New York in search of the American dream without even the necessary papers to legally cross the border. He was not a kitchen enthusiast and never imagined that des ny would lead him to becoming a successful Chef. Upon arriving, he had to share a small apartment with two other newcomers. “To sleep you had to beat the rest to a spot,” Carlos remembers smiling. Thanks to his cousin, he was able to find a job peeling potatoes at a restaurant called Brasserie Les Halles. “I would work for over 12 con nuous hours, prac cally without rest and without a day off. I had never cooked, but li le by li le I began to like it and now it is my life.” With perseverance and great effort, Carlos began moving up in posi ons. During this me, he spent one year alongside Bourdain who was Execu ve Chef. “Anthony is very charisma c, he likes a party and he is a good friend, but I don´t much like his seasoning,” confides Llaguno, who has par cipated in a few episodes of the series “No Reserva ons”.
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On one occasion, Bourdain travelled to Puebla to see his origins and taste tradi onal food from Puebla. “It was an enjoyable trip, we went to places where I grew up and Anthony spent me with my family. We later went to Mexico City where we had great moments and ate delicious food.” Today, Carlos is the Execu ve Chef of Les Halles and is in charge of 50 people, mostly Mexicans. Now, with his legal documenta on in order, he travels to Mexico when his ac vi es allow him the me. “Before I was a legal immigrant, I could not travel to Mexico and I was unable to see my family. I was only able to speak to them over the phone.” Today, Carlos lives in a nice apartment near Manha an, he is s ll single, likes to have many friends and have fun.
Brasserie Les Halles: This French food restaurant is famous for its exquisite meat and potatoes. It has two locaons in Manha an, the Park Avenue restaurant being the most prominent one, this is where Carlos has his main office.
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The menu has a sec on called “La Grillade”, where one can choose from aged cuts of beef. A notable dish is the Côte de Boeuf, a prime rib for two with excellent flavor. The wine cellar is quite complete and as fashion dictates, it has a long list of beers and cocktails. If you visit New York, visit this culinary offer and say hello to Carlos who is an excellent host. We recommend you make a reserva on at h p://leshalles.net 9
The President’s
gastronomic secrets
Thanks to the work of execu ves and chefs of Mexico City´s Presidente Intercon nental Hotel guests and diners can count on excellent gastronomy right in the hotel. Vicente Ochoa 10
Photos: Presidente InterCon nental
It is enough to men on its four brand name restaurants: Palm, Au Pied de Coch贸n, Alfredo di Roma and Zhen Shanghai, as well as its magnificent wine cellar with over 1800 labels from the world麓s best wineries, led by the famed sommelier Pedro Poncelis. 11
Palm
A true legend which originated in 1926 in New York´s Italian neighborhood, Palm has become without a doubt the best Steak and Lobster House, with memorable US Prime quality cuts and Nova Sco a jumbo lobster. There you will find, Chef Luis del Sordo, who is at the peak of his professional career, which includes studying in Switzerland and having visi ng over 50 countries as chef of The Pacific Princess, the famous “Love Boat”. “Porons are very generous” he says, “and we are always concerned with observing the highest quality in our dishes, something which the clients value”.
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Au Pied de Cochon It has 65 years of tradi on in Paris and 12 in Mexico. It offers tradi onal French cuisine. In the midst of a rac ve art nouveau decora on with fine wood and marble touches, Chef Yann Cozic delights diners with his best onion soup, an incredible rib eye with béarnaise sauce and of course, the classic creme brulee. On the terrace or inside the restaurant, diners can enjoy dishes as a rac ve as the prized leg of pig baked with béarnaise sauce, camembert croque es with rosemary honey and a spectacular fresh seafood bar.
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Alfredo di Roma A gastronomic domina on which began in Rome three genera ons ago in the Di Leilo family which can now be found in Mexico City, Puebla and Cozumel. Here, in the midst of an ambience full of pastas, cheeses and prosciuttos, diners find the best of the classic Italian cuisine with a touch of the Piamonte region which is added by Execu ve Chef Mauro Chiecchio. He has managed to make hundreds, perhaps thousands of diners fall hopelessly in love with the restaurant´s star recipe: the famous Fetuccini Alfredo.
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Zhen Shanghai
Without a doubt, the best oriental gastronomy to be found in Mexico. Zhen Shanghai is the refuge of the lacquered duck and the top wok dishes you can imagine. The Chef Ip Sun Lamm from Hong Kong, has brought the best Chinese cuisine to the Presidente Intercon nental in a marvelous array of contrast between intensity and delicacy of flavors, aromas and textures to the palate. All of this occurs inside a sophis cated and elegant atmosphere with oriental and contemporary touches. The Pekinese duck is a work of art.
“What we sell is an authentic experience,” we are told by Christophe Prioux, Director of Brand Restaurants, “People come to Alfredo di Roma to feel as if they are in Italy and people come to Au Pied de Cochon to taste a little bit of France, etc…” “Each franchise has high quality standards and service which we track: food, service, dishware, furnishings….This is why we import a great number of our ingredients, in order to have original flavor. We are always improving and creating new dishes. To all of this, we add the finest wine cellar in Latin America, to give clients an unforgettable experience.”
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A culinary tour through time 20
Mexico City has great gastronomic diversity. Each neighborhood has exquisite seasoning that can be noted at its various restaurants, which range from cafeterias to specialized culinary places. RIMI
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Proof of this is the culinary attraction “Roma Foodie Walking Tour” which is offered by Sabores Mexico Food Tours. This concept was born from a need to find new spaces and relive interesting legends in those areas that have made history in the city.
Both locals and tourists can live a delicious, out of the ordinary, entertaining and safe experience which offers personalized attention. The trek runs for three kilometers and lasts approximately three hours from Monday through Saturday at 1 p.m., visiting six restaurants or gourmet shops while tasting their emblematic dishes. 22
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What is the price? $40 USD ($550.00 MXN) adults $30 USD ($400 MXN) children under 12 What does it include? A guided tour and all the culinary tastings, enough for a good meal. Who can take the tour? Everyone regardless of age can take the walking tour. Languages? English and Spanish. Where and how to buy tickets? Through the website: www.saboresmexicofoodtours.com
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What places are visited? The Grand Gus: Famous stew tacos from la Condesa, now in colonia Roma. The Tlayudería: Authentic Oaxaca flavor in Mexico City. Galia Gourmet: Authentic bistro-store with traditional French food. The Procedencia: Mexican food with a French touch and product store at a fair price. La Graciela: Artesan beer workshop and bar in Mexico City. Organic Origins: Delicious fresh, natural and organic food. *(Subject to change)
What to wear? Clothing and comfortable shoes. In case of rain take a rain coat or umbrella. Climate? The tour goes on regardless rain or shine. Where is the reunion point? Near the avenues of Alvaro Obregon and Insurgentes in Colonia Roma. (The exact meeting point is confirmed when purchasing the ticket) More information! Twitter: @saboresmexicoft 25
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