Address: Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km. 7.5 Puerto Vallarta, JAL, 48390, México.
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Reservations: 888 863 0256
DAO is the centerpiece of contemporary Chinese cuisine at the exclusive Hotel Mousai. Nestled between the twin towers, this elevated restaurant offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle through striking Mondrian-style glass walls.
With a modern oriental design, DAO features flowing curves and bold red, white, and black decor accented with marble, ceramics, and exotic woods. Its menu reimagines traditional Chinese flavors with innovative techniques and refined presentation, delivering an immersive dining experience that blends artistry, taste, and scenery.
Israel Ávalos is a passionate chef who has dedicated more than a decade to mastering Asian cuisine, specializing in the authentic flavors of China, Japan, and Thailand. From the beginning of his career, he discovered that gastronomy was not only about culinary technique but also about storytelling and creating experiences that linger in memory. For him, cooking means going beyond the plate, combining precision, balance, and artistic presentation to deliver moments that exceed expectations.
His vision is guided by the constant pursuit of excellence and authenticity. He strongly believes in highlighting local and sustainable ingredients, blending the richness of Asian traditions with the freshness of regional products. This philosophy has allowed him to develop a personal style that honors tradition while embracing contemporary and responsible practices.
Today, he leads the culinary team at Gong, the exclusive Asian fine dining restaurant at Vidanta, where he has built a space that celebrates the cultural heritage of Asia while embracing innovation. At Gong, every dish comes to life with bold flavors, contrasting textures, and refined aesthetics, turning each meal into a sensorial journey. With discipline, passion, and commitment, Chef Israel has established himself as one of the most prominent voices in Asian cuisine in Mexico.
Bryan Chan brings over 35 years of experience in the culinary world, having worked in luxury restaurants and five-star hotels across the globe. His career includes participating in several pre-openings and specializing in a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, French, and contemporary Asian. He has broadened his expertise through professional experiences in China, the Philippines, Canada, Macau, and the United Arab Emirates, shaping a global culinary vision.
He has held roles as Executive Chef in prestigious hotels and as Chef de Cuisine at the acclaimed Saya Restaurant in the Emirates Palace, one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotels. There, he crafted a distinctive concept blending Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine. Bryan also worked at Amber, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant listed among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, further solidifying his international credentials.
His excellence has been recognized with notable awards, including first place at the Hofex Black Box Competition and the prestigious Seven Star Diamond Restaurant Award for Saya. Today, Bryan Chan continues to share his culinary passion and expertise, establishing himself as a leading figure in international fine dining and a chef committed to creating memorable gastronomic experiences.
Set against the breathtaking backdrops of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Tepic, with perfect weather and spectacular views, the Gourmet Festival is more than an event: it is a celebration of culture, flavor, and community since 1995.
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