2010 – 2011
AJUA MAYA # 1 of 333
Playa del Carmen Restaurants for Seafood, Steaks, Local Food, Mayan , Mestizo & Mexican

Ajua Maya #1 for Lobster, Steaks, Local Cuisine, Mayan, Mexican & more!

Ajua Maya Restaurant is celebrating ten years in Playa del Carmen on May 21, 2011 with an Invitation-Only Celebration of Traditional Mayan, Mestizo and Mexican cuisine plus a touch of Virginia with live music all night – and, featuring, Chef Gabriel Sanchez Gómez, Ajua Maya’s new Executive Chef, will provide a sampling of his extraordinary traditional exican and Mestizo cuisines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Press Release) May 19, 2011 – Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo, Mexico

On March 21, 2001, Jorge and Brenda Alfaro acquired Ajua Restaurant (now Ajua Maya) in Playa del Carmen. Their 2001 acquisition began a fantastic culinary journey, which transformed a small Playa restaurant into the current, Ajua Maya — a casual, sophisticated, five star dining experience.  Ajua Maya specializes in Mayan, Mestizo, Mexican and a touch of Virginian cuisine; and now, ten years later, the Alfaros enjoy working with many of the same staff and wonderful Ajua friends who return each and every year to share their success.

“Immediately after the acquisition of Ajua, we worked hard to provide our customers with the highest quality ingredients and preparations available on the Riviera Maya,” said Brenda Alfaro, the Virginian partner. “This commitment to excellence for our customers and our staff has created a wonderfully warm and trusted environment, coupled with the extraordinary friendly service our Mayan staff provides, and the memorable culinary experiences created by our Mayan chefs.”

“We feel blessed,” said Jorge Alfaro, the Mexican-Mayan side of the couple. “Those who experience our creative and inclusive restaurant style, convey to us that we
are one of the best, if not the best, restaurant experiences they have ever had in their life. What a compliment. “

The Alfaros attribute their restaurant’s success to the extraordinary Mayan staff they have worked with for ten years. Brenda explained that the Maya infuse Ajua Maya with
their noble heritage, including their traditional community culture, which ensures harmony in daily life and in work, free of negativity and full of the joy of working together as a family and a village.

Their General Manager, Jorge Huchim Martin, and their In-House Accountant, Amilcar Torres Canul, along with their long term Ajua Maya brothers (yes, they have an all male staff – the norm in this part of the world — except for the lonely Virginian, Brenda), have dedicated the past ten years to ensure Ajua Maya not only maintains its commitment to quality but continues to strive to be better than before.  They have been successful beyond anyone’s goals and expectations.

In 2011, with the extraordinary growth of Ajua Maya and its expanding reputation, the executive staff strategized it was time to bring additional talent into the fold at a management level, an executive chef ,  and the search began.

“It was quite a challenge to find the right personality match,” said Brenda Alfaro. “First, we reviewed many resumes and interviewed quite a few candidates. We felt we needed a chef who specialized in ancient Mexican Indian cuisine as well as Mestizo style (the fusion of ancient Indian recipes with those of the Mexican’s Spanish and French conquerors). In addition, we searched for a chef who was trained professionally and had a degree in culinary arts.

The challenge was not to find that combination;  the challenge was to find someone outside of the Mayan world that would be able to respect the Mayan culture and the Mayan staff at Ajua Maya. Not an easy task.”

“We are proud to announce that Chef Gabriel Sánchez  Gómez.  originally from Puebla, Puebla, is a chef with great talent and dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine, joined us three months ago and has successfully bonded with his new Ajua Maya family plus the one Virginian female, my wife and partner!”, said Jorge Alfaro. “We are proud to have him with us and look forward to many more years of success and growth under his and all of our staff’s guidance.”

On May 21, 2011, Chef Gabriel will debut his Mexican and Mestizo cuisine in Ajua Maya, along with ancient Mayan dishes, at the ten year invitation-only anniversary bash at Ajua Maya for  Ajua Maya’s friends, patrons, and VIP guests from Playa del Carmen.

Chef Gabriel debut will be  supported by the incredible Ajua Maya staff, along with live music including Mariachis, Tierra Vera – Ajua ‘s Salsa and Latin Jazz Band, and “UnRated” – Ajua’ s Rock ‘n Roll Sundays band.

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For
additional information, please contact Brenda Long Alfaro (Brenda@ajua.biz )

Office: +52 984 803 1118

skype: ajuaevents

About The Alfaro Group

The Alfaro Group was formed in 2001 in Playa del Carmen and includes Ajua Maya Restaurant, Ajua Weddings and Ajua Events.

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PS. Don’t worry. We are keeping our traditional menu as well – just took a few dishes off and will be adding some great ones like Whole Fresh Fish grilled over charcoal with five chiles (Pescado Entero Fresco a la Talla).  Also, we will be having monthly specials featuring traditional Mexican cuisine focusing on Mexican regions and states. This will be introduced for Samana Santa with several Whole Fish Dishes and Tuna Tartar. The month of May – Puebla! It will be worth a special trip to Playa!

I awakened this morning at 6:00 am dreaming of the flavors, music and celebration of friends, family, and so much more accompanied by the cuisine of Chef Gabriel and the incredible service in Ajua Maya. I know, I know – it is our signature restaurant; however, today I must truly report I am writing as a former food critic and not as the proud “Tia” of Ajua Maya.

We began with sharing wine and conversation with our great friends, Susan and Gary from Minneapolis, Eduardo, our son Alejandro, and our 16 year old cousin from Chiapas; while we awaited Jorge’s return from Cancun – so, by the time he got there, we were all a bit in the cups and really ready for this incredible culinary experience!

Our first course was this beautiful antipasta with a combination of flavors and textures that made each bite an extraordinary awakening for your palate. The encrusted camembert was perfectly presented – warm, lovely and luscious — joined with the robust and manly Roquefort cheese and Serrano ham.  Jorge arrived just in time to join with us as we oohed and awed with the first taste Chef Gabriel’s perfect touch.

Then … anticipating the main course – the Mestizo cuisine from Mexico and Italy … Risotto with Mexican Corn Truffles, an ancient Aztec delicacy.

First, your eyes – beautiful presentations awaken your palette as you eagerly await the flavors you are about to share.

As we gingerly “destroyed” this beautiful presentation, as you must do to taste the flavors, it truly was an haute cuisine experience. The softness and gentle flavor of the risotto paired with the robust and slightly peppery corn truffle (huitlacoche) gifted us a romantic culinary memory. … Perfectly enhanced with a light and subtle sauce, a freshly grilled jumbo shrimp and just a touch of asparagus.

Incredible Perfection!

Thank you Chef Gabriel for joining our signature restaurant, Ajua Maya, and our Ajua family. We invite all of our readers to share with us this talented young Mexican chef.

 Brenda, Alejandro, Vaughan & Jorge

Tierra Vera en Ajua Maya – Quite a party!

Take a look – click this link>    Ajua Maya Mariachis.

Remember, this is my first with my new Nokia N8 – love this smart phone – maybe I will become as competent as it is! Hope to see y0u soon in Ajua. We will keep the lights on and the music flowing while we await your return to our paradise. Brenda

A fantastic mix of five star dining, entertaining waiter, Latin

Ajua's Fantastic Lobster

 music and great service …Ajua Maya, one of the most popular restaurants in Playa del Carmen with a warm and welcoming Mayan ambiance, is highly recommend on many websites and travel guides, including Trip Advisor and Josh Hindale’s “Complete Guide to Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya.”

Ajua was purchased by Brenda Alfaro (an American from Virginia) and Jorge Alfaro (a Mexican from Chiapas) in 2001. With their Chef Pedro Balam, they created a fantastic menu that includes fresh lobster and seafood, USA Black Angus steaks, traditional Mayan and Mexican dishes, Mayan-Virginian BBQ ribs and shrimp, Caesar salad, and flambé dishes prepared at your table, and more. Truly, Ajua Maya offers one of the finest dining experiences in Playa del Carmen.

Under the helm of Mayan Chef Pedro Balam Dzul, Manager Jorge Huchim Martin, and owners Brenda and Jorge Alfaro, Ajua has become one of the most popular restaurants in Playa del Carmen for fine dining, wedding receptions and great parties. Their upstairs palapa offers an upscale intimate private dining experience and is perfect for special events.

Dining there is an experience you should not miss while you are on the Riviera Maya. The lobster and steaks are grilled to perfection, their Mayan and Mexican dishes are the best in Playa, the BBQ Platter is a must, and the Caesar salad along with the appetizer of shrimp sizzling in garlic oil is a taste experience not to be missed.

Also, what is fantastic about Ajua Maya, is it extensive menu which includes dishes for those who just want a perfectly Black Angus steak grilled or chicken breast served with a baked potato and grilled vegetables; to others who wish a more exotic experience. For the adventurous palate, we would recommend the flambéed lobster and shrimp with a Mayan sauce of Xtabentun and Tequila or their Mayan dishes, including such classics as Tkin Xic (steamed fish in banana leaves with a Achiote sauce), Cochinita Pibil (pulled Mayan pork), and Pollo Mole.

And, don’t forget the desserts! From a fabulous cheesecake prepared in house to flambéed crepes with Carjeta (a caramel Brandy and Kahula sauce and Banana’s Foster flambéed at the table, they are not to be missed by those with a sweet tooth. Prices range from $5.50 usd for fish tacos to $20-25 for main entrees.
Open daily from noon – 1 am – Children welcomed

http://www.ajuamaya.com/

www.tierraespana.com

Discover the real taste of Spain in Playa’s newest restaurant, Tierra España, featuring authentic Spanish flavors. The menu offers an extensive selection of fabulous tapas, seafood and exotic cuts along with wonderful Spanish wines, brandies and sherry. The breakfast menu includes such favorites as Tortilla Española y Serrano ham with eggs along with a Continental Breakfast.

Tierra España has a beautiful Spanish atmosphere, which is highlighted by the Spanish music that enhances your experience, with air-conditioned dining in the restaurant and an outdoor patio for al fresco dining.  Also, soccer including the Spanish league games on Saturdays and Sundays, FIFA, the qualifying matches for the World Cup and more!

Tierra España creates a marvelous culinary experience with its wonderful tapas such as Shrimp al Ajillo, Fresh Anchovies in Vinegar, Serrano Ham, Catalan style Octopus, and Spanish Chorizo.  The main dishes include Paella, Rib Eye with Potatoes and Sweet peppers, Rabbit with Garlic Mayonnaise, Cod Filet with Bacon and Serrano Ham, and many more.

Descubre la sazón real de España con el nuevo restaurante en Playa, Tierra España, con los sabores auténticos de España. El menú de Tierra España tiene una extensa variedad de tapas, paellas, mariscos y carnes con una gran selección de vinos, brandis y jereces de España también. El menú para desayunos incluye tortilla española y huevos con Jamón Serrano y también un desayuno continental.

Tierra España tiene música española con un bonito ambiente de estilo Español. El restaurante cuenta con aire acondicionado y un patio al frente donde puedes sentir la brisa del mar. ¡También disfrutaras el fútbol ¡de la Liga Española los sábados y domingos así como los partidos de FIFA, Copa Mundial y más.

Tierra España es un maravillosa experiencia en cocina española con las tapas más ricas como Gambas al Ajillo, Boquerones en Vinagre, Navajas a la Vinagreta, Jamón Serrano, Pulpo al la Catalana, y Chorizo Español.  Los platos fuertes incluyen Paellas diario, Chuletón de Avila con Patatucas y Pimientos, Conejo a las Brasas con Alioli, Lomo de Bacalao a la Vizcaína, y muchos más.

Tierra España
Avenida Constituyentes entre 15 y 20
enfrente del Hotel Las Golondrinas
Reservaciones: 984 803 0122
Para Llevar:   984 803 0122 

Abierto diario 7 am – 12 am

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Wedding Coordinator: Ajua Weddings (Ajua Weddings – Playa del Carmen Wedding Planner, Riviera Maya Wedding Coordinator, Wedding Reception, Akumal, Tulum, Xpu Ha, Cancun, Mexico)
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I don’t even know where to begin to rave about Ajua Weddings! First off, my coordinator was Maartje Oremus. She was absolutely amazing to work with. But before I get into that, I would like to talk more about why we picked Ajua Weddings. The first reason was because we wanted a Catholic ceremony. After much research online, I found that Ajua Weddings are very experienced with planning a Catholic ceremony. With all of the work involved planning a Catholic ceremony, I wanted to make sure we went with someone with experience. Ajua definitely has that! They made the entire process go so smoothly! The second reason why we picked them was because we wanted a non-resort wedding. We wanted our wedding to not only reflect us as a couple, but to also embrace our destination of choice. Ajua definitely made that happen for us! We had our wedding at the AMAZING Capilla Nuestra Senora del Carmen – a cute little chapel centrally located in Avenue 5 in downtown Playa del Carmen.

All of the vendors that Ajua Weddings used for our wedding were absolutely amazing. My bouquet was simply gorgeous as were the bridesmaids’ bouquet and the boutonnieres. The cakes (Tres Leches cake for the wedding cake and chocolate cake/chocolate filling for the groom’s cake) were absolutely delicious. I also had a special request to have 2 eggless miniature cakes made for our vegan guests and we got amazing feedback on that – our vegan friends wanted some to take home with them! The guitarist they picked out (Benjamin Aguilar) was wonderful – the music was beautiful and fit perfectly with the ambiance of the chapel.

Maartje Oremus (our coordinator) was a joy to work with. The scariest thing for me while planning the wedding was working with someone whom I had never met and with a company that I just randomly found online. To put my dream day on someone I didn’t even know was pretty terrifying. However, Maartje made the whole thing so easy for me. All I had to do was send her pictures of what I wanted and she made sure it happened. She was so patient with me throughout the whole planning process. I don’t know about you girls, but I can be a bit of a bridezilla, but that didn’t faze Maartje at all. She was such a trooper – helping me make my decisions, offering suggestions to me, and letting me change my mind 5 million times without batting an eye! She didn’t even blink when I walked in to our pre-wedding meeting with boxes of wedding stuff! Maartje coordinated everything for me – from transportation, to flowers, to cakes, to music — EVERYTHING! She even arranged for a van to pick my family and I up at the airport upon our arrival in Cancun. Maartje also took care of everything on the wedding day – all we pretty much had to do was show up and enjoy ourselves. Oh, my mom also meet Maartje at the pre-wedding meeting. My mom’s a pretty good judge of character and after our meeting she told me that she could tell that Maartje is a genuinely good person. She couldn’t have done a better job even if she wanted to. She was the perfect wedding coordinator and I will forever be grateful for all the work she did in making sure my dream wedding came true.

Reception Site: Ajua! Maya Restaurant
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We had our reception at the Ajua Maya restaurant, which is also on Avenue 5 and owned by Ajua Weddings. Ajua Maya is by far the best restaurant and the best bar in downtown Playa del Carmen! The food was SOO delicious. We gave our guests a choice of either the BBQ platter or the rib-eye and both were a huge hit! Our vegetarian/vegan option was the spinach enchiladas and those were delicious also. The ceviche was by far their best dish ever – probably the best I’ve ever had! The restaurant is the perfect blend of 5-star dining and laid-back atmosphere. As for the restaurant staff, well, I don’t think there are words to describe what an amazing staff they have at Ajua! They kept all of us entertained throughout the night – from serving food and drinks on their head, to the infamous legs (very funny), and to the best conga line ever (which, I must say, ends with tequila being poured down your mouth!). Ajua Maya also have a live salsa band playing at the restaurant every night. The music was amazing. It definitely gave our wedding the perfect Mexican vibe!

Ajua also catered our beach cocktail party and the food they served at the cocktail hour were also huge hits with all of our guests! I’m telling you, these guys can’t do anything wrong! If you are looking for a unique place to have your reception, rehearsal dinner, whatever, definitely go with Ajua Maya! You will have an absolute blast there and I can guarantee that you will leave the restaurant with happy stomachs!

HUGE kudos to Maartje, Vaughan and all the staff at Ajua Weddings and Ajua Maya Restaurant!