Social media buzz

MEXICO -- Last month, the USA Rice Federation conducted three Student Chef Competitions in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.  Competitors presented a variety of avant-garde rice dishes and demonstrated first-hand that rice is the ideal ingredient for restaurant-quality dishes.   

Directors at the various culinary institutions were impressed with the competition and, seeing the great benefit for the professional development of their students, announced they would be conducting another rice cooking competition on their own in December.  Additionally, they plan to hold a contest with all the universities in the region that have culinary programs to increase awareness of the versatility of rice.

Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are premier tourist destinations and have some of Mexico's most luxurious resorts.  The cities host renowned international gourmet festivals with award winning chefs from around the world.  

"There is a high demand for gourmet cuisine in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta," said Sarah Moran, USA Rice director of international promotions.  "Our goal is to encourage the hotel and restaurant industry in the region to use more rice on their menus as a way to provide patrons with elegant gourmet meals while increasing profits."

Contact:  Deborah Willenborg (703) 236-1444

Trade and Tariffs

For Trade Deal with U.S., E.U. Official Reinforces Plans to Press Ahead New York Times

Negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a pact aimed at lowering tariffs and reducing regulatory barriers to encourage job creation and economic growth in Europe and the United States, began last year but have yielded few results after seven rounds.

Health and Nutrition

Eat: The Story of Food National Geographic

Food Hub is a series of articles about all things food: food facts, videos showing the farm to table process, foodie trends, food labeling - it's all here.