Representing Ka’ana Boutique Resort, Executive Chef Manolo Castillo receives three medals at the 2008 Festival Gastronomical in Guatemala City. The two day event held September 9-11, 2008 at the Grand Tikal Futura Hotel attracts professionals from around the globe seeking top culinary honors.

Chef Manolo received first place in the team leader category. Directing a team of six, he successfully prepared a three-course meal in ninety minutes from a surprise basket of ingredients provided by the organizers. In the individual competition, Chef Manolo received second place for his rabbit terrine with pea and cold wasabi soup entre and third place for Tom Yum Gai, a popular Thai soup.

Chef Manolo was the only competitor representing Belize. “This is a big honor for the country”. said Ian Lizarraga, Ka’ana’s Resort Director. “We are very proud of Manolo’s accomplishments”. Recently opened in September 2007, Ka’ana Boutique Resort is a luxury resort in the Cayo District of Western Belize.

In keeping with its mission to empower, support and develop hotel personnel to be the leaders in their own fields, Ka’ana encourages employees like Chef Manolo to achieve excellence. La Cieba restaurant at Ka’ana Boutique Resort is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. Guests can sample a wide selection of gourmet dishes prepared by Chef Manolo and his talented staff.