Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Fresh from his win as one of the best young chefs in Western Europe, Stefan Glantschnig will be preparing innovative cuisine during the 23rd Annual Festival Gourmet International Vallarta at Restaurant Kaiser Maximilian, Olas Altas 380-B in the Zona Romantica. The event runs November 10 through 19, 2017. There are almost 30 restaurants and hotels participating, featuring chefs from all over the world.

Stefan won Junge Wilde 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. This contest showcases chefs under 30 years of age and had over 2400 participants. The award translates to Young and Wild and he says he is taking local cuisine to the next level. This contest is intense and is sponsored by the magazine and website RollingPin. Not only do chefs have to create innovative dishes for a four-course meal using products sourced within 40 kilometers of their restaurant, but they must also produce a recipe book and marketing ideas with limited spending and photos.

"This was a great way to get my name out there," says Stefan, "What a wonderful chance to network with many great people in the restaurant industry."

Stefan says he is really looking forward to his first trip to Mexico, especially since Puerto Vallarta looks like such a beautiful place. "I am curious about the people and what types of foods are available. I cannot wait to sample the famous tacos and tequila," says Stefan.

Andreas Rupprechter, owner of Kaiser Maximilian, got in touch with Stefan while he was on vacation in Austria visiting his family. His sister saw an article in the local newspaper about Stefan and from there the spot was secured for Stefan's trip to Mexico.

"I think the festival is a great opportunity to bring many different chefs together," says Stefan, "We will be celebrating food at its best." Stefan will be accompanied by his Sous Chef Daniel Thür.

Stefan is currently the executive chef at the Waldhof Resort in Scheffau am Walden Kaiser, Austria. A magical resort in the Alps. It has been in existence since 1920 and is situated at the base of the mountains. Originally a holiday home that transformed from a small feeding stable, it is now a great hotel. It has been a family business since the beginning. Every year since the 1950s the family has been delighted to host travelers. There's incredible skiing during the winter and glorious hiking during the summer, plus incredible meals in their restaurant.

Tyrol, which refers to a region in Austria, cuisine is Stefan's specialty. Pure spring waters, natural green Alpine pastures and a commitment to nature and organic farming are the ingredients that make Tyrolean cuisine so unique. He will delight clients with his wide variety of cooking styles, which will be served at Kaiser Maximilian throughout the 23rd Festival Gourmet International Vallarta.

Don't forget to make your reservations for Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 8 pm, because it is the night of the 'Culinary Art by Stefan and Daniel' chef's table - a six-course dinner with wine pairings at a cost of $1650 pesos per person. This event is usually sold out, so make your reservations today by calling the restaurant at (322) 223-0760.

If you cannot attend Festival Gourmet, Kaiser Maximilian will be featuring Stefan's special menu through December 16, 2017. A tasty addition to the regular a la carte menu.

Open Monday-Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Cafe is located at Olas Altas #38B in the Zona Romántica of Puerto Vallarta. For reservations call (322) 223-0760 or visit KaiserMaximilian.com

Click HERE to read more about Kaiser Maximilian.