![](festivalgala/01.jpg) Cocktail reception appetizers included trays of smoked salmon, fruit, cheese, and maki rolls. |
![](festivalgala/02.jpg) Towers of prawns and fruit serve as appetizers during the Gala's cocktail reception. |
![](festivalgala/03.jpg) A gigantic martini glass sculpted in ice dispensed perfectly chilled martinis. |
![](festivalgala/04.jpg) Waiters moved through the crowd with trays of ice-cold beer. |
![](festivalgala/05.jpg) The Tequila Herradura girls served frosty margaritas to the thirsty crowd. |
![](festivalgala/06.jpg) A Frida Kahlo self-portrait was surrounded by real macaws and parrots. |
![](festivalgala/07.jpg) A sultry dance performed by the Wave mesmerizes the crowd . |
![](festivalgala/08.jpg) The Watermelon dances to the sexy jungle beat of bongos. |
![](festivalgala/09.jpg) The Lobster moves her artfully painted body to the rhythm of the drums. |
![](festivalgala/10.jpg) Commemorative sculptures were presented to each guest chef. |
![](festivalgala/11.jpg) At a table under a tree, a young woman rolled Cuban cigars. |
![](festivalgala/12.jpg) Gourmet Festival Coordinator Gina Naya with Carlos Obadan of Bianco Restaurant, and Festival Committee member Marg Morrell Menetery. |
![](festivalgala/13.jpg) G้rard Dupont, President of the Culinary Academy of France. |
![](festivalgala/14.jpg) Kudos to Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize for this year's Festival. |