At the heart of the Alma by Rhythms of the Night experience lies a new element that promises to surprise as much as the show itself: the dinner created by Francisco “Paco” Ruano, one of Mexico’s most renowned chefs. Known for his rebellious temperament and obsession with perfection, Ruano describes himself as “a permanent nonconformist,” and it is precisely this attitude that has driven him to transform Mexican gastronomy into an artistic and contemporary language.
From Guadalajara to the World
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Ruano grew up inspired by the flavors of his region’s traditional cuisine. His culinary journey began with studies in his hometown and soon took him to Puerto Vallarta, where he trained under chef Thierry Blouet at the iconic Café des Artistes. That first immersion in fine dining opened the doors to a world of discipline and rigor, which he further honed while working as a cook aboard a cruise ship traveling to Alaska and the Caribbean. There, he discovered the consistency and dedication required to master the kitchen.
Eager to expand his vision, he moved to Spain to study at the prestigious Luis Irizar Cooking School, and later perfected his craft at some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants: Mugaritz with Andoni Luis Aduriz in the Basque Country, El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, and Noma with René Redzepi in Denmark. These experiences shaped not only his technique but also his philosophy: the importance of closeness between cuisine and the land, and the beauty of simplicity in presentation.
ALCALDE: A Canvas of Flavors
Back in Mexico, Paco Ruano became the creative force behind ALCALDE, now considered one of the best restaurants in Jalisco and the country. ALCALDE has been recognized on prestigious lists such as The Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants by S. Pellegrino®.
The restaurant’s trajectory reached a new milestone in May 2026, when ALCALDE was awarded a Michelin Star, joining an elite group of dining destinations recognized for exceptional culinary excellence. Combined with its distinction as Best Consolidated Restaurant in Mexico 2025 at the Food & Travel Reader Awards, the recognition reflects the consistency, creativity, and innovation that have defined Ruano’s approach to modern Mexican cuisine.
At ALCALDE, Ruano has developed his own style: the refined aesthetics of modern Mexican cuisine. His dishes are not only surprising in flavor; each one is also a canvas, a work of art that transcends the boundaries of gastronomy. In 2022, this vision led him to appear as one of the Iron Chefs in Netflix’s Iron Chef: Mexico, solidifying his place as a key figure in contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Alma: Gastronomy in Tune With the Show
Now, Paco Ruano brings his trajectory to Alma by Rhythms of the Night, elevating dinner to a completely new level. Inspired by the jungle, the mysticism, and the magic of the show, his culinary proposal promises to be an extension of Alma’s narrative: dishes that tell stories, evoke emotions, and turn the experience into a multisensory celebration.
Each creation is designed not only to delight the palate but also to resonate with the natural setting and the dramaturgy of the performance. In his hands, dinner ceases to be a complement and becomes a living act of art, as memorable as the acrobatics, music, and staging that make Alma unique.
The collaboration with Chef Ruano reflects a shared commitment to excellence. As the creative force behind Michelin-starred ALCALDE, his participation reinforces the vision of offering guests an experience where world-class gastronomy, artistic performance, and the natural beauty of Vallarta come together seamlessly.
The Legacy of a Nonconformist
Paco Ruano does not settle for excellence: he pursues it, reinvents it, and serves it in every dish. His participation in Alma by Rhythms of the Night confirms that the experience goes beyond the stage; it is a journey that integrates performance, nature, and gastronomy into a single story.
In the jungles of Vallarta, where the elements merge with magic, Ruano’s flavors become the spark that ignites the entire experience. Because in Alma, dinner is not just dinner: it is art, it is emotion, and it is the essence of a nonconformist who continues to transform Mexican cuisine into poetry.