Casa de Campo Resort & Villas successfully celebrated the second edition of its Food & Wine Festival presented by American Express, attracting prominent international and local gastronomy ambassadors.
During October 11th and 12th, villa owners and special guests had the opportunity to delight in the exquisite cuisine of internationally renowned chefs such as Hubert Keller, Scott Conant, Shawn McClain, and Chef Tita, in addition to the prestigious chefs Rodrigo Menéndez, Saverio Stassi, and Joaquín Renovales, who joined forces to offer a masterful dinner under the stars at Minitas Beach Club.
Andrés Pichardo Rosenberg, president of Casa de Campo, stated: «The success of this festival reaffirms our commitment to gastronomy and culture, offering unique experiences to our guests and the community.» For his part, Jason Kycek, vice president of Sales and Marketing, said: «We are proud to support events like the Food & Wine Festival, which not only celebrate cuisine but also promote interaction and enjoyment among our visitors.».
Food and Wine
The festival kicked off on Friday, October 11th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the impressive Marina Riverside event center, where attendees enjoyed a delicious variety of dishes prepared by guest chefs, accompanied by a selection of beverages including wines, tequila, rum, and more. The celebration continued on Saturday the 12th, attracting hundreds of people who shared the same passion for gastronomy. Chef Tita, in charge of the Morisoñando and Aguají restaurants, highlighted the importance of this festival in showcasing the richness of Dominican cuisine.
Through her Ima Foundation, Chef Tita carries out social impact cuisine that transforms lives through food. She explained that cuisine is no longer just an enclosed space; it's now about exploring the environment and generating change, as demonstrated by her work in rural communities in the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, she emphasized that the diversity of Dominican gastronomy, influenced by more than 14 cultures, is what makes it unique.
During the event, the chef prepared a shrimp ceviche in coconut sauce. The seafood used is from the Dominican province of Sánchez Ramírez.
On Saturday, after the event at La Marina Riverside concluded, attendees moved to Minitas Beach Club to enjoy the «Under the Stars» dinner, where chefs Rodrigo Menéndez, Saverio Stassi, and Joaquín Renovales impressed with a selection of creative dishes.
The Food & Wine Festival presented by American Express, in collaboration with Invited Clubs, offered an enriching experience that included exclusive tastings, live demonstrations, and food and wine pairings. This event not only celebrated global gastronomic diversity but also highlighted the culinary richness of our region.
The event presentation was handled by Raúl de Molina, a renowned Univision host, who brought his charisma and experience to the event.
About the participating chefs:
Hubert Keller: Renowned French chef with an acclaimed career in the United States, owner of emblematic restaurants such as ‘Fleur de Lys’ and ‘Burger Bar’ in Las Vegas.
Scott Conant With over 35 years of experience, Conant is a culinary master known for his focus on creating soul food, with a successful career in restaurants and media.
Shawn McClain: A recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award, McClain has opened several acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and Las Vegas, distinguishing himself through culinary innovation.
Chef Tita: Head chef of Morisoñando and Aguají restaurants, author of «La Nueva Cocina Dominicana» (The New Dominican Cuisine), she has taken Dominican gastronomy to a new level on international stages.
Rodrigo Menéndez: Culinary Director of Casa de Campo Resort, his international experience translates into a creative and distinctive gastronomic offering.
Joaquín Renovales Araujo: Lead chef at SBG, has contributed to the growth of this restaurant group in the Dominican Republic since 2008.
Saverio StassiKnown for his signature cuisine, Stassi highlights local flavors in his Ajualä project.