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Casa de Campo Resort & Villas successfully celebrated the second edition of its Food & Wine Festival presented by American Express, attracting prominent ambassadors of both international and local gastronomy.
On October 11 and 12, villa owners and special guests had the opportunity to indulge in exquisite dishes prepared by renowned international chefs such as Hubert Keller, Scott Conant, Shawn McClain, and Chef Tita, alongside prestigious chefs Rodrigo Menéndez, Saverio Stassi, and Joaquín Renovales, who joined forces to present a masterful dinner under the stars at the 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.” Jason Kycek, vice president of Sales and Marketing and the mind behind the Food and Wine Festival, added, “We are proud to support events like the Food & Wine Festival that not only celebrate cuisine but also promote interaction and enjoyment among our visitors.”
Food and Wine
The festival kicked off on Friday, October 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the stunning Marina Riverside event center, where attendees enjoyed a delicious array of dishes prepared by the guest chefs, accompanied by a selection of beverages including wine, tequila, rum, and more. The celebration continued on Saturday, October 12, attracting hundreds of people who share a passion for gastronomy.
Chef Tita, responsible for the Morisoñando and Aguají restaurants, emphasized the festival’s significance in highlighting the richness of Dominican cuisine. Through her Ima Foundation, Chef Tita conducts impactful social cooking that transforms lives through food.
She explained that cooking is no longer confined to a closed space; it now involves exploring the environment and generating change, as demonstrated by her work in rural communities across the Dominican Republic. She also emphasized that the diversity of Dominican gastronomy, influenced by over 14 cultures, is what makes it unique.
During the event, she prepared a shrimp ceviche in coconut sauce, using seafood sourced from the Dominican province of Sánchez Ramírez.
On Saturday, after the event at Marina Riverside, attendees moved to the Minitas Beach Club to enjoy the “Dinner Under the Stars,” where chefs Rodrigo Menéndez, Saverio Stassi, and Joaquín Renovales impressed guests with a selection of creative dishes.
The Food & Wine Festival presented by American Express, in collaboration with Invited Clubs, provided an enriching experience that included exclusive tastings, live demonstrations, and food and wine pairings. This gathering not only celebrated global culinary diversity but also highlighted the culinary wealth of the region.
The event was hosted by Raúl de Molina, a well-known presenter from Univisión, who brought his charisma and expertise to the occasion.
About the Participating Chefs:
Hubert Keller: Renowned French chef with an acclaimed career in the United States, owner of iconic 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 creating soulful food, with a successful career in restaurants and media.
Shawn McClain: A James Beard Award winner, McClain has opened several acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and Las Vegas, standing out for his culinary innovation.
Chef Tita: Executive chef of Morisoñando and Aguají, author of “La Nueva Cocina Dominicana,” has taken Dominican gastronomy to new heights on international stages.
Rodrigo Menéndez: Culinary Director of Casa de Campo Resort, his international experience translates into a creative and distinctive culinary offering.
Joaquín Renovales Araujo: Lead chef at SBG, he has contributed to the growth of this restaurant group in the Dominican Republic since 2008.
Saverio Stassi: Known for his signature cuisine, Stassi highlights local flavors in his project Ajualä.
Pictures by Mairobi Herrera
