New York, NY – January 31, 2024: The award-winning Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas has announced the inaugural Flavors Beyond Borders culinary extravaganza, a four-day gourmet experience from March 6-10, 2024, featuring culinary stars trained at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA). During the multi-day event, Chefs Dara Yu, Sophia Ruiz, Evelyn Garcia, and Sarah Thompson will offer master classes, special tastings, and thematic dinners showcasing their expertise in the culinary arts and the signature flavors of Costa Rica. Proceeds from the event will benefit CIA student scholarships.
Chef Dara Yu is a 2021 CIA graduate. Beginning her career at age 12, Chef Yu competed and placed second in the first season of MasterChef Junior. After a decade of experience across kitchens in her home city of Los Angeles and earning a high honors degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, she returned to the MasterChef stage to claim a victory on the show’s “Back to Win” 12th season.
Chef Sophia Ruiz graduated from the CIA in 2023 with an affinity and proficiency for the art of baking and pastries. Upon receiving her degree, Chef Ruiz joined Lafayette Grand Café and Bakery, one of New York City’s top bakeries.
Chef Evelyn Garcia, a 2010 CIA grad, set out on her culinary journey in New York, where she studied and worked for over a decade, cooking throughout NYC with stints at Jean-Georges’s Spice Market, Masak, and Kin Shop. After ten years, Chef Garcia returned to her Texan roots by opening Jūn & Kin HTX, a Houston-based Southeast Asian restaurant and wine bar meaning “to eat” or “family.” Chef Evelyn prevailed as a series finalist on the 19th season of Bravo TV’s hit show Top Chef. Earlier this month, Jūn was named a semi-finalist in the best new restaurant category of the James Beard Foundation Awards.
Chef Sarah Thompson, a lover of Mexican cuisine and Executive Chef at Casa Playa pushes the culinary envelope of what cultural cuisine can be. Continually deepening her understanding of the roots of Mexican cuisine, she found a passion for it in the fine-dining Mexican restaurant Cosme under Chef Daniela Soto-Innes. Now, she employs over 50 percent of women on her staff and maintains a kitchen of locally selected seafood, a process she learned the importance of while studying at the CIA.
Flavors Beyond Borders offers an exclusive and intimate setting for guests looking to broaden their culinary and cultural horizons. Hosted throughout Casa Chameleon’s restaurants, bars, and public spaces – including Sentido Norte, La Pampa Grill, Grotto 12°, and Green House – the event’s daily itinerary opens with a wellness activity, like yoga or meditation, before the day unfolds with food-driven immersive initiatives anchored by each meal of the day:
- Breakfast
For breakfast, guests may participate in a Barista Experience, brunch with a pastry chef, or indulge in a tortilla station, followed by a hands-on cooking class with a CIA chef.
- Mid-morning Cooking Class
Capped at 10 guests per session, Flavors Beyond Borders cooking classes showcase the best local and seasonal ingredients paired with techniques and insight provided by a CIA chef.
- Lunch
Mid-day meals are leisurely, allowing guests to experience Casa Chameleon’s signature bars and restaurants. Served a la carte, these leisurely experiences showcase the incomparable setting of Casa Chameleon, perched above Las Catalinas with views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Afternoon Experience
From a catamaran tour to a Latin dance class and Margarita station, afternoons at Casa Chameleon offer cultural immersion on land and in the ocean.
- Sundowners
Each afternoon, guests can experience the iconic Costa Rican sunsets on one of the majestic settings in the destination, Casa Chameleon’s pool deck. Accompanied by inventive sundowner drinks like Tinto de Verano, gourmet aperitivo-hour small plates serve as a warm-up for the culinary highlight; dinner.
- Dinner
Assisted by Casa Chameleon’s culinary team, Chefs Dara D Yu, Sophia Ruiz, Evelyn Garcia, and Sarah Thompson prepare a nightly feast that reflects their expertise and approach to fine dining. Using locally sourced ingredients, chefs offer guests insight into the rich traditions and cultural richness of their background with themed dinners like ‘The Road Less Traveled: An Introduction to Local Foraged Food’ and an ‘Ancestral BBQ’ at Casa Chameleon’s newly unveiled restaurant, The Green House.
While Casa Chameleon, a Relais & Châteaux property, maintains a firm dedication to sustainability, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service, the property’s commitment to culinary excellence truly sets it apart. Holding a strong emphasis on sourcing ingredients locally and forging connections with nearby farmers and fishermen, the hotel ensures the freshest and most sustainable ingredients across each dining option. Boasting four dining options, guests can expect unforgettable gastronomic experiences at any of Casa Chameleon’s culinary locations.
The Sentido Norte Restaurant showcases the flavors of Costa Rica’s rich culinary traditions using the finest local ingredients. It boasts a combination of bold flavors and authentic dishes, perfectly harmonious with the restaurant’s incredible open-air setting, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Grotto 12 offers a well-curated selection of wines from around the globe in an intimate wine cave atmosphere.
The Green House is an intimate dining spot that celebrates Costa Rica’s rich culinary heritage with dishes crafted from freshly sourced ingredients.
La Pampa Grill showcases the soul of Costa Rican flavors, featuring slow-cooked, sea, and field-to-table feasts, offering insight into the destination’s culinary heritage. Seasonal produce sits on the menu alongside classics such as signature fall-of-the-bone ribs, embracing the beauty of old-school, open-fire barbecue.
The Flavors Beyond Borders culinary event price starts at $10,995 per couple (subject to tax and fees). It includes four nights’ accommodation in a private villa with a plunge pool, daily breakfast and lunch, four thematic evening culinary experiences, cooking demonstrations, daily activities, and social programming. Pricing is inclusive of all wine and drinks.
For more information and to book Flavors Beyond Borders, please visit https://www.casachameleonhotels.com/las-catalinas/flavors-beyond-borders/.
