The island, a mere 3-hour flight from New York, has been the recent subject of muchglowing media coverage, including food and travel features in such esteemed publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. By further shedding light on Puerto Rico’s best chefs, its rums, and the accompanying food and travel intersection between Puerto Rico and New York City, Puerto Rico Meets NYC will give this idyllic commonwealth its deserved turn on the Big Apple’s culinary stage.

“Puerto Rico is having a serious culinary moment. The on-island chefs are not only talented, but also dedicated to changing the dialogue around local ingredients, allowing their cuisine to shine as a result,” says Martinez.

Tapping into Gotham’s deep Nuyorican network– from Williamsburg to Harlem – New York City will welcome an esteemed team of eight Puerto Rican chefs, all of whom have contributed to the many culinary triumphs of the island’s history.  Visiting Puerto Rican chefs include Wilo Benet (Pikayo), Juan Jose Cuevas (1919), Mario Pagan (Sage Steakhouse Bistro, Laurel, Lemongrass), and José Santaella (Santaella) among others*.

 Esteemed host New York City chefs and restaurants include Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), Camille Becerra (Navy), Didier Elena (Chef’s Club), and Joseph “JJ” Johnson (The Cecil) among others*. In addition, The James Beard House will open their kitchens for an exciting dinner.

*The full list of visiting and participating chefs is below.
The PR Meets NYC festival will commence with an invite-only Media Cocktail Party on Wednesday, September 30^th, followed by paired New York-Puerto Rican Chef Dinners on Thursday October 1^st through Saturday October 3rd, all held at various restaurants around the city. A closing, alfresco Lechon Asado brunch, a walk-around tasting of the island’s most delicious delicacies from alcapurrias (fritters) to mofongo (mashed plantains) to lechon (roasted pork), on Sunday, October 4^th will formally close the series. All events (minus the opening party) are ticketed and open to the public.

Puerto Rico Visiting Chefs:
·       Pedro Alvarez (Alcor Foods)

·       Wilo Benet (Pikayo)

·       Juan Jose Cuevas (1919)

·       Xavier Pacheco (La Jaquita Baya)

·       Mario Pagan (Sage Steakhouse Bistro, Laurel, Lemongrass)

·       Kevin Roth (La Estacion)

·       José Santaella (Santaella)

·       Roberto Treviño (Budatai, Casa Lola, El Nosh)

New York City Host Chefs:
·       Camille Becerra (Navy)

·       Didier Elena (Chef’s Club)

·       Carmen Gonzalez (La Chispa)

·       Eric Greenspan (Roof on Wilshire)

·       Joseph “JJ” Johnson (The Cecil)

·       Sean Rembold (Reynard/Wythe Hotel)

·       Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin)

·       Alexander Smalls (The Cecil)

·       The James Beard House

**See link here for a full list of PRMNYC Dinners and Events.