Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts 'Las Verbenas' Food & Wine Festival

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts 'Las Verbenas' Food & Wine Festival

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve presents its first-ever “Las Verbenas” Food and Wine Festival from December 3-4, 2022. Led by its acclaimed Executive Chef, Jose “Chelo” Ballester, the two-day event will feature an exciting calendar of one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate Puerto Rico’s storied history and culture as well as a selection of international cuisines.

“We took inspiration from Puerto Rican ‘verbenas,’ or traditional festivities held across small local communities on the island, when creating this idea. Our hope is to provide a fun yet sophisticated sensory exploration of our local culture while creating memories and nurturing their palates. Set ahead of the celebration season, the festival promises to be the perfect way to kickstart this incredible time of year,” said Chef “Chelo” Ballester.

Las Verbenas Food & Wine Festival will host an array of talented and award-winning guest chefs from the island and beyond, including Chef Juan Carlos Flores (Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve), Chef Javier Arrebola (The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh), Chef Renzo Muñoz Bravo (The Ritz-Carlton, Abama), and many more. The two-day event will commence with a “Chocolate & Champagne” welcome reception at the renowned Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Notable chocolate-inspired menu highlights include chocolate and curry braised short-rib, tuna and scallop crudo with stracciatella, caviar, and truffle vinaigrette; and local rabbit choco “fricasse” canelon; alongside champagne pairing stations featuring Charles Heidsieck.

The event continues with “Fiesta de Pueblo,” a true celebration of Puerto Rican culture, on the beachfront Surf Lawn. Guests can explore several local food and artisan stations, complemented by live music and performances by local bands. Fiesta de Pueblo offers various unique food and spirits tastings, including a dedicated rum hour that will feature the newly announced, ultra-exclusive rum by Ron del Barrilito Autobiografía Selección Exclusiva personally selected by Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Hand-crafted cocktails by guest and resident mixologists highlighting local culture.  Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will also be available throughout the festival.

Travel information and further details on Las Verbenas Food & Wine Festival can be found here. Tickets are available for residents and guests for  $695 per person here, and are valid for the entire two-day event. This offer does not include a stay at the Reserve, offers of festival and reserve room nights are available.

More information on Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is available at www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/dorado-beach.