By: Dani Morton
In the heart of Miami’s vibrant Brickell neighborhood, a gastronomic revolution is underway at the Michelin-starred El Cielo Miami under the visionary guidance of celebrity Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, affectionately known as “Juanma.” With an illustrious career that spans continents, Chef Juanma is not only a culinary master but a pioneering force poised to captivate the Miami and South Florida dining scene with a series of exciting culinary innovations.
El Cielo Miami offers not just a dining experience but an exclusive escapade into luxury and gastronomy. Situated in the prestigious Brickell area, this Michelin-starred gem isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a haven of indulgence. Its allure extends beyond the confines of its walls, offering exclusive access to a private bay, terrace, and yacht for those seeking bespoke events. In a bold move that epitomizes its commitment to luxury, in 2024, El Cielo Miami is set to embark on its inaugural luxury sailboat festival in Florida, a testament to its unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences.
The most exciting, however, lies in the unveiling of the new El Cielo Experience menu. Available from February to April 2024, this gastronomic journey is a testament to Chef Juanma’s culinary prowess. Priced at $289 per person, this 19-course extravaganza is a symphony of flavors meticulously curated to tantalize the senses and elevate the dining experience to unprecedented heights. From tantalizing appetizers to decadent desserts, each dish is a masterpiece in its own right, a testament to Chef Juanma’s innovative culinary vision. Inclusively, it can be adapted upon request to vegan or vegetarian, gluten or dairy-free, or accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.
Embark on this culinary journey with Tamarind Clarified and Soursop Champagne White Rum shots, a tantalizing prelude to the gastronomic symphony that lies ahead. Indulge in a succession of exquisite creations as snackables, including the luxurious Truffle Buñuelo, Chocolo & Caviar, Guajira’s Dry Shrimp RRice, and Stone Crab Empanadas. Then, take a dive into the inventive Chocotherapy designed to awaken the 5 senses through chocolate. Each dish is a revelation, a fusion of flavors and textures that transport diners to culinary nirvana.
Following your starters and chocolate escapades, diners are welcome to experience the Tree of Live, Bread of the House with a Seasonal Soup to accompany it. For the main course, the options are just as extravagant, including Kampachi Filet paired with quinoa berries and finger lime pearls, Yucca Gnocchi covered with sweet plantain honey, pecorino cheese foam, and truffle shavings, and lastly, Lamb Artichoke served over goat cheese sour cream, a cilantro emulsion, and a red wine reduction.
The Experience Menu culminates its journey with the Transition Avan Dessert: Lick Me used as a palate cleanser, and sequential to that is the Comedian Dessert consisting of almond cake, tropical fruits, salted caramel, and crème brulee. Following the Art Basel-inspired dessert is last but not least, the Coffee Field, representing the traditional way of Colombian Coffee farmers and a recreation of a coffee plantation before your very eyes.
But the journey doesn’t end there if you don’t want it to. For those seeking a more casual yet equally enchanting experience, the bar at El Cielo Miami presents a curated selection of cocktails paired with appetizers. Here, guests can indulge in unique creations like Burricornio, La Playa, Don’t Give Papaya, and Chimberito, each offering a tantalizing glimpse into Chef Juanma’s inventive culinary world. Alongside either the Bar Menu or the Experience Menu, for an additional $150, you can add Caviar Service as well.
Chef Juanma’s journey is one characterized by passion, innovation, and dedication. From his humble beginnings in Medellin, Colombia, to earning accolades as the first Colombian restaurant in the world to win a Michelin star (El Cielo Washington, D.C.), his ascent to culinary stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Recognized as one of the 50 best chefs in Latin America and named World’s Emerging Chef, Chef Juanma has revolutionized traditional Colombian cuisine with his innovative techniques and groundbreaking neuroscience research.
Reflecting on his earliest memory of food, Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos fondly recalls the flavors of his childhood in Fredonia, Colombia. “My earliest food memory is sweet plantains, coffee, and fruits like zapote, níspero, madroño,” he reminisces. “I spent all weekends and vacations harvesting coffee in the mountains, processing it, roasting, and eating fruits.” This deep-rooted connection to his culinary heritage serves as the foundation upon which Chef Juanma’s culinary empire is built.
As for the inspiration behind the name El Cielo, Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos explains, “El Cielo is Sky or Paradise in Spanish. Our goal is to make people happy by pushing the limits of excellence and ‘deliciousness’ in every experience we serve every day with every client to make them feel at El Cielo.”
You are sure to indulge in a magical night of luxury when you dine at El Cielo, not just for the exquisite culinary expertise of Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos but also for the experience of a lifetime.
Published By: Aize Perez
