The World’s No.1 Restaurant Comes to the ST. Regis Mumbai

13th May 2024, Mumbai: Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture bring the World’s Best Restaurant - Central from Peru to India for the first time in partnership with American Express. Led by the renowned Chef Virgilio Martínez, Central will journey from Lima to cook two exclusive dinners at The St. Regis Mumbai, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.

As the reigning ‘World's Best Restaurant 2023’ according to the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Central's debut in India promises to be a momentous occasion. Diners will have the unique opportunity to indulge in a six-course tasting menu showcasing the celebrated flavors of Peru, featuring signature dishes meticulously crafted by Chef Martínez. These special dinners will take place on the 24th and 25th of May 2024 at Koishii, The St. Regis Mumbai.

Chef Virgilio Martínez, driven by a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery, found a medium for his boundless creativity in cooking. After traveling and working in kitchens around the world, he felt compelled to return to Peru, connect with its territory, people and culture to create something truly exceptional. Thus, Central was born in 2008. Martínez's culinary prowess was recognized the world over as Central topped the list of Latin America’s Best Restaurants for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 and 2016) and has ranked as one of the top five restaurants in the world for seven years in a row. Central was also honored with a coveted spot on Time Magazine’s prestigious list of the World's 100 Greatest Places in 2018.

Central's culinary philosophy, encapsulated by the motto "outside there is more" embodies a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and limitless creativity. It is recognized worldwide for being a showcase of Peruvian biodiversity, offering a unique sensory and visual route, designed around heights and ecosystems, including ingredients from -15 meters above sea level to 4200 meters above sea level.

“Hola India, it will be so beautiful to be in your country for the first time. We will be cooking in Mumbai at the St Regis in collaboration with Culinary Culture, Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and American Express. It will be so good to introduce Peruvian ecosystems, altitudes, elevations and biodiversity to India! Can’t wait to see you all soon!”

Chef Virgilio Martínez, Founder & Owner of Central, World's No. 1 Restaurant 2023

“We are excited to bring World’s No. 1 restaurant Central and Chef Virgilio Martinez to India on their maiden visit,” “His unmatched talent, reputation for excellence and dedication to culinary artistry align perfectly with our Masters of Marriott Bonvoy’s commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.  Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture continue to mark paths and celebrate creativity and innovation. I believe that our master chefs along with Chef Virgilio will meticulously execute the perfect dining experience at The St. Regis Mumbai.”

Khushnooma Kapadia – Vice President, Marketing, South Asia at Marriott International

"We've been working on this event since 2019, when I first met Virgilio and invited him to visit India. Central in Peru stands as a pinnacle of culinary excellence, it has won every award conceivable and is on every global gourmet's bucket list. At Culinary Culture our mission is to bring the world’s best to India, and we're thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience to Indian diners in Mumbai. I'm grateful to Masters of Marriott Bonvoy, The St Regis Mumbai, American Express and Diageo who have made this event possible with their support."

Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture.

"I am thrilled to announce our partnership with the World's best restaurant. The St. Regis Mumbai is the torchbearer for culinary excellence in India, and it's our privilege to partner with Chef Virgilio Martínez, whose culinary mastery has propelled 'Central' to the world stage. The weekend of 24th & 25th May 2024 will be marked as a historic weekend as Chef Virgilio visits India for the first time to showcase his modern cooking techniques at the pinnacle of Nikkei cuisine, Koishii"

Varun Chhibber, General Manager, St. Regis Mumbai.

Culinary Culture's collaboration with Masters of Marriott Bonvoy to introduce Central to India marks the continuation of a successful partnership that has previously brought renowned World No.1 restaurants to Indian gastronomes. Past collaborations have featured acclaimed restaurants such as Osteria Francescana from Italy in 2022 and Mirazur from France in 2020 among others. Guests dining at Koishii, the exclusive Peruvian and Nikkei-focused restaurant at The St. Regis Mumbai, are in for an unforgettable culinary journey. Central's exceptional cuisine will take center stage, set against the backdrop of the hotel's opulent ambiance and distinguished service.

Central X Koishii,  The St. Regis Mumbai

• Date – 24th & 25th May,  2024 
• For reservations please call: +91 86579 07732.

About Central

Co-founded by Chef Virgilio Martínez, Central in Lima, Peru is recognized worldwide for being a showcase of Peruvian biodiversity, offering a unique sensory and visual route, designed around heights and ecosystems, including ingredients from -15 meters above sea level to 4200 meters above sea level. Its concept and aesthetics have made it rank as the reigning Number 1 restaurant in the World in 2023 according to The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards.

Website: https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/

About Culinary Culture

Culinary Culture stands out as the leading authority on food in India. Founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, and guided by CEO Raaj Sanghvi, it represents a comprehensive movement that covers every aspect of the culinary scene in the country. As the nation's sole authoritative and independent rating organization, Culinary Culture introduced The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings, awarding Ultimate Stars to India's top restaurants. Through its popular IPs, It also celebrates the outstanding chefs of India and pays homage to the vibrant street food vendors across the country. Culinary Culture is renowned for its global Culinary Exchanges, inviting world-renowned chefs to showcase their skills in India while sending talented Indian chefs to cook at some of the world's best restaurants. Past events have featured culinary icons such as Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Daniel Humm, Alain Ducasse, and Dani Garcia, among others.

Instagram: @CulinaryCultureCo | Website: www.CulinaryCulture.co

About Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests delivered flawlessly by signature St. Regis Butler Service. The ultra-luxury brand is set to expand its legacy to 50 hotels by 2018. For more information and new openings, visit stregis.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®, in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.

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