As the situation in Puerto Rico worsens my heart breaks for my “Enchanted Island” or as we call it “La Isla del Encanto”.

Being involved in the food industry, personal chef, caterer, food blogger and all around foodie, I worry about the young chefs that have struggled to bring our foods to a higher level. They have studied abroad and within the U.S. and returning to the Island to create new and exciting dished from what is produced in our Island.

I went with food blogger, Joan Nova of FOODalogue and my husband to Bistro Ten Zero One at the Marriott Hotel in West Palm Beach where Chef Quiñones is Executive Chef. Just because it is a Marriott it’s not for transients only, but locals should know what a “gem” this restaurant is. The hotel has a beautiful patio where you may have private events catered by the Bistro.

Chef Quiñonez, Joan of Foodalogue and yours truly

Chef comes from from Puerto Rico and recently opened at the space where he had SALT and now Emigrante Gastro Bar at TRYP by Wyndham in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.

An excerpt from http://http//:foodiespr.com

“Chef Christian Quiñones stands for innovation, creativity and mastery of the various cooking techniques, as well as for his passion, dedication and professional humility. He studied restaurant management and culinary sciences at Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida. He also earned a degree in culinary sciences from the Escuela Hotelera de San Juan. Also attends ongoing training in culinary arts and winemaking at the Centro de Estudios Superiores de San Angel in Mexico City. Chef Christian has worked with world renowned chefs, among them: Alain Alegretti, Mollie (Oprah Winfrey’s chef) and Jean George Vongerichten. He has cooked for special guests including: the Princess of Jordan and the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Has also worked at the Palm Beach International Polo Club, the largest polo club in North America, and Mar-A-Lago Resort, which belongs to businessman Donald Trump. He was part of the culinary team that prepared the wedding dinner for Melanie and Donald Trump. Chef Chrisitna Christian won the bronze medal at the Orlando Restaurant Show, representing the American Culinary Federation. He has been special guest at the television program “Cocinando con José” at La Familia Network. He also represented Puerto Rico and the Caribbean at the Commis Jeunne Competition of La Chaine des Rotisseurs. He was named one of the Top 3 Young Chefs of Puerto Rico by El Nuevo Día newspaper. He was also recipient of the Chef of the Year 2010 award given by the Club de Oficinistas de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.He was also the winner of Master Chef Latino Culinary competition. Master Chef Latino is the largest culinary event In Latin America and the Caribbean. Chef Quiñones scored the highest in the 2012 event edition of 2012. He has also worked along many elite Chefs around the world”.

As we waited for Chef to delight us, we nibbled at the bar Sofrito Chicken Croquettes with avocado gel and chives.

Now to my favorite part. The tasting menu prepared for us:

Pulpo, Ahi tuna sashimi, carrot ginger aji amarillo, edible pineapple sage and truffle soy

Shrimp, pastel masa and criollo sauce

Pork belly, pickled onions, fufu and a molasses sauce

Carne asada short rib, pumpkin puree, potatoes and carrots

Lava chocolate cake, vanilla ice-cream with raspberry, candied walnut dust

Make sure to ask for Edmund, Jason (not pictured) and Sara Kaifle

Thanks Chef Quiñones and Staff

BUEN PROVECHO!