Friday, April 4, 2025.
When we entered the restaurant, the staff invited us to choose where to sit.
As we walked through the space, my sister-in-law Cathy spotted a round table tucked away near the back wall.
This event was one of many taking place that weekend as part of the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival. Our lunch was the first collaboration between two chefs at the top of their game.
It was that and more.
We settled into the seats facing the room, excited about how elegant everything looked. The table was full of wine glasses and silverware, a sure sign of things to come.
More people arrived. A couple approached our table. Are these seats taken?
María and Luis, boricuas living in Florida, had been driving around the island for two weeks, coming back to San Juan to attend the festival. Another friendly couple, Denisse and Juan, walked by and made eye contact so Cathy invited them to join the group. El Corillo de la Mesa Redonda.
We were barely enjoying the first glass of wine when a head popped out from a hallway next to the table.
There she was, wearing a colorful jacket and her signature smile.
Those of us obsessed with the Food Network have known Maneet Chauhan as a judge on shows like Chopped or Guy’s Grocery Games, or as the only two-time winner of Tournament of Champions (the best food competition ever). It’s kind of surreal seeing her on TV vs. meeting her in person. I was starstruck.
Our tablemate María, like the Hamilton song, did not throw away her shot. Can we take a picture with you?
This was the first of many moments Maneet came out of the kitchen to connect with guests, posing for photos and chatting away. People cheered every time she approached a table, especially when the wine was flowing. She was as warm and personable as we imagined her to be.
It turns out Maneet and chef Mario Pagán first met in 2010 when both competed in The Next Iron Chef. Fifteen years later, they finally joined forces to create a menu that combined their cultural heritage and love for bold flavors.
Mario Pagán started making his mark in the early 2000’s, after he bought the original Chayote Restaurant in Miramar from his mentor, legendary chef Alfredo Ayala. Known for transforming traditional Puerto Rican or Caribbean recipes into fine dining creations, he’s currently the owner and culinary director of several restaurants, including the one hosting this event and his newest venture, Chayote Barrio Kitchen in Winter Park, FL.
This lunch was supposed to last from noon to 2pm. We were still there after 3 hours. Everything was so on point - the food, the service - that it was hard to leave. It was also special attending an event without knowing anybody and end up sharing a meal with people we would like to meet again.
Corillo, hasta la próxima.
Yanira
