Transforming into an unparalleled gastronomic destination, Bal Harbour Village will be the first United States host to Haute Cuisine, an event that introduces guests to the mouth-watering talents of six of the world’s most celebrated chefs who between them have been awarded nine Michelin stars. Created in Switzerland at W Verbier in 2015, this annual experience in the Swiss Alps has been a sought-after gourmet experience. The organizers have chosen Miami to launch the North American version of the event, and have selected Bal Harbour, South Florida’s most exclusive neighborhood, as the setting. With ten distinct experiences from which to choose, Haute Cuisine Bal Harbour will span four days from May 8-11th.
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is a key participant in the multi-day culinary extravaganza hosting a music themed dinner on the third evening hosted by Chefs Natali, Pourcel, and Drapeau at the picturesque Artisan Beach House. In addition to the star-studded dinner, the luxury hotel will be hosting immersive cooking classes throughout the four days, as well. Preferential rates are available for those looking to enhance their experience with an overnight stay by simply mentioning “Haute Cuisine Event.”
Haute Cuisine Bal Harbour brings together internationally recognized chefs who will share their culinary passions with food lovers in carefully curated interactive cooking classes and intimate theme-based dinners with bespoke menus of tantalizing dishes.
Kicking off on Wednesday evening, Bal Harbour Shops introduces a welcome cocktail reception at the iconic Center Courtyard. Throughout the four-days there will be themed dinners at various locations. Inspired by the chic surroundings the first dinner is fashioned themed, followed by design, and music. All four themed dinners will be led by Michelin starred chefs from around the world. The indulgent festival will end with a gala cocktail reception with all participating chefs on Saturday evening.
Gourmet lovers who attend the festival will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn from and indulge in the talents of six prestigious chefs, including:
- Jacques Pourcel, 3 Michelin stars – Hailing from Montpellier in southern France, Chef Pourcel opened Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jardin des Sens in partnership with his twin brother, Laurent Pourcel. Specializing in Mediterranean flavors and concepts, he plans on opening a new restaurant this year called Place de la Canourgue at the Richer-de-Belleval hotel in Montpellier.
- Sergi Arola, 2 Michelin stars – Serving as culinary director at the famed tapas bar Eat-Hola at W Verbier in Switzerland, Chef Arola was recently awarded a new star for his restaurant LAB by Sergi Arola in Sintra, Portugal. Recognized for his creative cuisine, he also stands out in the culinary world for his passion for music, referred to as the “rock star chef” as he was a guitarist in a Spanish rock group called Los Canguros.
- Thierry Drapeau, 2 Michelin stars – Drawing from flavors from the various locations he has visited throughout his career, Chef Drapeau serves rich and inventive local cuisine at his Michelin-starred self-titled restaurant in St-Supice-le-Verdon, France. Favoring herbs over spices, he creates a fragrant, brightly colored “floral cuisine.”
- Joel Cesari, 1 Michelin star – Owner and executive chef of the Michelin-starred La Chaumière hotel-restaurant in Dole, France, Chef Cesari’s cooking fuses traditional and contemporary styles. He carefully sources his produce and ingredients from around the world to ensure customers are served dishes of only the highest quality.
- Jean-Baptiste Natali, 1 Michelin star – Originally from Haute-Marne in France, Chef Natali became the youngest chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Hostellerie La Montagne in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises at the age of 27. Inspired by wild flavors, he refers to himself as a “tastes storyteller,” as he views his craft as a true art form.
- Alain Caron – Living in the Netherlands, Chef Caron was one of the judges on internationally recognized TV show, MasterChef Holland. A cookbook author, he is also a fine connoisseur of Dutch local products and recently opened his own restaurant in Amsterdam called Café Caron.
Haute Cuisine will be presented at various venues in Bal Harbour Village, including Bal Harbour Shops, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, and Oceana Bal Harbour. Tickets are priced at $250 for the intimate Dinners and limited seating Cooking Classes, and $350 for the closing Reception and Gala. For more information and to view the full schedule, please visit balharbourflorida.com/hautecuisine. To purchase tickets, please visit HauteCuisineBH.eventbrite.com.
