Featuring the Winners of the “Iron Chef” and “Bartenders’ Brawl” Competitions
The 2024 Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival exceeded all expectations, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended. This event brought together a perfect blend of atmosphere, music, and flavors, offering a diverse array of elevated cuisine that showcased the best of Aruba’s culinary artistry.
The festival provided a space where attendees could relax and enjoy Aruba’s renowned hospitality in a tranquil setting perfect for families. The success of this event reflects the growing passion for Aruba’s culinary scene, fueling high demand for a repeat in 2025.
On Saturday, October 12, the island’s best mixologists took the stage for the sixth edition of the “Bartenders’ Brawl,” held in collaboration with #WhenInAruba. Eight talented mixologists, selected by local beverage distributors, competed to create the best cocktail on the island. Each had eight minutes to prepare three drinks for the judging panel, which included Master Bartender Kate Gerwin, Mixologist Abraham Urdaneta, and renowned sommelier and Ritz Carlton restaurant manager, Jessika Theysen.
The competition emphasized creativity, presentation, and flavor, with Nelson Molina taking first place with his cocktail “Nos Cultura.” Carlos Perez secured second with his creation, “Coconut Cascade,” and Luisa Rivero placed third with her tequila-based drink, “Jalea Real.” Other participants included David Posada with “Temponan di Antes,” Esneider Tuñon with “Aruba Heritage,” Yokasta Felix with “Exotic Paradise,” Giovanni Tromp with “Cucumber Rose,” and Orlando Navas with “Turista Sunrise.” These bartenders showcased not only their technical skills but also the diversity of both local and international beverages, highlighting the vibrant cocktail scene in Aruba. The event was sponsored by Divino, Arion, Pepia East, ATC, Romar Trading, Pepe Margo, Balashi Brewery, Bodegas Papiamento, Romar, Liquid Chef, TH PALM & Company, Wilhelmina Restaurant, JOIA by Iberostar, and Aruba Trading Company.
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the highly anticipated Iron Chef Aruba competition took place, also in collaboration with #WhenInAruba. Three talented chefs demonstrated their culinary skills, creativity, and artistry through a three-course menu to compete for the title of Iron Chef Aruba 2024. The judging panel included renowned chefs Alvaro Clavijo, owner of El Chato in Bogotá and ranked 25th on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2024, and Antonia Lofaso, a well-known chef from Top Chef and Cutthroat Kitchen. They were joined by Olivier Falchi, Executive Chef at Hilton Aruba, and Aldwin Donata, Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Resort Aruba. Assisting the chefs were the winners of the Student Competition held earlier in September 2024, featuring students from E.P.I. and EPB schools. This competition was sponsored by ASD, Ling & Sons Food Market, Certified Angus Beef, USMEF – US Meat Export Federation, Caribbean Overseas, Granny Mati’s Drink, T2Pan, Petite Greens Farm, Farmcure Fungi, Santa Rosa, HappyPonix, Lion-Fish Shack, Green Fish Distribution, Savaneta Quail Farm, Do It Center, Deli Caribbean, Bersah, Marriott Aruba Resort, Gianni’s Group, AHATA, Florence Edible Flowers, and Nonna’s Gourmet.
Ronella Croes, CEO of A.T.A., announced the winner of the Iron Chef Aruba 2024 title: Moises Ramirez, Sous Chef at Lima Bistro, who impressed the judges with his innovative dishes. Ramirez won a Culinary Exploration trip to New York City for two, which includes round-trip airfare, four nights’ accommodation, and five culinary experiences in New York.
Second place went to Jeanclaude Werleman, Chef de Cuisine at Infini Aruba, who earned an educational tour in “Cattle Country,” organized by Certified Angus Beef & US Meat Export Federation. This prize includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation, meals, and a tour of a cattle ranch, along with the chance to network with chefs and experts in the culinary industry.
Third place was awarded to Juan Ludeña, Executive Chef at Bistro L’Avenue & Papillon Restaurant, who won a visit to the Certified Angus Beef International Round-up in Wooster, Ohio. The prize includes round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, a ranch tour, and an educational experience in “Carcass Breakdown and Ideation,” along with networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Students from EPB and E.P.I. schools who assisted the chefs included Annie Ortega, Kahlil Mullers, Jayden Heyden, Phelan Tromp, with Michael Padron and Dylan Cardona as the winning students of the evening. Both schools were presented with two sets of “Modernist Cuisine: The Art & Science of Cooking with Stainless Steel” books as donations.
This successful event follows A.T.A.‘s High Value-Low Impact strategy, creating high-quality events with a low environmental footprint, while keeping the local community at the forefront. The festival also allowed visitors to experience Oranjestad’s historical, cultural, and culinary significance, and provided a unique opportunity for local talent and businesses in the food and beverage industry. Education was another important aspect of the “Autentico” festival, as it provided students with invaluable experience and learning opportunities.
A.T.A. and the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival team expressed their gratitude to all companies, volunteers, and internal and external teams for their patience and collaboration in making the 2024 festival a resounding success.
Source: Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA)
