J Balvin Helps Open Elcielo at Virgin Hotels New York

Michelin-starred Colombian restaurant Elcielo has debuted its New York location in the Virgin Hotel. Chef Juan Manuel “Juanma” Barrientos and global music star/creative partner J Balvin hosted a party on Oct. 25 to celebrate the opening.

The event, attended by more than 300 media and industry guests, showcased the chef’s culinary innovation, with bites such as Truffle Buñuelo, Wagyu Nigiri, Ceviche Kampachi and the “Tree of Life” yucca bread, as well as Petrossian Caviar. Beverages included signature tequila cocktails, Champagne Telmont and Gerard Bertrand wines. 

Elcielo has earned Michelin stars at both its Miami and Washington, D.C. locations  — the first Colombian restaurant to achieve this distinction. The concept also has outposts in Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia.

J Balvin, who was born in Medellín and is credited with bringing reggaeton to the mainstream, has been highly involved in every aspect of the restaurant’s creation. He and Chef Barrientos shared their pride in ushering a new wave of Colombia’s vibrant cultural and culinary offerings to New York’s fine dining scene.

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