Chef's Dinner Series Presents... Chef Carlos Portela

June 11, 2025

Chef Carlos Portela's avante-garde Puerto Rican cuisine is considered a breakthrough in the evolution of the island's food experience. His hyper local product philosophy has created numerous relationships with farmers, fishers, and producers from around the island. Originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Portela is the executive chef at Orujo Taller, located in San Juan. Orujo is known for its innovative approach to Puerto Rican influenced cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques.

This dinner event is one of a series featuring the world-class cuisine available in Puerto Rico, alongside its beautiful beaches and world-famous musicians. The venue is a special place, too; Chef's Dinner Table is a private culinary salon tucked away in a downtown NYC loft offering the ultimate experience in luxury private dining.

Please consider joining us for this special evening of fine dining and intimate conversation featuring a curated 4-course tasting menu professionally paired with exquisite wines. The evening will begin with cocktail offerings provided by Don Q Rum.

Note: all food, drink and gratuities are included with your ticket purchase, so you don't need to worry about settling a bill at the end of the night.

THE MENU

Canapés:

Beets and Cheese

Bacalaitos~ avocado, caviar

Alcapurria~ green papaya, uni

Yautia root~ smoked paprika

Piononos de Carne~ jamon de bellota

1st Course:

Local Celery Root~ carrucho guisado, angel hair

2nd Course:

Roasted Market Fish~ broccolini, hazelnut, lamb lettuce, crunchy flowers

3rd course:

Grilled Dry Aged Entrecot of Beef~ mofongo, local herbed pesto, caramelized cippolini

Dessert:

Crema de Turron~ summer berries, sorrel

ABOUT THE CHEF

Carlos Portela was a James Beard finalist in 2024 for Best Chef of the South and again in 2025 for the Outstanding Chef award. Recognized as "The Best Chef in the Caribbean" in 2005 by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, he has traveled to different parts of Europe and Latin America representing Puerto Rican Gastronomy. As a connector and advocate of Puerto Rican chefs, he works on expanding the philosophy of food sovereignty and knowledge of the cuisine of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, which is among the most complex in history and flavor. On this special evening, he will recreate the ambiance, dynamics and experimentation of his chef-driven concept, incorporating local flavors and techniques of the Caribbean by using ingredients sourced inside the NYC area.

Read more about Chef Portela in Food & Wine

Watch this video for more on his cuisine style and sourcing practices

Chef's Dinner Series Presents... Chef Carlos Portela

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