Once Upon a Kitchen 2024 – An Exclusive Culinary Experience Returns to Miami for F1
Miami is set to host yet another exquisite Culinary experience with the return of “Once Upon a Kitchen” on May 4, 2024. Presented by GR8 Experience and the luxurious W South Beach, this event promises an intimate evening that culinary enthusiasts are unlikely to forget, timed perfectly with the excitement of Formula 1.
The exclusive event, which started captivating audiences in 2017, is known for its unique, multi-sensory dining experiences, bringing together the finest culinary talents from across the globe. This year, the event features an iconic duo: Massimo Bottura of Italy’s Osteria Francescana and Virgilio Martínez of Peru’s Central Restaurante, which was voted the World’s Best Restaurant in 2023.
Culinary Giants Meet in Miami
The 2024 edition of Once Upon a Kitchen not only celebrates gourmet cuisine but also acts as a melting pot of diverse culinary philosophies. Massimo Bottura, a legend in the Italian culinary scene, and Virgilio Martínez, known for his innovative use of Peruvian biodiversity, will blend their distinct flavors and styles to create an unparalleled dining experience.
The event is meticulously designed to dismantle the conventional barriers of a dinner gathering, allowing guests to freely interact with Bottura and Martínez. This setup encourages attendees to delve deeper into the intricacies of each dish and gain insights into the chefs’ culinary journeys and their profound impacts on the food industry.
A Venue as Grand as the Event
The choice of venue this year, the newly designed immersive ballroom at W South Beach, matches the grandeur of the occasion. This prime location is celebrated for its dynamic Miami social scene and now boasts North America’s first immersive video mapping technology, which offers spectacular 360-degree projections. These visuals promise to transport attendees to various breathtaking locales, enhancing the dining experience with stunning audio-visual accompaniments.
An Exclusive Insight from the Organizers
Barnabas Carrega, the CEO and Co-Founder of GR8 Experience, shared his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the rare opportunity to observe these culinary masters at work. “Massimo and Virgilio are revolutionizing their respective cuisines, and this event allows attendees to experience their genius up close,” Carrega explained. “It’s like having two of the world’s best chefs cooking in your kitchen.”
The collaboration and the setting aim to create a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere where culinary arts are not just observed but experienced as a dynamic and interactive showcase.
Previous Successes and Expectations
Following the triumph of last year’s event, which featured a lineup of distinguished chefs and was graced by celebrities like Lindsay Vonn and Maverick Carter, expectations are high for an even more spectacular gathering this year. The event promises to be an exclusive affair, with only 120 tickets available, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience for each guest.
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind culinary event are priced at $2,500 per person, reflecting the exclusivity and luxury of the experience. Those interested can secure their spot by reaching out to [email protected] or Get Your Tickets Here.
Learn More About the Culinary Stars and the Venue
About Chef Massimo Bottura
A restaurateur and entrepreneur for more than thirty years, Massimo Bottura is one of the most innovative and influential personalities on the world’s gastronomic scene. In 1995, he opened his restaurant Osteria Francescana in his hometown Modena. The restaurant’s numerous awards – three Michelin stars in 2012 and first place in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018 – helped to assert the chef’s reputation globally. Over the years, other projects were born that are now part of the Francescana Group: in Italy, Franceschetta58, Cavallino, Gucci Osteria Firenze and the guesthouse Casa Maria Luigia, and around the world, Torno Subito Dubai and Gucci Osteria in Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Seoul. In 2015, together with his wife Lara Gilmore, he founded Food for Soul, a non-profit association and cultural project aimed at combating food waste and social isolation. In recognition of his humanitarian and environmental commitment, in 2020 Bottura was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program and Osteria Francescana was awarded the green Michelin star.
About Virgilio Martínez
Virgilio Martínez is a Peruvian chef recognized for representing and promoting Peru, its biodiversity, and its landscapes on the world gastronomic scene. He was born in Lima on August 31st, 1977. He is the founder and owner of the restaurants Central (Lima, Peru), and MIL (Cusco, Peru) and co-creator of the organization Mater. Virgilio grew up in Lima with a passion for exploration, discovery, and knowledge. Through cooking, he found a way to express curiosity and limitless creativity which are now the traits that define him perfectly. After having traveled and worked in kitchens all over the world, Virgilio felt the need to return to Peru, connect with its territory, its people, and its culture, and create his restaurant and concept. Thus began a new journey and in 2008, Central was born.
Central Restaurant Ambiance
Central Restaurant Dishes
Team Members of Central Restaurants
About W South Beach
For over a decade, W South Beach has drawn the world’s most sophisticated travelers and has been the social center of Miami’s major cultural events, from Art Basel to Miami F1. The W brand’s most successful U.S. property and an oceanfront landmark, W South Beach reopened in November 2020 following a $30 million renovation that infused its best-in-class Away Spa and 357 guest suites with a sense of calm that feels in tune with Miami’s evolution. The transformation birthed a new guest experience that thoughtfully infuses the essence of Miami through curated programming and fitness offerings by celeb-favorite gym DOGPOUND and Ahana Yoga, plus South Beach’s only rooftop basketball and tennis courts. W South Beach is home to RWSB (Restaurant W South Beach), one of Miami’s most authentic Italian restaurants; IRMA’s, the hotel’s outdoor craft cocktail outpost; Living Room Bar, one of Miami’s favorite after-dinner bars; and the opulent MR CHOW, offering authentic Beijing cuisine. Each guest at W South Beach receives access to a dedicated W Insider, available 24/7, who will take care of whatever, whenever during their stay. For more information, visit wsouthbeach.com and Instagram @wsouthbeach.
About GR8 Experience
Founded in 2011, GR8 Experience is the leading international agency providing access to unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Through the highest level of service and a worldwide network of partners, GR8 brings the most ambitious dreams and projects to life, leveraging connections with leaders in the worlds of fashion, sports, entertainment, and travel. Led by CEO and Co-Founder Barnabas Carrega, GR8 creates tailored experiences for its international clientele—whether it’s a couple enjoying a private dinner in the Palace of Versailles or a corporate group golfing with PGA legends. GR8 Experience boasts a 94% client retention rate and investors that include Maverick Carter (Lebron James’ business partner), Benito Perez-Barbadillo (Rafael Nada’s PR Manager), and Ravi Thakran (former Group President of LVMH Asia). Based in Miami, but with offices worldwide, GR8 is expanding into the branded event space through their owned experiences, such as “Once Upon a Kitchen” with Massimo Bottura and “E-Motion by GR8,” a private Monaco Grand Prix yacht experience. For more information or to inquire about experiences, please visit thegr8experience.com and follow @thegr8experience on Instagram.
