Carousel welcomes Latin America’s culinary stars for summer-long residency

9^th July 2024

Food & Travel Desk

Food & Travel Desk

9 July 2024

Carousel is hosting a series of chef residencies spotlighting some of Latin America’s brightest culinary stars, continuing through 31^st August. Fitzrovia’s rotating pop-up platform will welcome chefs from Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Uruguay and Argentina, each bringing their unique flavours and cooking techniques to the British capital.

The series started off last week with Taverna, which some described as “the most beautiful restaurant in Mexico City”, under the guidance of chefs Emme Prieto and Chris Domit. Known for their mastery of live fire Mediterranean cuisine, the duo presented dishes that showcase the best of both land and sea, like Mussel Escabeche and Bone Marrow primarily cooked over hot coals

Leonardo Fonseca, Colombia: 9^th to 13^th July

Next up, Colombian chef Leonardo Fonseca, who cut his teeth at El Chato and later helmed the kitchen at Slovenia’s three-star Hiša Franco, will serve up a menu that reflects his Colombian heritage peppered with global influences. Fonseca, celebrated for his precise balance of acidity and spice, will offer dishes like Almojábana with Popcorn and Lemongrass.

Mercado 24, Guatemala: 16^th to 20^th July

Following Fonseca, Mercado 24 from Guatemala City, under the direction of chef Pablo Díaz, steps into the spotlight in mid-July. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant produce found in the Guatemalan city’s municipal markets, Díaz and his team will showcase dishes like Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Bacalar and Charcoal BBQ Octopus, capturing the distinctive flavors of Central America.

Nazareno Mayol Curti, Uruguay: 13^th to 17^th August

Next, Uruguayan chef Nazareno Mayol Curti, renowned for his stints in Paris and New York, will unveil a menu brimming with unexpected delights. His offerings include Roasted Lamb Gigot with Parsley Purée and White Asparagus Ice Cream, demonstrating his flair for blending texture, bitterness and spice.

Javier Rodríguez, Argentina: 20^th to 24^th August

Javier Rodríguez from Córdoba, Argentina, will return to Carousel in late August, ten years after he first participated in the venue’s guest chef programme. Rodríguez, whose restaurant El Papagayo is among the top 100 in Latin America, will offer a 12-course tasting menu featuring dishes that reflect the Argentine hinterland.

Humo Negro, Colombia: 27^th to 31^st August

Closing the series, Jaime Torregrosa’s Humo Negro from Bogotá will introduce London diners to its unique izakaya concept, blending Latin American, Nordic and Japanese influences. Signature dishes will include Grilled Oysters with Burnt Milk Cream and Sea Urchin with Pistachio Cream, highlighting sustainable Colombian products.

This residency programme at Carousel not only promises to be a gastronomic tour de force but also an opportunity for Londoners to experience the rich culinary diversity of Latin America.

Food Desk

For further information and to book visit Carousel’s website here and follow their Instagram @carousel_ldn.