The inauguration took place last weekend at the Virgin Hotel New York City and quickly became a trend. We tell you!
The name of J Balvin It continues to resonate in all corners of the world, and not only because of its music. His ability to reinvent himself and take advantage of every opportunity has made him a global icon beyond the stage.
This time, the Colombian artist surprises with a new project that takes him away from the recording studio and brings it closer to the gastronomic universe.
True to his restless and visionary spirit, J Balvin decided to go one step further by entering the world of cooking with the opening of a restaurant in New York City.
El paisa, recognized for his influence on urban music, is now committed to bringing the flavors and roots of Colombia to one of the most important capitals on the planet. The new restaurant, called Elcielo New York, was born from an alliance with chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, who has been awarded a Michelin star, the highest culinary recognition worldwide.
The inauguration took place on October 25 at the Virgin Hotel New York City, in the heart of Manhattan, and quickly became a topic of conversation among his followers and food lovers.
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During the event, both Balvin and Barrientos shared on their social networks some of the most special moments of the opening, where a mixture of Colombian pride was experienced, culinary art and good energy.
With this release, Elcielo adds its fifth point in the worldjoining the locations in Bogotá, Medellín, Miami and Washington DC, all recognized for exalting the best of Colombian flavors with a modern and avant-garde touch.
“Elcielo is an example of what we Colombians are: creativity, flavor and global vision. It is an honor to share this dream with Juanma and bring part of our country to New York,” said J Balvin during the inauguration.
The artist also revealed that this society was born from a friendship of more than fifteen years with Chef Barrientos, whom he deeply admires for his talent and discipline. Beyond a business, both share the desire to “expand Colombian culture” and show the world the gastronomic and creative wealth of the country.
Who is the Colombian chef behind J Balvin’s new project?
Behind the success of Elcielo and the new alliance with J Balvin is Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, better known as Juanma, a chef who has turned Colombian cuisine into a symbol of innovation and national pride.
Born in Medellín on June 16, 1983, Juanma is much more than a chef: he is a businessman, speaker, entrepreneur and a leader who promotes peace through his work.
In front of Elcielo Hospitality Group, runs a family of more than ten restaurants and barsamong them Elcielo (with offices in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, Washington DC and now New York), as well as La Sere, Cuon, Kaime, Shibari, Aguafresca and Cerdología.
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Its history in gastronomy began with the help of great masters such as Iwao Komiyama in Argentina and Juan Mari Arzak in Spain, references that marked their path towards creative cuisine with identity.
From his workshop in Medellín, a space where he works with a team of more than 30 people, he develops around 300 dishes a year, each one designed to offer a unique sensory experience.
Throughout his career, Juanma has accumulated recognitions that position him as one of the most important Latin American references: he was the youngest chef included three times in the list of the 50 Best of Latin America, and in 2016 he entered The World’s Best Chef.
In 2019 he received the award for Ibero-American Businessman of the Year awarded in Spain, consolidating its impact beyond cooking.
In 2021, your restaurant Elcielo Washington DC obtained a Michelin star, one of the greatest honors in world gastronomy. That same year he opened Elcielo Hotel in Medellín, his first foray into hospitality, where he transferred his sensory vision to an environment of luxury and hospitality.
