Marriott International brought the spotlight to its extraordinary culinary talent with the Masters of the Craft 2024, held at The Westin Santa Fe, Mexico City, a luxurious urban retreat nestled in one of the capital’s most vibrant districts. This prestigious annual competition celebrates the creativity and innovation of chefs and bartenders from Marriott properties across the Caribbean and Latin America. This year’s winners—Geovanna Bueno, Gustavo N. Busquets, and Yandery Crispin—rose to the top in gastronomy, desserts, and mixology, leaving a lasting impression on the judges and audience alike.

The competition challenged participants to incorporate secret ingredients into their creations, testing their skills and creativity under strict time constraints. Corn took center stage in the gastronomy category, pumpkin blossom inspired dessert creations, and shiitake mushrooms added depth to mixology innovations. Esteemed judges such as Abel Hernández, Guy Santoro Salvatore, and Lula Martín del Campo evaluated entries based on technique, originality, and flavor.

Geovanna Bueno of W São Paulo took home the top prize in gastronomy with her dish, “Also American,” a fusion of moqueca and corn that symbolized the connection between Brazil and the rest of Latin America. In desserts, Gustavo N. Busquets of the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort impressed with his “Pumpkin Blossom Chinampa,” a delicate tempura filled with pear and apricot and paired with pumpkin and orange custard. Yandery Crispin of The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club excelled in mixology with her cocktail “Remembranza,” a blend of whiskey, Aperol, pineapple juice, and shiitake mushroom syrup, evoking both nostalgia and innovation.

Finalists represented properties from across the region, including W Punta Mita, The Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, and The Santa Maria in Panama City. Supported by prominent sponsors such as Pepsico Foodservice, Unilever, and Casa Madero, the event highlighted the rich culinary talent within Marriott International.

The Masters of the Craft competition continues to honor the artistry and passion of Marriott’s culinary teams, celebrating the cultural impact and creativity of kitchens and bars across the region.

By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY