Hector Prieto has been named executive chef at the renowned Caribe Hilton in San Juan. In his new role, Chef Prieto will be responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for the resort’s specialty restaurants, team member training and development, menu planning, budgeting, and supervising meeting and events culinary programming and services.
With more than 26 years of culinary experience, Prieto’s passion for gastronomy began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where she taught him the most tasteful dishes utilize a handful of bold and fresh ingredients. He began his culinary journey at the early age of 14, assisting with the preparation and execution of dishes in a local family-owned restaurant. He continued his gastronomic path, honing his talents at several established restaurants throughout Puerto Rico.
In 2004, after receiving a degree in culinary arts from Escuela Hotelera de San Juan, Prieto started as sous chef at Caribe Hilton, where it was evident, he was destined to one day be at the helm of the kitchen. Prieto has been at Caribe Hilton since, with the exception of a brief stint at Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon and Embassy Suites by Hilton Isla Verde while the resort underwent renovations.
“We’re very fortunate to have Chef Hector Prieto leading Caribe Hilton’s culinary programming,” said Sharilyn Toko, general manager, Caribe Hilton. “His passion, innovative ideas, and desire to celebrate the island’s diverse and flavorful cuisine continue to be an asset to our team and dining outlets. We value his commitment to sustainability and preserving Puerto Rico’s local traditions in offering our guests elevated cuisine with a feels-like-home twist.”
Having lived in Rio Piedras, which is home to one of Puerto Rico’s largest food markets, Prieto made it his ongoing mission to support local farmers and businesses. He’s keen on recovering the lost art of cooking with indigenous ingredients and is fascinated with growing and buying local and the entire process that entails.
“Leading the gastronomy at such a well-known and iconic property in Puerto Rico is an honored privilege that I do not take lightly,” said Chef Prieto. “I’m looking forward to bringing fresh ideas to this new role and developing memorable culinary offerings that enhance the overall guest experience and celebrate Puerto Rico’s rich gastronomy and local traditions.”
Chef Prieto defines his culinary style as classic with a European twist and an emphasis on exceptional taste and captivating presentations representative of the Puerto Rican Island flair. Discerning palates will be pleased with Prieto’s signature dish – braised short ribs with truffle grits complemented with white chocolate, local cheeses, and guava mousse.
For more information, please visit www.caribehilton.com.
About Caribe Hilton
Centrally located just minutes from the heart of Historic Old San Juan and 15 minutes from Luis Muñoz International Airport, the AAA Four Diamond award-winning Caribe Hilton sits beachfront on an exclusive peninsula made up of 17 acres of lush tropical gardens. Famous for being the birthplace of the Piña Colada, the resort features a secluded beach, beautiful oceanfront swimming pools, whirlpools, beachside hammocks and a full-service spa offering a wide range of relaxing body treatments. Caribe Hilton is also home to an array of boutiques and a peaceful bird sanctuary. For those traveling on business, Caribe Hilton offers the most complete meeting space and dynamic outdoor areas for best-in-class events. Dining options are plentiful with eight restaurants and lounges featuring everything from local to international cuisine, including the renowned Morton’s Steakhouse. What’s more, Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States and does not require U.S. Citizens to carry a Passport. www.caribehilton.com.
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