In a night that brought together the all-stars of Puerto Rico’s culinary and sports worlds, the Taste of the Big League celebration on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, officially kicked off the countdown to the first-ever Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Hosted by Chef Mario Pagán and World Series champions Carlos Beltrán and Carlos Delgado, the preview event paired the biggest names in Puerto Rico’s culinary scene with an all-star lineup of major leaguers – all united as cultural ambassadors to celebrate the island’s rich heritage and rising culinary talent.
“Tonight, we celebrate Puerto Rico’s culinary scene and vibrant culture with the Taste of the Big League, a unique fusion of food and sports. This event is a preview of next April’s inaugural Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, where we’ll showcase the island’s incredible chefs and mixologists on a global stage,” says Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival Founder Robert Weakley.
“I’m grateful to Puerto Rico Tourism Company, La Concha Resort, Carlos Beltrán, Carlos Delgado, Chef Mario Pagán, and all the talented chefs and mixologists here tonight for making this possible. Here’s to an unforgettable future for Puerto Rico!”
Held at San Juan’s La Concha Resort, one of the sites of next year’s Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, the Taste of the Big League event offered an exclusive preview of the festival’s unique fusion of food, culture, and sports while raising funds for a number of local charities, including the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy and Carlos Delgado’s Extra Bases Foundation.
“It is truly spectacular to see all of these incredible names and faces in one place,” says Chef Pagán. “These are the voices of our community, the leaders that are inspiring generations of Puerto Ricans.
“Whether they chose to take their talents to the kitchen or the baseball clubhouse, they are representatives of our past, present, and future – and we are so grateful for their support.”
The acclaimed chefs and culinary artisans participating: Chef Sebastián Rosado, Levant; Chef Natalia Rivera, La Concha Resort; Chef Wilo Benet, Wilo Eatery & Bar; Chef Roberto Treviño, Roberto Treviño; Chef Juan Peña, Coa Restaurant at Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach; Chef José Enrique, Caña; Chef Guillermo López Folch, Lala; Chef Juan José Cuevas, 1919 Restaurant; Chef José Santaella, Santaella; Chef Ariel Rodríguez, Restaurante Ariel; Chef Carlos Portela, ORUJO; Chef Mario Pagán, Mario Pagán Restaurant Group; Chef Carol Reyes, Bóveda; Chef Enrique L. Piñeiro, Mesa 364; Chef Nasha Fondeur, Condado Collection.
Among the all-star baseball players participating in the Taste of the Big League celebration: former New York Yankees pitcher Javier Vázquez; World Series champion and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora; 2008 National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto; three-time all-star and World Baseball Classic champion Carlos Baerga; Cincinnati Red pitcher Alexis Díaz; two-time all-star New York Mets pitcher Edwin Díaz; National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Iván Rodriguez; and World Series champions Alexis Rios, Carlos Delgado, and Carlos Beltrán. Also in attendance was wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair.
Taste of the Big League sets the stage for the inaugural Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival, debuting April 3 through 6, 2025. Created by entrepreneur Robert Weakley and guided by Chef Pagán, the festival will feature more than 40 curated gourmet experiences, including tastings from renowned wineries and activities like golf and pickleball. The event aims to elevate Puerto Rico’s status as a culinary destination while supporting local businesses, showcasing Puerto Rican ingredients, and fostering economic growth.
More information about the Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival will be released in the coming months, and guests can stay informed by visiting the website.
About Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism
A celebration of gastronomic excellence infused with local flavor and tradition, Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival presented by Puerto Rico Tourism Company is a four-day culinary and cultural immersion experience, scheduled to debut April 3 through 6, 2025, at La Concha Resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival brings an all-new culinary experience to the island, uniting national and local chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and winemakers. Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival seeks to make a meaningful impact on the community via the Puerto Rico Eats for Good nonprofit, fostering a spirit of generosity that extends far beyond the dining table.
