Culinary experts experience Dominican culture and cuisine with special tasting celebration
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – March 7, 2018 – The reports are out, and culinary travel is in. According to TripAdvisor, last year cooking classes and food tours saw more than a 57 percent increase in bookings, and one of the leading culinary destinations in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic celebrated the rise of foodie travel with a special tasting event in Chicago, the undeclared foodie capital of the Midwest.
Last week, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism office in Chicago hosted Dominican Tasting, a celebration held in honor of Dominican Independence Day on Feb. 27, at Latinicity in Chicago. More than three dozen culinary enthusiasts attended to experience a night of Dominican Republic gastronomy including representatives from ABC Chicago, CBS Chicago, Halfstack Magazine, El Restaurante, Telemundo Chicago and more. The event featured a cooking demonstration with executive Chef Marcos Flores and a tasting menu he designed, featuring a mix of traditional Dominican fare and Ron Barceló cocktails.
“Dominican Republic boasts a culinary scene like no other, from our sweet treats to our savory specials,” said Marianela Pina, Chicago Marketing Director, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “Visitors can indulge in high-end eats in Santo Domingo or enjoy a catch of the day along the shores – regardless of the destination one is bound to fall in love with our culinary offerings.”
While a six-hour flight is all that separates many Dominican Republic destinations from Chicago, most Midwesterners are unaware of the country’s delicious and cultural offerings. The gathering presented a brief look and taste into the exquisite Dominican gastronomy scene with a four-course menu.
Guests enjoyed delectable shrimp empanadas as a starter in preparation for Sancocho, a stew that is the ultimate Dominican comfort food consisting of beef, chicken, sausage, and thickened with a puree of squash, carrots and other cooked vegetables, and all the seasonings you could imagine. The culinary finale was La Bandera, translated as “the flag”, and an iconic meal across the country. It consists of white rice, stewed beans and chicken or beef – a true gastronomic experience to remember. To wrap up the night guests enjoyed Flan De Coco alongside a display of cultural and traditional Dominican items including Carnival characters and merengue music.
Dominican Republic is famous for its local offerings including tropical juices, coffee from the country side hills, world famous cocoa, sugar, ginger and other Caribbean delicacies.
Whether one is a seeking a sophisticated dining experience, a heaping plate of arroz in Santo Domingo’s colonial zone or local fare along the coast – Dominican Republic is the ideal destination for a culinary adventure.
To learn more about Dominican Republic and begin planning your 2018 culinary getaway please visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
###
About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.
Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.
Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.
Download the Go Dominican Republic App, available in the App Store and Google Play
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @GoDomRep Like us on Facebook GoDominicanRepublic
CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh, US PR Director
(414) 247-2140 / annie.holschuh@bvk.com
