MÉRITO’S JUAN LUIS MARTÍNEZ JOINS RICARDO CHANETON FOR LATEST MONO UNPLUGGED THIS OCTOBER

Asia’s window to Latin America, MONO, is inviting food lovers on a gastronomic journey through Latin America on October 17 & 18. The upcoming MONO Unplugged four-hands collaboration will feature two culinary mavericks hailing from Venezuela – Chef Ricardo Chaneton, Chef-Owner of one MICHELIN-starred restaurant MONO in Hong Kong, and 41st on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list; and Chef Juan Luis Martínez of Mérito in Lima, Peru, which ranks 11th on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022 list and previously earned the esteemed Highest New Entry Award in 2020.

Retrato JuanLuis

MONO Unplugged offers guests in Hong Kong an exclusive opportunity to witness the culinary brilliance of esteemed chefs as they collaborate to tell a story of the rich cultural heritage of their home country using food as their medium, creating a symphony of flavours and techniques that embody Latin American cuisine.

Chef Juan Luis Martínez established Mérito in 2018 after honing his craft at Diverxo in Spain and Peru’s renowned Central working alongside his mentor, Chef Virgilio Martínez. At Mérito, Chef Juan Luis Martínez reimagines Venezuelan cuisine with a Peruvian twist. Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Barranco, Mérito enchants diners with enticing creations like whole catch of the day with baked arepa and butter, alongside irresistible desserts such as grilled soursop and chocolate rock. Making his debut in Hong Kong, Martínez will partner with Chaneton to curate an exclusive multi-course tasting menu featuring innovative culinary creations that pay homage to their roots and showcases their passion for championing Latin American cuisine to the world, with the option for a tequila pairing consisting of delicious Mexican tequilas from Volcan de Mi Tierra.

Exclusively available at this event only, Volcan de Mi Tierra, a brand which embodies a celebration of provenance and legacy, brings forth a collection of meticulously crafted tequila named after the volcano “Volcan de Tequila” that resides in the lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The ash from the volcano contributes to the complex flavour profile and balanced sweetness of this premium tequila that pairs beautifully with the culinary creations from the MONO x MÉRITO tasting menu.

“Through our upcoming collaboration, Juan Luis and I aim to redefine culinary boundaries by reinventing traditional dishes and showcasing the best of Latin American ingredients. Together, we aspire to create an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates tradition, creativity, and the vibrant flavours that unite us.” says Ricardo.

“Coming to Hong Kong to cook alongside Ricardo is an exhilarating opportunity for me. As my first foray into this vibrant city, I am excited to bring the flavours and essence of Latin American cuisine to a new audience. Hong Kong, get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Latin America,” said Juan Luis.

MONO Unplugged x Mérito will take place on 17 & 18 October and will be open to the public for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is priced at HK$1,980 per person whilst the dinner menu is priced at HK$2,980 per person (subject to 10% service charge). For an elevated touch of indulgence, guests have the option to add a tequila-pairing experience for an additional HK$999 with their lunch menu and HK$1,580 for their dinner menu. Guests are encouraged to make reservations early, as seats are limited.

For reservations or enquiries about the MONO x MÉRITO collaboration event, please email reservations@mono.hk.