At just 24 years old, chef Mauro Jiménez is preparing to take the next step in an international competition that brings together some of the most promising young culinary talents in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Originally from Peru and now working at El Silencio Lodge, Jiménez was selected as one of 15 regional finalists in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026–2027. He will represent Costa Rica with his dish “Memorias” at the regional final in Panama on September 29.
A dish built around memories
“Memorias” is more than a culinary creation. For Jiménez, it is a way of telling the story of his journey from Peru to Costa Rica and the experiences that have shaped him as a chef.
The dish combines ingredients and elements connected to both countries. Its main ingredients include beef oxtail, purple pujagua corn, honey, arracache and juanilama oil.
The presentation also carries a symbolic meaning. The cooking juices are served from a jug decorated with the traditional “colochos” associated with Sarchí, while other elements of the presentation evoke family meals and traditional kitchens.
According to the chef, the dish reflects the idea that memories often begin around a table. Through each ingredient and detail, he seeks to connect his origins with the place where he has continued to grow professionally.
The concept is also closely linked to his vision of gastronomy. On the official competition website, Jiménez explains that the future of cuisine lies in transforming memories into impact, while preserving identities, creating value for producers and artisans, and building bridges between cultures.
Two Costa Rican finalists
Jiménez will not be the only chef representing Costa Rica at the regional competition.
Allan Flores Navarro, chef of Amana, was also selected among the 15 finalists. His dish, “Inheritance,” is inspired by his family memories and his mother’s cooking, with bananas playing a central role in the creation.
The two chefs will compete alongside young talents from across Latin America and the Caribbean. The finalists were selected based on criteria including culinary technique, creativity, sustainability and the personal vision expressed through their dishes.
The road to Milan
The regional final will take place in Panama at the end of September. The winner will earn a place at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Grand Finale in Milan in 2027.
For Mauro Jiménez, the competition represents an opportunity not only to showcase his culinary skills, but also to share a personal story shaped by two countries.
With “Memorias,” his goal is to show how gastronomy can preserve memories, honor origins and create connections between cultures.
