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LOCAL Tuesday 31 May 2022

Infini by Chef Urvin Croes

PALM BEACH — After spear-
heading The Kitchen Table for
five years, receiving notable
recognitions in USA Today, The
Daily Meal and earning the #1 serves the Salinity welcome drink
spot on Tripadvisor’s list of Fine and the culinary tale begins,
Dining Restaurants in the Carib- she takes you on an adventure
bean, Chef Urvin Croes has now around the world to discover
moved on to higher heights. In- never-before-tasted combina-
fini, his new chef’s table, which tions. Then, towards the end of
opened at the Blue Residences the night, it is his time to shine
in 2020, allows the Michelin- — Pastry Chef Jean-Claude
trained Aruban culinary artist Werleman, that is. After spend-
to create gastronomic experi- ing the last two years perfecting
ences unconfined by cultural his recipes in the Pastry Depart-
or regional expectations. Croes Maduro, was Urvin’s very first stu- Partie Alvaro Yi, who has worked ment of the Ritz Carlton Aruba,
says: “We opened up the entire dent, before relocating to Am- at the two-Michelin starred FG Werleman joins Infini to continue
kitchen and elevated the dining sterdam, where he worked at Restaurant, is all about express- exploring his passion for experi-
tables so guests have a front row several Michelin-starred restau- ing himself through cooking and menting with colors and bold
stadium-like view of each step of rants, including &moshik (formal- plating to create art that you flavors.
the preparations. A chef’s table ly &Samhoud Places). Having can eat. Mixologist Marc-An-
concept where diners and staff recently returned to Aruba, Chef thony Rannis brings eight years "It's time to show that Aruba is a
are able to interact throughout Maduro is thrilled to be reunited of experience in the fine dining culinary destination of its own"
the evening, channeling through with his first mentor and hopes industry to Infini. His fine crafts- “The goal is to leave our visitors
a story guided by a 12 course to secure Aruba’s space on the manship is displayed in the un- speechless. The look on their
menu. global map of unique culinary paralleled wine pairings and faces whenever they take the
experiences. Similarly, after four signature cocktails, which in- first bite says it all and it is price-
“It is a flavor that you cannot de- years working in the two-Michelin clude his personally homemade less'', shares Croes, with a smile.
fine, but you can create." starred restaurant Spectrum, syrups, garnishes and fresh local Reclaiming the spot of number
Inspired by umami, one of the Chef de Partie Moises Ramirez ingredients. Maître D’ and Junior one restaurant in the Caribbean
five basic tastes, and also Japa- returned home to share his vast Sommelier Jessica Theysen, who is also in sight, but this time he will
nese for “essence of delicious- experience in formulating reci- previously managed renowned not stop there. “In the end, we
ness”, Chef Croes strived to or- pes with meticulous attention to Chef Dennis Huwaë’s Restaurant want Aruba to be recognized
ganically produce this palate in detail and consistency. Further Daalder in Amsterdam, is a true for its culinary mastery. We have
each dish of the twelve-course down the kitchen line, Chef de storyteller. From the moment she trained the best culinary artists
Asian Caribbean Impression right here on the island and they
tasting menu. “It is a flavor that have proven themselves inter-
you cannot define, but you can nationally in the most renowned
create. kitchens in the world. Now it is

time to show that Aruba is a
"Without a great team, there is culinary destination of its own.
no great chef” Who knows where that will take
“There is very little I can do by us; hopefully to infinity and be-
myself. Without a great team, yond.”
there is no great chef”, says
Croes, while raving about the Infini located at Blue Residences
young professionals sharing his currently serves an eight-course
kitchen. All graduates of Aruba’s Chef’s Impression to up to 21
EPI College and familiar faces guests starting at 6:30PM. To
to the Chef as each one has make reservations visit www.in-
completed their culinary intern- finiaruba.com or call +297-699-
ship under his guidance. In fact, 3982.q
Infini’s Chef de Cuisine, Ashwin