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a8 local
Thursday 28 april 2022

New beginnings after the kitchen table and beyond with new restaurant:

Infini by Chef Urvin Croes

PALM BEACH — After spearheading The Kitchen Table for
five years, receiving notable recognitions in USA Today,
The Daily Meal and earning the #1 spot on Tripadvisor’s
list of Fine Dining Restaurants in the Caribbean, Chef Urvin
Croes has now moved on to higher heights. Infini, his
new chef’s table, which opened at the Blue Residences
in November 2020, allows the Michelin-trained Aruban
culinary artist to create gastronomic experiences un-
confined by cultural or regional expectations. The former
The Kitchen Table space has since been renovated into cannot define, but you can create. Take to create art that you can eat. Mixologist
a suitable culinary studio to host this vision. In describ- our popular langoustine for example; we Marc-Anthony Rannis brings eight years of
ing these changes, Croes says: “We opened up the entire combined elements that are rarely paired experience in the fine dining industry to
kitchen and elevated the dining tables so guests have a together: the bitter, sour and salty flavors Infini. His fine craftsmanship is displayed in
front row stadium-like view of each step of the prepara- of the lemon cream, kombucha, green the unparalleled wine pairings and signa-
tions. The spotlights, which we carefully choreograph, fol- grapes, watercress and achiote, fused ture cocktails, which include his personally
low the plates’ transition from blank canvas into culinary with the sweet and delicate taste of the homemade syrups, garnishes and fresh lo-
works of art.” langoustine induce ultimate umami.” cal ingredients. Maître D’ and Junior Som-
melier Jessica Theysen, who previously
“It is a flavor that you cannot define, but you can create." After hosting the first menu for three managed renowned Chef Dennis Hu-
He had been sitting on the first menu for over a year. In- months, the Executive Chef introduced a waë’s Restaurant Daalder in Amsterdam,
spired by umami, one of the five basic tastes, and also second tour de force in February 2021 — is a true storyteller. From the moment she
Japanese for “essence of deliciousness”, Chef Croes this time a pescatarian menu dedicated serves the Salinity welcome drink and the
strived to organically produce this palate in each dish of to Lent, of which Croes has to say: “I want- culinary tale begins, she takes you on an
the eight-course Chef’s Impression. “It is a flavor that you ed to focus on the finest fish in the world, adventure around the world to discover
they are the protagonists of this season.” never-before-tasted combinations. Then,
Visitors can experience the second Chef’s towards the end of the night, it is his time
Impression until May 2021, at which point to shine — Pastry Chef Jean-Claude Wer-
Croes and his team will reveal exciting leman, that is. After spending the last two
new flavors for the summer. years perfecting his recipes in the Pastry
Department of the Ritz Carlton Aruba,
"Without a great team, there is no great Werleman joins Infini to continue exploring
chef” his passion for experimenting with colors
“There is very little I can do by myself. and bold flavors.
Without a great team, there is no great
chef”, says Croes, while raving about the "It's time to show that Aruba is a culinary
six young professionals sharing his kitchen. destination of its own"
All graduates of Aruba’s EPI College and “The goal is to leave our visitors speech-
familiar faces to the Chef as each one has less. The look on their faces whenever
completed their culinary internship under they take the first bite says it all and it is
his guidance. In fact, Infini’s Chef de Cui- priceless'', shares Croes, with a smile. Re-
sine, Ashwin Maduro, was Urvin’s very first claiming the spot of number one restau-
student, before relocating to Amsterdam, rant in the Caribbean is also in sight, but
where he worked at several Michelin- this time he will not stop there. “In the end,
starred restaurants, including &moshik (for- we want Aruba to be recognized for its cu-
mally &Samhoud Places). Having recently linary mastery. We have trained the best
returned to Aruba, Chef Maduro is thrilled culinary artists right here on the island and
to be reunited with his first mentor and they have proven themselves internation-
hopes to secure Aruba’s space on the ally in the most renowned kitchens in the
global map of unique culinary experienc- world. Now it is time to show that Aruba
es. Similarly, after four years working in the is a culinary destination of its own. Who
two-Michelin starred restaurant Spectrum, knows where that will take us; hopefully to
Chef de Partie Moises Ramirez returned infinity and beyond.”
home to share his vast experience in for-
mulating recipes with meticulous attention Infini located at Blue Residences cur-
to detail and consistency. Further down rently serves an eight-course Chef’s Im-
the kitchen line, Chef de Partie Alvaro pression to up to 21 guests starting at
Yi, who has worked at the two-Michelin 6:30PM.
starred FG Restaurant, is all about express- To make reservations visit www.infinia-
ing himself through cooking and plating ruba.com or call +297-699-3982.q