The Talents
Discover the Autentico talents that take our Festival to the next level
Each year, we will be bringing in an incredible lineup of chefs and talents, each bringing their unique flavors and expertise to our multicultural culinary festival.
These culinary artists hail from diverse backgrounds, offering a world of tastes and culinary traditions.
International Talents
In 2025, we will welcome international guest chefs again to our culinary festival.
2025 International Talents
Chef Christian Petroni
Bronx-born chef Christian Petroni has built a career around Italian-American comfort food with big flavors and even bigger personality. After winning Season 14 of Food Network Star, he became a fan favorite on shows like Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Guy’s Grocery Games. He grew his first restaurant, Fortina, into seven locations in eight years and now runs Gabagool Media, producing content, consulting, and creating dishes that feel like home. You can try his viral garlic bread, meatballs, and tiramisu at Yankee Stadium, and his debut cookbook Parm to Table drops in September 2025. Christian will be in Aruba this October for the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival, bringing his signature warmth and flavor to the island.
Chef Jaime Pesaque
Chef Jaime Pesaque, founder of Mayta in Lima, is one of Peru’s most celebrated culinary figures. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu and in Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe, he has elevated contemporary Peruvian cuisine to global acclaim. Mayta has been recognized on Latin America’s 50 Best and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants lists, earning titles such as Best Restaurant in Latin America (2023, 2024) and World’s Best Restaurant (2022). Pesaque also leads several concepts in Lima and has expanded Peruvian flavors internationally. This October, he will bring his culinary vision to the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to taste the world!
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning to relive the magic, we invite you to be part of this extraordinary culinary journey.