Taste of Lovango features exclusive meals curated by world-renowned chefs, creative cocktails from local partners and an invigorating schedule of activities.
Book your accommodations now! Choose from Luxury Treehouses, Villas, and Glamping Tents.
Book now for all day and evening events! Don’t miss our fabulous hands-on mixology classes, beach club parties and prix fixe dinners.
Kyle McKnight, Executive Chef at Lovango Resort & Beach Club, brings a passion for locally sourced ingredients and culinary creativity to the island. With decades of experience, he curates vibrant, seasonal menus that showcase Caribbean flavors and farm-to-table excellence.
Chef Sam Choy has been creating cuisine with fresh, local island ingredients since he was a boy learning to cook alongside his parents. Before the words “Farm-to-Table” ever came together, sourcing and cooking with the traditional foods of Hawai‘i was a way of life for Sam.
In 2004, Choy was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award America’s Classics Award for Sam Choy’s Kaloko in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. The award recognizes “beloved regional restaurants” that reflect the character of their communities.
Brian Arruda is the Founder & CEO of premier chef-placement agency Executive Chefs at Home. Prior to this, he traveled the country working for acclaimed chefs including José Andrés, Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, working his way from prep cook to Executive Chef.
James Beard Rising Star semifinalist Robbie Felice is the co-founder and chef-partner of the exclusive pop-up pastaRAMEN, as well as Viaggio Ristorante and Osteria Crescendo in New Jersey.
Vincent ‘Vinny’ Alterio was born in Chicago and began his cooking career at the Peninsula Chicago. He has worked with Graham Elliot at his flagship restaurant as the chef and on “Master Chef” (as a guest judge) alongside Gordon Ramsey and Christina Tosi. In 2015, he decided to follow the seas and his dreams to a warmer climate. He ended up sailing into Cruz Bay, St. John, where he lives and works! Vinny is the owner of STJ Speakeasy on St. John.
Kenny has been living and cooking in the Virgin Islands since 2012. Throughout this time, he has learned and appreciated how to work with local ingredients and the community. In 2022, he opened Fish Bar on St. Thomas as the executive chef and partner, creating a concept that focuses on farm-to-table dining and supports local farmers and fishermen.
Sahar Siddiqi is the Chef de Cuisine of Chai Pani Decatur, the Indian street food restaurant known for changing the perception of Indian food in America. She is a first-generation Pakistani-American (or American-Pakistani, as her father insists) who grew up outside New York City, attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, and worked her way through renowned kitchens including State Bird Provisions in San Francisco and Atlas in Atlanta. Sahar came to the Chai Pani Restaurant Group in 2019 and two years later she was promoted to lead the kitchen as CDC.
In 2023, the James Beard Foundation recognized Sahar as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast.
Rick Mace’s childhood surrounded him from an early age by gardening, hunting, fishing and farming. His family’s 100-acre farm in Ohio inspired his culinary interest and naturally informed his understanding of a ‘field to fork’ philosophy. A South Florida “Rising Star Chef” and Palm Beach County’s “Chef of the Year,” Rick has cooked from Vermont to Vegas and beyond, most recently as the Executive Chef of Café Boulud Palm Beach. His world class training under the renowned chef, Daniel Boulud, has informed his journeyman’s style – making him the Master of Meat he is today.
Chef Ariel Rodriguez from Puerto Rico is renowned for his culinary expertise, blending traditional Puerto Rican flavors with modern techniques. His innovative approach to local ingredients has earned him acclaim, making him a prominent figure in the vibrant culinary scene of Puerto Rico. Chef Ariel Rodriguez is celebrated for his commitment to promoting the rich culinary heritage of Puerto Rico.
Giorgio Rapicavoli is an acclaimed chef and owner of the wildly popular Eating House, as well as Luca Osteria in Coral Gables. He also is the current chef at the Mayfair Grove in Coconut Grove. Born and raised in Miami, Rapicavoli has dedicated his career to championing Miami’s culinary scene and infusing his Argentine and Italian heritage into the city’s rich melting pot of food and culture. He is the first-ever Miami contestant to win Food Network’s Chopped which resulted in the opening of Eating House’s pop-up restaurant.
Chef Gary Kim brings a bold, globally inspired approach to food, shaped by his travels and heritage. Born in Seoul and raised in New England, he co-founded Anju Noodle Bar and Son-Mat Foods, later opening Mr. Kim’s in New Hampshire. With experience honed under James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Messina at Uni in Boston, he has led pop-ups across the U.S. and now brings his innovative, flavor-driven cuisine to the Caribbean as the Executive Chef of the Wine Shop in the Virgin Islands.
A renowned Puerto Rican chef, René’s passion for cooking and dedication to culinary excellence have made him a prominent figure in the island’s gastronomic scene. Born and raised in Dorado, Chef Marichal has spent over a decade honing his craft, from leading kitchens to now owning some of the Island’s most popular restaurants with unique concepts like Bacoa Finca y Fogón in Juncos and Aldeana
Xavier Pacheco has over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry, standing out for his commitment to Puerto Rican culinary traditions and his support for local producers.
He studied at the University of Puerto Rico and the prestigious Johnson & Wales University culinary school in Miami. His professional training included working at Nobu Restaurant (NY) and as a cook at the Four Seasons Hotel Brickell Avenue, Miami. He further honed his skills in Barcelona under the renowned chef Ángel Palacios.
HIS HEART beats to the rhythm of salsa, sofrito, and firewood.
Chef Juan José Cuevas, a native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, is the executive chef at 1919 Restaurant in San Juan’s Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. An honors graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, his illustrious career includes positions at Michelin-starred establishments worldwide.
In 1995, Cuevas began his culinary journey at the three-star Michelin restaurant Arkelare in San Sebastián, Spain. He further honed his skills at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, El Raco in Barcelona, and Essex House in New York City. His tenure at Blue Hill Restaurant in New York contributed to the restaurant earning a Michelin star and a three-star rating from The New York Times.
Returning to Puerto Rico in 2012, Cuevas embraced the island’s rich culinary heritage. At 1919 Restaurant, he emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, collaborating closely with local farmers and artisans.
With more than 20 years behind the bar, Will has witnessed countless trends, but one thing remains constant: the power of a great cocktail to tell a story. For Will, crafting a drink is more than just mixing ingredients—it’s about using the finest, thoughtfully sourced elements to weave narratives that resonate. Will’s passion lies in creating unforgettable experiences, where every sip offers a glimpse into a rich, flavorful story.
Ariel Rosario is a renowned celebrity mixologist and the founder of Signature Cocktails, a company dedicated to creating unique, high-quality drinks. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Ariel brings a touch of the island’s vibrant culture and flavors into every cocktail. With a deep passion for mixology and years of experience, Ariel has become a leading figure in the industry, known for his creativity and expertise.
Kenny René Méndez Jiménez is a passionate bartender and sensory experience creator from Cidra, Puerto Rico. Known for blending local flavors with global trends, Kenny crafts modern cocktails rooted in Puerto Rican tradition. With a career spanning top bars and restaurants, he’s recognized for his creativity, deep knowledge of spirits, and dedication to hospitality.
AFTERNOON MIXOLOGY CLASS WITH ARIEL ROSARIO
Ariel Rosario, a renowned celebrity mixologist from Puerto Rico, is bringing his expertise to Island for an exclusive 75-minute intimate mixology class, where he’ll guide guests through the art of crafting unique, flavorful cocktails in a personal, hands-on experience. A limited number of guests will be able to learn from one of the best in the industry and try his amazing cocktails!
SOLD OUT! SIX-COURSE PRIX FIXE EAST INDIAN AND WEST INDIAN INSPIRED DINNER – SAHAR SIDDIQI & KYLE MCKNIGHT
Celebrity chef Sahar Saddiqi, a James Beard semifinalist and first-generation Pakistani-American, will join Lovango Resort’s Executive Chef Kyle McKnight for a one-of-a-kind six-course prix fixe dinner. The collaboration blends the bold flavors of East Indian and West Indian cuisines, offering guests a unique culinary experience that celebrates both cultural traditions.
AFTERNOON MIXOLOGY CLASS WITH ARIEL ROSARIO
Ariel Rosario, a renowned celebrity mixologist from Puerto Rico, is bringing his expertise to Island for an exclusive 75-minute intimate mixology class, where he’ll guide guests through the art of crafting unique, flavorful cocktails in a personal, hands-on experience. A limited number of guests will be able to learn from one of the best in the industry and try his amazing cocktails!
SOLD OUT! SIX-COURSE PRIX FIXE WAFU ITALIAN INSPIRED DINNER – ROBBIE FELICE & GIORGIO RAPICAVOLI
Celebrity chefs Robbie Felice and Giorgio Rapicavoli, both James Beard-nominated, are teaming up to present a unique Wafu Italian six-course prix fixe dinner that fuses Felice’s Japanese-inspired techniques with Rapicavoli’s Italian heritage. This one-of-a-kind culinary collaboration promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience, blending the best of both worlds in every dish.
ISLAND FLAVORS & CULINARY LEGENDS BEACH CLUB PARTY – SAM CHOY, VINNY ALTERIO, KENNY CLAXTON, GARY KIM & KYLE MCKNIGHT
Join us for an unforgettable Beach Club Party, where some of the top chefs and restaurateurs in the USVI come together to showcase the best of local and island-inspired cuisine. The event will feature culinary talents like Fish Bar’s Kenny Claxton, St. John’s Speakeasy’s Vinny Alterio, and The Wine Shop’s Gary Kim, alongside Hawaiian celebrity chef and James Beard winner Sam Choy. Lovango’s Executive Chef Kyle McKnight and his culinary team will be featuring some delicious bites, and celebrity mixologists Will Elliott and Ariel Rosario will craft signature cocktails. Relax at the beach club and indulge in an incredible day of food, drinks, live music and island vibes!
SOLD OUT! SIX-COURSE PRIX FIXE CULINARY REUNION DINNER – BRIAN ARRUDA & RICK MACE
Celebrity chefs Brian Arruda and Rick Mace are reuniting after previously working together under the mentorship of the acclaimed Chef Daniel Boulud for nearly two decades. Before both embarked on their own widely acclaimed careers, their shared experience at the helm of Boulud’s renowned restaurant group promises a remarkable culinary collaboration, bringing sophisticated flavors and techniques honed over years of excellence.
A CELEBRATION OF PUERTO RICO – A BEACH CLUB PARTY HOSTED BY CULINARY U – ARIEL RODRIGUEZ, RENE MARICHAL, JUAN JOSE CUEVAS & XAVIER PACHECO
Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican cuisine as the Lovango Beach Club is taken over by Culinary U, a Puerto Rican food group and experiential company at the forefront of the island’s culinary scene! Puerto Rican celebrity chefs Ariel Rodriguez, Rene Marichal, Juan Jose Cuevas, and Xavier Pacheco will showcase the rich flavors of their homeland, serving up delicious dishes throughout the day. In addition to these mouthwatering creations, Puerto Rican based celebrity mixologist Ariel Rosario of Signature Cocktails, along with Lovango’s own mixologist lead Will Elliott, will craft refreshing, island-inspired drinks. Guests can relax, indulge, and experience the best of Puerto Rican culture with live music while relaxing at the beach club!
Reserve your overnight accommodations now in one of our Luxury Treehouses, Cottages, Glamping Tents or Villa and enjoy all the festivities.
Cast your vote for Lovango in the 2025 Condé Nast Travelers Readers’ Choice Awards!
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Saturday-Thursday, 10 am – 9 pm
With the stars overhead and the sand beneath your feet, enjoy local live music, dancing, signature cocktails and a delicious Caribbean-style buffet.
Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 8pm
Enjoy cocktails before dinner followed by a one-of-a-kind sunset dinner by the water.
