The world of culinary arts is vast, with many chefs competing for space at the top. Amongst them is master Colombian Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, also known as Chef Juanma. He combines his passion for Colombian food with modern techniques to create beyond-reproach dishes. 

Chef Juanma began his amazing culinary journey at a very young age. He was fueled by a deep rooted  love of classic Colombian flavors and a passionate desire to showcase his country's rich diversity of culture and cuisine.  Juanma perfected his skills in the world's most renowned kitchens, digesting every morsel of wisdom he could from his culinary mentors. 

(Photo : How Chef Juan Manuel, aka Chef Juanma, Has Transformed the Columbian Food Scene in America)

Fast forward to today where he has established the famous restaurant group El Cielo which has been praised by many, including being ordained by the Michelin Star Guide. His restaurants in Miami and Washington D.C. have each been awarded one Michelin star, and the Miami location recently had its star renewed. Juanma and his Miami restaurant have been essential in putting South Florida on the map as a culinary must-visit destination.

"This is a huge deal and honor not only for our restaurant group but the city of Miami, as Michelin typically only reviews dining rooms in cities like Paris, New York, and Singapore, which are renowned for their refined culinary scene; but now Miami is finally getting recognized as an

important food scene as the city continues to flourish with international tourists and residents alike," he relishes. 

(Photo : How Chef Juan Manuel, aka Chef Juanma, Has Transformed the Columbian Food Scene in America)

Chef Juanma built a team of 100% Colombian talent in his restaurants. Juanma and his chefs have heightened traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist. They work tirelessly to create a culinary experience like no other. Logging upwards of 16-hour days, Chef Juanma dedicates himself to the kitchen, where he crafts ever-changing seasonal menus. He aims to design a menu to elevate diners to 'Elcielo,' meaning 'Heaven' in English.

Chef Juanma has firm roots in his family and his hometown of Medellín, Colombia. For him, cooking is therapeutic, an artistic expression, and a connection to his rich heritage. His most precious memories of cooking go back to spending time with his grandparents in Fredonia, where he would help them prepare traditional Colombian dishes. He also remembers the time he found a magazine about cooking in his father's workplace, which inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary arts. For Juanma, cooking is all about honoring his homeland, joining people together, and creating unique sensory experiences that will last a lifetime.

Proving his dedication to achieving culinary greatness, he has not only earned consecutive Michelin stars, but the Black Jacket Society has also recognized him. With high standards and philosophies, the prestigious society only acknowledges those who hold Michelin stars and uphold their inviolable merit.

(Photo : How Chef Juan Manuel, aka Chef Juanma, Has Transformed the Columbian Food Scene in America)

His restaurant, El Cielo, in Washington D.C., earned its place on Washingtonian's 100 Very Best Restaurants list. At first, they were skeptical but quickly changed their minds, touting the experience as "pure fun." Continually breaking through the culinary glass ceiling, Chef Juanma doesn't appear to be slowing down soon. 

Chef Juanma has no plans to stop evolving. Keeping Columbia at the forefront of his mission to share culture and connection through exquisite dining experiences, he aspires to bring El Cielo to the world's most renowned food capitals. 

Chef Juanma says, "I want people to know my story. Teach them what I know about my Colombian roots. To show that El Cielo is a restaurant and a brand of luxury experiences where the tradition of Colombia, its culinary richness, is mixed with innovation, creativity, and neuroscience."