What if the secret to living a longer, healthier life was hidden in the traditions of a tiny region in Costa Rica?
On Sunday, April 6 at 6 p.m., Brooklyn’s Le Petit Monstre (82 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, 11205) will bring a slice of Nicoya, Costa Rica’s Blue Zone to New York City with an 8-course, plant-based dining experience that tells the story of one of the world’s longest-living populations through food.
A Taste of the Nicoyan Way of Life
If you’re unfamiliar, Blue Zones are areas worldwide where people live significantly longer than average, often reaching 100+ years old. One of these rare regions is Nicoya, Costa Rica, where time slows down, community is central, and food is a key to longevity.
The diet? Simple, whole, and rooted in locally grown ingredients like corn, beans, squash, plantains, and tropical fruits.
The Nicoya Feast
The exclusive one-night-only experience brings together a team of renowned chefs who have created an exquisite menu celebrating the flavors of Nicoya. Expect the blending of tradition with innovation using modern plant-based techniques.
According to one of the featured chefs of the event, Chef Mario Buccellati, the goal is to highlight how food and longevity are deeply connected and also take guests on a sensory journey through the country’s culinary landscape.
What’s on the Menu?
Each dish in this 8-course tasting menu is inspired by Nicoya’s time-honored traditions but reimagined through a contemporary plant-based lens. Expect smoky, fermented, and deeply flavorful dishes celebrating the region’s staple ingredients while showcasing modern culinary artistry.
Local wines, craft beers, cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase at Le Petit Monstre.
More information is available on the event’s registration page.
The Chefs Behind the Experience
This dinner brings together a dream team of chefs passionate about heritage-driven, plant-based cuisine.
Chef Paulo Valerios (@chef_valerios) – Executive Chef of Huacas Restaurant in Costa Rica, Valerios is on a mission to preserve and elevate his country’s culinary identity. His dishes tell the story of Guanacaste’s traditions, drawing from recipes passed down through generations.
Chef Mario Buccellati (@mariobuccellati) – A New York-based private chef known for creating immersive dining experiences, Buccellati has studied plant-based cuisine in Tuscany, worked in top NYC restaurants like Dirt Candy and Avant Garden, and now runs The Eight Eat Experience, a storytelling dinner series.
Chef Zsuzsi Barta (@zsuzsi_barta) – With a background spanning Budapest, Costa Rica, and Brooklyn, Barta brings a global perspective to plant-based dining. As a former Executive Chef at Restaurante Almendra in Costa Rica and founder of Earthly Kitchen, she specializes in fermentation, sustainability, and innovative plant-based cooking.
FAQs: What You Need to Know
How long is the event?
- The experience runs from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Time is built in for storytelling, socializing, and connecting with the chefs.
How do I get there?
- Take the G train to Clinton-Washington Ave. (10-minute walk) or the C train to Fulton Street Station (15-minute walk).
- Limited street parking is available. Nearby garages include 475 Clermont Ave. Valet Garage and 525 Clinton Ave. Valet.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
This isn’t just a dinner — it’s a foodie experience you can’t miss. You’ll take a deep dive into the culinary culture of one of the world’s longest-living populations. Plus, you’ll have the chance to taste flavors that tell stories of tradition, longevity, and sustainability.
I have worked with Buccellati for a couple of years. He hosted two events as a part of a curation I did. He also was a part of a New York Climate Week event I curated in 2024 featuring a special visit by Vice President Al Gore. So, when I promise that his work is the future of plant-based cuisine and he and the joining chefs are a part of shaping the ever-evolving moment, I mean it.
Very limited seating available. Reserve your seat now if you’re ready to experience this one-night-only culinary experience, reserve your seat now. Tickets are $175 per person.
🔗 Reserve Your Seat Now 🔗
PHOTOS: Provided by Chef Mario Buccellati
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