Ispired by the culinary arts from an early age, Chef Jhonnatan Contreras grew up with his mother and grandmother in the kitchen cooking for my family. “I would pass the time asking questions about different ingredients and flavors, researching and gaining more knowledge on techniques used in the kitchen,” he says. “I was always willing to help however I could.” That early experience lead to stints at various restaurants in his native Venezuela and throughout Latin America, as well as two years at the InterContinental Dubai and Abu-Dhabi before landing his current Executive Chef role at InterContinental Miami, where, among his other duties, he proudly curates the dining experience for the Annual Make-A-Wish Ball, one of the premier fundraising galas in South Florida. “It’s always a very big challenge and includes extreme preparation and attention to detail since we have such a large amount of VIPs in house,” he says. “Being able to travel as much as I have, I’m grateful that we have influences from all over the world on our menu and we enjoy experimenting with new ingredients, flavors, techniques and cultures.”; ICMiamiHotel.com.
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Philanthropic Champions
Giving back is essential for building stronger communities, fostering empathy and inspiring the next generation. It cultivates a sense of responsibility and creates opportunities for those in need. Ultimately, it enriches both the giver and the receiver in ways that only those who experience altruism for themselves can understand.
Home Away From Home
Supporting health and wellness through lodging, meals, activities and a community of care for critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida.