chef
Creative thinking
neuromarketing
social entrepreneurship
Juan Manuel Barrientos is a globally acclaimed Colombian chef known for his innovation and talent in haute cuisine. He is the founder and owner of Elcielo, one of the most influential restaurants in America, and is also a committed peace activist and social media enthusiast, ranking as the third most-followed chef in the digital sphere according to 50 Best. He uses his social media presence to promote high-end gastronomy and his social projects, employing creative formats that foster a deep connection with his followers.
Born in Medellín in 1983, Juan Manuel Barrientos trained in gastronomy at the Universidad de La Colegiatura Colombiana. He mastered advanced culinary techniques from Asian and avant-garde cuisine, training with renowned chefs like Iwao and Arzak in Japan and Spain. At age 23, he founded his first Elcielo, which now has locations in Medellín, Bogotá, and Miami. In addition to Elcielo, he created other culinary concepts like the restaurants Blanco and Iwao, as well as the gastronomy magazine Juanma Notebook. His social initiatives include the Elcielo Foundation for All, promoting non-violence education among vulnerable groups in Colombia. His culinary excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the Chef Revelation Award at Madrid Fusión and recognition by World’s Best Restaurants as one of Latin America’s best. In 2011, he received the leadership award at the Éxito Awards Iberoamérica, and the Colombian government recognized him as a Young Peace Leader.
Juan Manuel Barrientos’ conferences blend his passion for gastronomy with his social commitment. In them, he shares his experience creating dishes that incorporate avant-garde techniques and neuroscience to evoke emotions and memories in diners. His dynamic and relatable style covers topics from culinary innovation and sustainability to the impact of gastronomy on social development. Through his talks, he inspires others to see cuisine as a tool for cultural and social transformation.
In this talk, Juan Manuel Barrientos explores how neuroscience can be applied to gastronomy to create multisensory experiences. He shares how sensory techniques can evoke emotions and memories in diners, elevating the dining experience beyond taste to become a memorable journey.
Here, Barrientos discusses how gastronomy can be a force for change. Through the Elcielo Foundation for All, he has worked with children, former guerrilla members, the deaf, and indigenous communities, teaching values of peace and non-violence. This conference inspires others to view cuisine as a means to build a more equitable and compassionate society.
In this presentation, Juan Manuel delves into the richness of Colombian culinary tradition and its fusion with avant-garde techniques. He showcases how his creations at Elcielo honor and celebrate local ingredients and techniques while integrating innovative concepts to offer a unique, modern culinary experience.
Juan Manuel Barrientos, the third most-followed chef on social media, shares how he has built a strong, authentic personal brand. He explains how he uses these platforms to connect with his audience, promote high-end gastronomy, and his social projects, generating engagement through creative and relatable formats.
If you’re looking for an inspiring and transformative talk on gastronomy, innovation, and social responsibility, you can book Juan Manuel Barrientos through Thinking Heads. As one of Latin America’s most distinguished chefs, Juan Manuel offers expert insights into how haute cuisine can be a catalyst for social change. Contact Thinking Heads today for more information and to secure his participation in your next event.
1. Inquiry: Share your event goals and budget. We respond within 24 hours.
– Solid Contracts: Legal protection and clear clauses regarding cancellations.
– Plan B: Immediate backup support in case of unforeseen events.
– Fiscal Compliance: Proper invoicing and adherence to regulations.
– Keynotes: Main stage presentations (45-60 min).
– Fireside Chats: Dynamic, informal on-stage interviews.
– Panels: Expert roundtable discussions.
– Workshops: Executive sessions or private meetings.
– Virtual Events: High-quality webinars and online conferences.
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