Jaime Rodríguez, a 37-year-old chef from Colombia, is celebrated as one of the country’s finest culinary talents with over 17 years of experience. He is the owner and creative development chef of Celele Restaurante, in Cartagena, a venue that highlights his innovative approach to contemporary Colombian cuisine.
As the founder of the Caribe Lab Project, Jaime has dedicated more than 14 years to exploring Colombia’s diverse gastronomic culture and biodiversity. His extensive research has allowed him to craft dishes that celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage while sharing its significance with the world.
At Celele, Jaime’s menu reflects his commitment to honouring Colombian flavours with a modern twist, inspired by the traditions and ingredients he encounters during his travels. His culinary philosophy emphasizes the importance of sustainability and cultural preservation, making his work a bridge between tradition and innovation.
With his dedication to showcasing Colombia’s gastronomic wealth, Jaime continues to inspire both local and international audiences, positioning Colombian cuisine on the global stage.
When asked about his love for the terroir, he said: “Years ago, when I decided to embrace the challenge of exploring the gastronomic culture and biodiversity of the Colombian Caribbean, I never imagined that we would bring such an exciting region to the global gastronomic stage.
It fills me with emotion to see how our diners experience the Caribbean through my dishes, how I’ve managed to translate the essence of the territory onto the table through its colors, its festivals, its traditions, and its abundant pantry. Most importantly, I am proud of how we’ve been able to directly support and benefit so many communities of farmers, growers, and producers.”
This symbiotic relationship with the environment also aligns with the sustainability values of Estrella Galicia, one of the leading beer producers. The brand, known for its dedication to sustainable practices, sponsored the “THE BEST TERROIR AWARD” during the 8th edition of The Best Chef Awards, held in Dubai last November. Jaime Rodríguez was awarded this prestigious prize for his extraordinary commitment to achieving a very high level of sustainability in every area: social, environmental, and economic.
Regarding the award chef Jaime declared: “I’m truly very happy to have received this award. It’s like a translation of everything I truly love about my country. Colombia is an incredible nation with a gastronomy rooted in a blend of cultures, reflecting so much of who we are today. It boasts an incredibly biodiverse territory. I’m originally from the Andean region, but I arrived in the Colombian Caribbean 14 years ago and began to explore and travel across this territory. I encountered amazing people who welcomed me with open arms—communities, farmers, growers, market vendors, and fishermen. Having the support of all the people who have shared this journey with me has made me deserving of this award, which is also a recognition for everyone. It’s an award that highlights the potential of Colombian cuisine, the richness of Caribbean cooking, and the work we are all doing from Celele. This “The Best Terroir” award is the motivation to keep moving forward.”
Mónica Vizcaíno, Global Strategic Marketing Director at Estrella Galicia, stated:
“Our presence at The Best Chef Awards is a natural evolution of our brand’s commitment to haute cuisine, but especially to gastronomy that is committed to its environment—one that is involved in building a more sustainable future for everyone.”
The approach adopted by Chef Jaime Rodríguez is also reflected in entities such as Estrella Galicia, whose commitment to sustainability and the valorisation of local resources helps to spread and support these values on a global scale.
Instagram: Jaime Rodríguez, Celele Restaurante
Restaurant website: https://celelerestaurante.com/
Restaurant Address: Calle del Espíritu Santo, Cra. 10c #29-200, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colòmbia
