Top Chefs Gather at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa for Exclusive October Gastronomic Series

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA — Eight guest chefs will join Saúl Umaña, Culinary Director of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, throughout October for the second edition of “Sabores de Autor” (Author’s Flavors). This exclusive culinary showcase features four distinct five-course collaborative dinners designed to highlight the vibrant gastronomic evolution of Costa Rica’s Northern Zone.

The dinners will take place every Tuesday evening in October (October 8, 15, 22, and 29) at Tucanes Restaurant, located within Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna de San Carlos. Each event brings together two guest chefs alongside Chef Umaña to craft an original menu served exclusively for one night.

Four Nights, Four Unique Concepts

Rather than simply transferring guest chefs’ standard dishes to a new kitchen, Sabores de Autor is built as a true creative exchange. Each date explores a distinct theme rooted in techniques, origin, and local produce:

• October 8 – “Pura Vida”: Kicking off the cycle with a focus on regional identity and contemporary Costa Rican flavors, featuring Gilberto Briceño (Galleta de Mar) and Kevin Charpentier (CENSE).
• October 15 – “Fuego” (Fire): Centered on primitive fire cooking and high-heat techniques, featuring Rodrigo Salazar (Hotel Parador) and Andy Dodson (Bazaar Meat Chicago).
• October 22 – “La Barra” (The Bar): An exploration of modern techniques and bar-style interactions, featuring Diego Mondragón (Enboca Costa Rica / MAE Barcelona) and Luis Alberdi (La Alacena).
• October 29 – “Orígenes” (Origins): A concluding dinner celebrating heritage, memory, and culinary roots, featuring pastry chef Mónica Phillips (Crème Caramel Patisserie) and Marcell Khoury (Falafel House).

“From the beginning, our goal with Sabores de Autor has been to highlight the incredible culinary development happening in the Northern Zone. We want to empower the industry and create meaningful spaces for chefs and hospitality professionals to exchange knowledge while showcasing the best of Costa Rica.”

— Saúl Umaña, Culinary Director at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Local Produce & Costa Rican Identity

Costa Rican ingredients serve as the core narrative across all four menus. The resort’s culinary philosophy heavily emphasizes locally sourced crops, wild-caught coastal seafood, and handcrafted kitchen staples made in-house—including artisanal breads, house-churned butter, and signature desserts.

By blending local ingredients with international techniques, the event aims to translate Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, landscapes, and seasonal rhythms into an elevated dining experience.

Event Details & Reservations

Each five-course dinner experience is available for $89 USD per person (inclusive of taxes). An optional curated beverage pairing is available for $35 USD per person (inclusive of taxes).

Because each menu is offered strictly for one night only, seating is limited and advance reservations are required.