Gastronomic Journey with Star Chef: Aji x MONO Chef Ricardo Chaneton Interprets Latin American flavors through refined French technique

The “Gastronomic Journey with Star Chef” series began its 2025 chapter by welcoming Ricardo Chaneton, chef-owner of Hong Kong’s one-Michelin-starred MONO, at Aji for a three-night gourmet feast—— where French culinary artistry met the vibrant soul of Latin America in MGM COTAI. 

Born in Venezuela, Chef Ricardo Chaneton’s career spans both Europe and Asia. He refined his culinary philosophy in the Michelin-starred kitchens of Quique Dacosta and Mirazur, eventually founding MONO as a canvas for his vision of modern Latin cuisine: where disciplined French technique coupled with the warmth of cultural memory.

The bespoke tasting menu at Aji centered Latin American ingredients, elevated through French techniques and layered flavors. Among the highlights were the Fabien D'eneour Plounéour-Menez Pigeon with a sauce combining over 20 Latin American spices, the Mexican Purple Corn Infladita, the Danish Langoustine with Ecuadorian Cacao Expressions, and the Carúpano 70% Chocolate Textures. Together, the dishes offered lingering layers of sweetness and bitterness. 

The eight-course lunch and nine-course dinner tasting menus were crafted by MONO and Aji’s team, reflecting shared commitment to innovation and precision in every detail of both kitchens. 

Over three consecutive evenings, diners were immersed in a cross-cultural culinary dialogue at Aji. From ingredient selection to technique, Chef Ricardo Chaneton communicated with a language of purity, revealing both the precision of French gastronomy and the vibrant soul of Latin cuisine. 

The “Gastronomic Journey with Star Chef” series continues to bring together celebrated chefs from around the world, using food as a universal language to unite cultures and flavors across the dining tables of Macau.

• Location: Aji, MGM COTAI
• Time: February 20 to 22, 2025 (concluded)