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13 June 2026

Star Chefs at The Pen: Behind Avila’s Bi-Annual Michelin Events

If you’re planning a Curaçao getaway and craving a culinary highlight to anchor your trip, Star Chefs at The Pen should be on your shortlist. Twice a year, The Pen Restaurant & Terrace at Avila Beach Hotel welcomes Dutch Michelin chefs for unique guest-chef evenings that celebrate the island’s flavors in a breathtaking, open-air seaside setting. In this guide, you’ll learn what these bi-annual events are, why they matter to Curaçao’s dining scene, and how to plan an unforgettable night at The Pen.

At a glance

What are The Pen’s Michelin events?

The Pen Restaurant & Terrace hosts unique culinary events with Dutch Michelin chefs twice yearly—a tradition that has been nurtured for over 15 years. These special evenings bring acclaimed culinary talent to Curaçao, offering guests a chance to experience high-level technique and creativity showcased through the lens of the Caribbean and the region.

Set right by the sea, The Pen combines the artistry of visiting chefs with the restaurant’s commitment to local and regional ingredients. The result is a refined, island-forward experience that feels both celebratory and intimately Curaçaoan.

Why these evenings elevate dining on Curaçao

Bringing Michelin-starred craftsmanship to an iconic Caribbean terrace is more than a novelty—it deepens the island’s culinary identity.

The setting: The Pen’s open-air terrace by the sea

The Pen is a unique, open-air restaurant with a roofed terrace that captures Curaçao’s trade winds and panoramic sea views. It’s open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving:

Breakfast at The Pen runs 7:00–10:30 AM, and the terrace’s airy design makes it a favorite gathering place throughout the day. For dinner, you can expect thoughtfully sourced ingredients and dishes that showcase the region’s bounty. Notably, Avila highlights beloved local specialties at its venues—such as Keshi Yena—which reflects the hotel’s culinary connection to Curaçaoan tradition.

Behind the scenes: How Avila brings star chefs to the island

While each edition features its own creative approach, several pillars consistently shape the Star Chefs at The Pen experience:

Note: Specific chef names and menus vary by edition and are announced in advance of each event.

How to plan your night at Star Chefs at The Pen

A little planning goes a long way to secure your seat and make the most of the evening.

  1. Reserve early. The Pen is popular, and reservations are strongly advised during peak periods and are required for special dinner events. Book your table through The Pen’s page: The Pen Restaurant & Terrace.
  2. Watch the events calendar. Check dates and complementary happenings (like live music nights elsewhere on the property) on the Weekly & Special Events page: Avila Events.
  3. Time your evening. The Pen is open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Arriving a bit early lets you soak in the sunset before the first course.
  4. Extend the experience. Consider booking another special night during your stay—such as a romantic Dinner on the Beach (a separate, private add-on) priced at US $319 per couple for a three-course surprise menu at either Blues or The Pen’s beach setting (drinks excluded). Availability is limited to one dinner per beach location at a time.

What to expect from the cuisine (and why it works)

Make it a full-flavor Curaçao itinerary

Round out your culinary trip with Avila’s complementary dining and leisure experiences:

Practical tips for a seamless experience

Quick answers: Star Chefs at The Pen

Conclusion

For travelers who build their itineraries around remarkable meals, Star Chefs at The Pen is a compelling reason to choose Avila Beach Hotel. Twice a year, Dutch Michelin chefs join The Pen’s ingredient-driven kitchen to create seaside evenings that embody Curaçao’s flavors and Avila’s historic soul. Reserve your table, plan your sunset, and let the island’s culinary story unfold—plate by plate—on The Pen’s open-air terrace.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your table at The Pen: The Pen Restaurant & Terrace. For timing and happenings around your dates, check Avila’s Events and start planning your culinary escape.