The Venezuelan gastronomic scene reaches a new publishing milestone with the launch of “Flavors of the Soul: Culinary Universes Between Origin and Avant-Garde,” a work that, thanks to Bancamiga and Mastercard, transcends the recipe book to become a historical testimony of current haute cuisine.

The book serves as a record of the gatherings held in 2024 and 2025, when renowned figures such as Massimo Bottura, Norbert Niederkofler, and Andoni Luis Aduriz visited Venezuela.

Through the narrative of journalists and chroniclers Nahir Márquez, Giuliana Chiappe, Rubén Rojas, and Larissa Hernández, the work intertwines the visit of these global icons with the vibrancy of the national scene.

Regarding the significance of this launch, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga, José Simón Elarba, stated that “for our organization, ‘Flavors of the Soul’ represents a necessary record of what we can achieve when strategic vision is combined with a passion for excellence. This project has been conceived with the same rigor as the preparation of a great dish, where different elements and areas of work converge to leave a lasting testament to our management capabilities and commitment to culture.”

She stated that “at Bancamiga, we believe in experiences that leave a lasting impression. We trust in the value of bringing together people who share a way of seeing the world, enjoying it, and transforming it. Gastronomy, in that sense, has been a natural territory for expressing who we are and where we want to go.”

For Elarba, the book is an invitation to sit down at the table, to listen to the stories told through flavors, and to understand that when you work with purpose and sensitivity, even seemingly disparate worlds can engage in harmonious dialogue. Because in the end, “both in the kitchen and in life, what truly matters is sharing what we are passionate about and enjoying it.”

During the presentation this Thursday at Quinta Esmeralda in Campo Alegre, Claudia Acosta, Country Manager of Mastercard Venezuela, maintained that the book, Flavors of the Soul, is a testament to Mastercard’s commitment to Venezuelan culture.

Journalist and writer Giuliana Chiappe highlighted the importance of this publication in showcasing the richness that defines the country’s identity. Its fundamental value lies in uniting a love for culinary heritage and projecting the essence of Venezuelan society in a high-quality physical format.

“I think it’s wonderful that Bancamiga is producing a book like this, a book that endures, a book that remains, a printed book, a book that tells the story of who we are,” she stated during her remarks.

The work is not limited to a compilation of recipes; it also analyzes the artistic process and the fieldwork carried out “from scratch.” According to Chiappe, the final result is a testament to a sector that has achieved a “very high level,” positioning itself as a benchmark capable of attracting the top chefs of the Michelin Guide.

A bridge between origins and the global sphere

Flavors of the Soul not only highlights international presence but also delves into the culinary offerings of four chefs leading the way in Caracas: José Antonio Casanova at Toro, Claudia Crisante at Vizio, Issam Koteich at Cordero, and Juan Hernáez at Bocca Di Lupo.

Hernáez emphasized the importance of this institutional initiative within the context of the sector’s recovery, praising the effort to gather information and showcase the industry’s work in recent years. His approach at Bocca Di Lupo, which focuses on fusing Italian immigrant traditions with local products, exemplifies the richness of the gastronomic identity that the project seeks to protect.

“For me, it’s quite important, given the context Venezuela has experienced in recent years, that we are now not only seeing a recovery but that companies like Bancamiga are dedicated to gathering information and organizing these kinds of events,” he added.

“Sabores del Alma” also pays homage to the Venezuelan diaspora of talent that now boasts Michelin stars abroad, including Ricardo Chaneton (Mono, Hong Kong), Santiago Fernández (Maz, Tokyo), and Enrique Limardo (Seven Reasons, Washington, D.C.).

This, the third book from the Bancamiga Publishing Fund, following “Historias Repetibles” and “Manual para Emprendedores,” recognizes in its structure that haute cuisine is unviable without respect for its origins. Therefore, it dedicates a significant portion to the artisans of the product: Pilar Cabrera (Casa Mejillón), Miguel Rodríguez (Herencia Divina), Carlos Bejarano (Urbánico), and Octavio Teruel (Vegetales Marinos).

Conceived under the premise that creating a book emulates preparing a dish, this work blends technique, sensory memory, and organizational management. Ultimately, it is a necessary record of Venezuela’s capacity to generate world-class experiences through the universal language of food.

With Sabores del alma, Bancamiga and Mastercard connect their customers with top-level gastronomic experiences, integrating concepts of innovation, sustainability and social responsibility.

Video with statements and details for your enjoyment

To read and view the artwork, as well as learn more about the comprehensive “Flavors of the Soul” initiative, visit: https://www.bancamiga.com/sabores-del-alma/.

With on-site coverage (El Sumario Digital Communication Group) and information provided by Bancamiga and Mastercard Venezuela

Audiovisual Production: Ida Febres

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In its quest to offer a cutting-edge and disruptive product in the country, Bancamiga, in partnership with Mastercard, presents Venezuela’s first Passion Card to the financial market: the “Flavors of the Soul” Debit Card.

“This card stems from the conviction that enjoyment, when well-thought-out, can also be a form of cultural connection. More than a tool, it is an invitation to explore culinary offerings that prioritize discernment, quality, and emotion, reinforcing that silent bond between those who create, those who accompany, and those who sit at the table with genuine interest,” stated José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga.

Bancamiga and Mastercard launched this Passion Card to a select group of clients, ahead of the presentation this Thursday of the book *Flavors of the Soul*, in which Elarba writes that “at Bancamiga, we believe in experiences that leave a lasting impression. We trust in the value of bringing together people who share a way of seeing the world, enjoying it, and transforming it. Gastronomy, in that sense, has been a natural territory for expressing who we are and where we want to go.”

For Claudia Acosta, Country Manager of Mastercard Venezuela, this is not just another card, “but a key to a world of flavors and unforgettable experiences. With it, cardholders access exclusive experiences through Priceless.com.”

Global passions with local flavor

The Sabores del Alma debit card offers Mastercard benefits including promotions, exclusive passes with chefs and at world-class restaurants, a curated guide to restaurants around the world, and the opportunity for cardholders to receive incentives on their account when dining at the country’s most prestigious restaurants.

It also features discounts on premium dining packages through Mastercard Collection, travel benefits, and preferential access to VIP lounges at airports worldwide.

“This Bancamiga card is the embodiment of one of our most vibrant passions: gastronomy. Our shared vision with Bancamiga offers access to the Priceless in Venezuela. In a country where gastronomy unites generations through tradition, this Passion Card invites everyone to experience global passions with local flavor,” added Acosta.

More than just offering benefits, this exclusive product from the Flavors of the Soul initiative is an invitation to explore a world where aromas evoke roots and every detail is designed for those seeking to give profound meaning to every experience.

With information and images provided by Bancamiga and Mastercard                            

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