Casa de Campo: Culinary Excellence Meets Legendary Hospitality

Left to right: Joey Isidori, Mr. Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, President of the Casa de Campo Hotel, Scott Conant, Inés Páez “Chef Tita”, Hubert Keller, and Jason Kycek. Photo by Mairobi Herra.

I’ve just returned from a four-day journey to Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic, where I had the privilege of sitting down with Jason Kycek, Chief Marketing Officer, for the Winter 2026 edition. My visit coincided with the 3rd Annual Food and Wine Festival, a vibrant showcase of gastronomy, culture, and community. Festival events took place in both indoor and outdoor settings, drawing attendees eager to enjoy the talents of celebrated chefs.

Celebrity Chefs in Action:

The lineup was nothing short of extraordinary.

Hubert Keller dazzled with a Bloody Mary in Watermelon presentation unlike any other—complete with fireworks and smoke.

Joey Isidori, the quintessential New Yorker, brought his signature flair to a robust meatball class, winning the crowd with his showmanship. The recipe: Meatballs with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce is his mom’s recipe.

Scott Conant guided guests through the delicate craft of his Ricotta Gnudi with Baby Tomato Sauce recipe: it was a masterclass in elegance and precision.

Inés Páez (Chef Tita) infused the festival with Dominican pride, sharing her culinary artistry with an eager audience. Her Raw Tuna with Coconut Water and Guavaberry wowed the culinary audience. Each chef engaged deeply with attendees, sharing their culinary passion and expertise.

Dinner Under the Stars.

The festival concluded with Dinner Under the Stars at Minitas Beach Club & Restaurant, where guests enjoyed exquisite small bites by the ocean. Many returning attendees now consider the event a family tradition—a testament to its unique atmosphere.

Casa de Campo: A Legacy of Excellence.

Beyond the festival, Casa de Campo itself is a destination that continues to set the global standard for luxury travel. Spanning 7,000 acres, the resort is home to:

* Three acclaimed golf courses designed by Pete Dye, including the legendary Teeth of the Dog®, ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean and among the Top 100 worldwide.

* A 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club.

* A prestigious Polo & Equestrian Club.

* A sprawling 245-acre Shooting Center.

As the Dominican Republic's first and most exclusive resort, Casa de Campo proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary—a milestone honoring the vision of its founder, Charles Bluhdorn, who began construction in 1971 and opened the resort to the public in 1974.
Today, under the leadership of Jason Kycek and his team, Casa de Campo continues to evolve, curating experiences that embody both tradition and innovation for discerning travelers worldwide.

A Note of Gratitude.

Special thanks to David Wood at Buffalo Group and the entire Casa de Campo team for their warm hospitality and support, which made this feature in 2026 possible.

Stay tuned for the full interview with Jason Kycek in our Winter 2026 edition of Golf Kitchen, where we'll explore Casa de Campo's enduring legacy and its vision for the future of luxury hospitality.
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With gratitude,

​Diana DeLucia, Founder, Golf Kitchen.