Elcielo, New York City’s first and only Colombian fine-dining restaurant, is redefining traditional Colombian cuisine at its Virgin Hotel NoMad location. Led by Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, the restaurant offers an interactive and playful tasting menu designed to highlight Colombia’s immense biodiversity and cultural traditions. Diners can experience highly unique dishes, such as ant and lemongrass ice cream featuring genuine leafcutter ants, a "Chocolate Therapy" hand-washing ritual at the table, and yuca bread served on a handcrafted copper tree. Having already earned Michelin recognition in Washington, D.C. and Miami, the concept has quickly been added to the New York City Michelin Guide for its innovative storytelling and push past traditional street food staples.