By: D.Godoy S.
At SOMOS, gastronomy is more than flavors—it’s identity, culture, and a bridge to connect with the world. For us, food is a language that tells the story of Ecuador and invites others to fall in love with our country.
This vision came alive thanks to our dear friends at Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos, who opened the doors for us to be part of an unforgettable event. We had the honor of hosting chefs from around the globe who belong to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family, a community that celebrates the finest expressions of hospitality and culinary art.
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX: A COMMUNITY THAT INSPIRES
Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux unites more than 580 exceptional hotels and restaurants across the world. Its mission goes far beyond luxury: it is about preserving local traditions, protecting culinary heritage, and crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Being part of this community is one of the highest honors in the world of gastronomy and hospitality. Many of its members hold Michelin stars and international recognition, making Relais & Châteaux a global symbol of excellence and authenticity.
SHARING ECUADOR WITH THE WORLD
At SOMOS, we are proud of who we are and what we represent. Our work goes beyond hospitality—we bring forward the spirit of Ecuador through its four worlds: the Andes, the Amazon, the Coast, and the Galápagos. Each dish is a story, and every gesture is rooted in the warmth of our people.
That night, our guests began their journey with a symbolic ritual: a barrendero personaje sweeping the path to the restaurant, followed by a welcome drink to elevate the spirit. The first act was the burning of palo santo, our sacred wood, performed alongside a dance. For us, palo santo is more than fragrance—it cleanses the spirit and opens the soul to receive what is to come.
With hearts and minds ready, the eight-course menu unfolded. Each dish represented the four worlds of Ecuador, ending with a celebration of the country’s most iconic treasures: chocolate and bananas. Chef Alejandra Espinoza designed a pairing that fused sparkling bottled chocolate with cacao and banana creations, honoring the local products we hold most dear.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
For our team at SOMOS, this experience was unforgettable. We poured onto the table everything we do best—our roots, our creativity, and our pride. To welcome Relais & Châteaux members and share the essence of Ecuador’s gastronomy was not just an event, but a milestone.
We thank Relais & Châteaux and Pikaia Lodge for their presence, for trusting us, and for allowing Ecuador to shine on a global stage. This is just the beginning. With every opportunity, we will continue to show the world that Ecuador is, indeed, the heart of the planet.
NELSON ROMÁN AT LA CAVA BY SOMOS: ART THAT CONQUERS THE SOUL
By: D.Godoy S.
There are artists who don’t just paint, but create entire universes. Nelson Román is one of them. Having him at SOMOS is both a privilege and a celebration: sharing space with a master who is living heritage, a true alchemist of color and memory.
His work reminds us that Ecuador, though small in territory, is immense in spirit. From his imagination, bananas become warriors, led by the Cacique Banano, embarking on the conquest of the Orient. A powerful metaphor: through this fruit, our country has already colonized the entire world. Because wherever you travel, you will always find a piece of Ecuador in every bite of a banana.
A DIALOGUE OF ROOTS: ART AND GASTRONOMY
At La Cava de SOMOS, Román’s art intertwines with the cuisine of our chef Alejandra Espinoza. Each dish and each stroke speak the same language: that of roots, memory, and identity that define us. It is a space where gastronomy and painting do not compete, but enhance each other, creating a unique sensory journey.
With his vibrant and symbolic language, Nelson Román transforms the room into a portal to another dimension: that of an Ecuador that breathes nature, spirituality, and tradition; a country unafraid to reinvent itself and project itself to the world from its most authentic essence.
AN INVITATION TO DISCOVER
At SOMOS we believe that sharing our culture is an act of love. That is why we open the doors of La Cava and invite you to experience this permanent exhibition of Nelson Román, available from September 12 to November 12, 2025.
Come and be part of this encounter. Here, between art and gastronomy, Ecuador reveals itself as the heart of the planet.
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