At EVER, Chef de Peña showcases ingredients that are often taken for granted, revealing their hidden charms.
Born in Venezuela, Chef Ever de Peña’s passion for food ignited early in his life. Upon arriving in Aruba in 1998, he wasted no time in pursuing his culinary dreams and began learning the art of cooking in high school. Later, after earning his Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Chef Eve had the opportunity to work in the kitchens of Casa del Mar and the Renaissance Hotel. For seven years, he climbed the ranks of the culinary profession, progressing from Cook to Junior Sous Chef.
He was particularly fond of the Executive Chef position and discovered his affinity for culinary leadership. He set a lofty goal for himself: to become an Executive Chef by the age of 30. True to his ambitions, at the young age of 27, Chef Ever assumed the role of Executive Chef at the Manchebo Beach Resort, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The less you intervene with an ingredient, the more you can elevate it.
Over the next few years, he proudly represented Aruba in various international culinary competitions and events, garnering recognition and accolades on the global stage. He also further mastered his skills at Ristorante Tokuyoshi in Italy. In 2016, he took on the role of Executive Chef at the Aruba Marriott Resort, a position he held for six years. His leadership eventually extended to overseeing the culinary operations of the entire Marriott complex; yet the heart of a true chef always yearns for a kitchen that is truly his own.
In March 2023, Chef de Peña and his team opened the doors of EVER, a speakeasy of flavors that embodies his philosophy on food. His culinary principle is simple: work with the highest quality ingredients and let their innate goodness shine. He believes that the less you intervene with an ingredient, the more you can elevate it. Those who have savored his imaginative interpretations of familiar dishes consistently marvel at their simplicity.
Culinary
innovation
At EVER, Chef de Peña showcases ingredients that are often taken for granted, revealing their hidden charms. A true artist of evolution, he remains unattached to even his finest creations. With an ever-evolving chef’s menu that changes monthly, each dining experience is not merely new but elevated. He thrives on experimentation driven by his desire to innovate and surprise. Rather than orchestrating a gradual progression from course to course, each dish at his discreet Chef’s table in downtown Oranjestad shines independently, maintaining momentum and excitement throughout a truly unique dining experience.