Master Chef Mario Reyes hosts Winterlicious tasting event in Cleveland this week

The TRIO Community Meals chef presents a global menu spanning from pork carnitas to Thai coconut salmon. VIP seats for the Feb. 19 event have already sold out.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Cleveland food lovers can chase away the winter chill this week with a warm plate and a glass of wine at Winterlicious, Benjamin Rose's signature cooking and tasting event. The annual cooking class and tasting experience returns from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, featuring Certified Master Chef Mario Reyes of TRIO Community Meals, the team behind Benjamin Rose's Meals on Wheels program. Reyes will lead guests through a five-course menu featuring tasting portions, wine pairings and recipe cards to recreate the dishes at home.

Why it matters

The Winterlicious event celebrates Benjamin Rose's mission to connect community, nutrition and healthy living through the joy of food. As a Certified Master Chef, Reyes' involvement brings additional culinary expertise and star power to the event.

The details

This year's Winterlicious menu spans the globe, including Pork Carnitas with Chickpea, Tomato and Avocado Salad, South American Shrimp Ceviche with Chulpe, Black and Bleu NY Strip Crostini with Horseradish Crema, Thai Coconut Salmon with Basmati Rice and Bailey's Caramel Affogato for dessert. Tickets are $125 and include all five tasting courses and wine pairings. VIP seats, which offer front-row views of Chef Reyes in action, have already sold out.

  • The Winterlicious event takes place on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The players

Mario Reyes

A Certified Master Chef who works with TRIO Community Meals, the team behind Benjamin Rose's Meals on Wheels program.

Benjamin Rose

An organization that hosts the annual Winterlicious cooking and tasting event, with a mission to connect community, nutrition and healthy living through the joy of food.

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What’s next

Reyes is competing on the current season of 'MasterChef: The Professionals' on BBC, so his performance on the show may generate additional interest in the Winterlicious event.

The takeaway

The Winterlicious event provides Cleveland food lovers with an opportunity to enjoy a global culinary experience while supporting Benjamin Rose's mission to promote healthy living through nutritious and delicious meals.