Fiola (2026)
In March 2026, a group of Michelin-starred chefs converged at Fiola for Mosaico, an unforgettable evening honoring the vibrant culinary community in DC. Hosted by Chef, Fabio Trabocchi, the night brought together an extraordinary group of friends and talents: Antonio Mermolia of Fiola DC, Ryan Ratino of Bresca & Jônt, Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster, Jeremiah Langhorne of The Dabney, Carlos Delgado of Causa, and Michael Rafidi of Albi. Seven chefs. Ten Michelin stars. One remarkable table.
Each course told a story—of craft, culture, and a city whose dining scene continues to inspire far beyond its borders. Together, they celebrated the creativity, generosity, and spirit that define Washington, DC. The evening also carried a deeper purpose, with the community coming together to support World Central Kitchen and their mission to provide meals and hope to communities facing crisis around the world.
Yellow Café (2025)
In January 2025, Delgado stepped outside his usual repertoire to partner with Chef Michael Rafidi (of Albi and Yellow fame) for a cross-cultural pop-up. Branded the Habibi Pita Club, this one-night event at Rafidi’s Yellow café saw Delgado co-create a special menu blending Peruvian and Middle Eastern flavors.
The collaboration reimagined dishes by infusing Peruvian ingredients into Levantine street food staples, all served in Yellow’s casual setting. Announced as a “special collaboration with Chef Carlos Delgado… for a one-night-only menu”, the sold-out pop-up was a hit with diners and local media.
Elcielo DC (2024)
In October 2024, Delgado joined forces with two fellow star chefs for a one-night-only Latin Heritage Month collaboration dinner at Michelin-starred Elcielo DC. Hosted by Elcielo’s chef, Juan Manuel Barrientos, the event featured Delgado alongside Imperfecto chef Enrique Limardo for an exclusive multi-course “gastronomic journey” celebrating Latin American cuisine.
Backed by Krug Champagne, the trio of chefs each contributed dishes reflecting their heritage – Peruvian, Colombian, and Venezuelan – in a cohesive tasting menu. The collaborative dinner not only honored Hispanic heritage but also amplified Peruvian gastronomy’s profile, as Delgado’s inventive dishes held their own in a lineup of Latin culinary heavyweights.
The Square Food Hall (2023)
Expanding beyond his own restaurants, Delgado introduced Cebichería Chalaca in 2023 as part of downtown D.C.’s ambitious new food hall, The Square. Co-founded with cocktail guru Glendon Hartley, Chalaca is a Peruvian ceviche and seafood stall that pays homage to Delgado’s native Lima. The menu centers on ultra-fresh cebiche and other coastal dishes, complemented by Hartley’s creative pisco-driven drinks.
Opening as James Beard Award semifinalists, Delgado and Hartley used this venture to bring high-quality Peruvian flavors to a casual market setting. The project’s significance lies in its accessibility – it showcases Peru’s vibrant seafood culture to a broader audience – and demonstrates Delgado’s ability to adapt his fine-dining artistry into a fun, fast-casual concept beyond Causa | Amazonia’s walls.
Service Bar (2021)
In early 2021, Chef Carlos Delgado – fresh off leading José Andrés’ Peruvian concept China Chilcano – partnered with Service Bar owners Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley to launch a pop-up called Criollo. Housed in the U Street cocktail bar, this preview kitchen served up Peruvian comfort foods like octopus ceviche, chicken causa, and lomo saltado alongside plenty of pisco cocktails.
The one-night pop-up kept momentum through the pandemic delay, giving diners an early taste of Delgado’s vision and generating buzz for the full-scale restaurant they would soon open. This collaboration not only bridged the gap until Causa’s debut but also highlighted the a great dynamic between Delgado’s cuisine and the Service Bar team’s cocktail prowess.
