About Us

My dear friends,

I am Juan Carlos Montiel, President and CEO of The Montiel Group. My taste for the most exquisite cuisines and the greatest experience in the entertainment of dining led me to create the Montiel Group. My vision as founder was to bring the finest tastes in international cuisines and the art of fine dining locally and abroad. You can experience us now in the Chicagoland area or you can find us abroad in the beautiful country of Costa Rica in Guanacaste’s Playa Flamingo, in Guatemala at the La Aurora International Airport and soon in Antigua Guatemala and at Barrio San Benito in El Salvador.

Our journey began in 1985 with the opening of Carlos & Carlos representing the finest in gourmet Italian with French and Spanish cuisines complementing the experience with a private Chef’s table. We wanted to continue the experience and in July of 1990 we opened Capriccio’s Restaurant in Northfield.  Capriccio’s is open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional Northern Italian cuisine, making Pasta Fresca daily. Over the years we have continued to introduce the best in international cuisines throughout the suburbs of Chicago. Carlos & Carlos and Capriccio’s continue as our flagship restaurants today.
The dream became reality in 2009 with the opening of Carlos & Carlos at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City. Carlos & Carlos has brought finesse and taste to the airport, serving signature dishes such as Poached Salmon Crevettes and Veal Carlos. For the early traveler the most delicious meal to start any day can be as simple as a hearty omelet, a selection of crepes or perhaps French toast stuffed with fresh fruit. The service is quick and prices are moderate, worthy of any traveler.

When in Costa Rica set your sights on the beautiful flora, feeling the warmth of the sun and playfully relaxing on white sandy beaches. Enlighten your sense of taste at Carlos & Carlos Flamingo, just a few minutes from Melia Conchal Resorts. Savor the best in Northern Italian cuisine served with the finest selections of wines and finish with the sweetest of desserts or perhaps an espresso.

Las Cazuelas, the newest concept of the Montiel Group, created with today’s lifestyle in mind. This restaurant is a quick service version of Carlos & Carlos gourmet style. Choose from a select menu of appetizers to main courses. Our trained chefs prepare with only the freshest ingredients and serve in record time while you wait. We are featured at shopping malls and towns away from the main cities.

Coming September 2010, Kristal’s Le Club at Playa del Coco.  It is located 35 minutes from Flamingo Beach and 20 minutes from Liberia Airport. Dance the night away at our discotheque and lounge, playing music from the 70’s to today’s hits. Kristal’s will be serving a light menu with international tapas and exotic drinks.
All of this and more to come is a true representation of class and effort, that The Montiel Group is so proud to cater. Enjoy the atmosphere. Enjoy the outstanding cuisine. Enjoy the excellent customer service.  Enjoy the entire dining experience!