Meet the Talent
Eager to leave his mark on the island's culinary landscape, Chef Lugo is bringing thoughtfully crafted dishes to Wyndham Palmas as his "love letter to Puerto Rico." With a deep commitment to showcasing Puerto Rican cuisine, Lugo combines innovative global influences with local ingredients, offering creative interpretations of traditional dishes.
Originally from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Lugo discovered his passion for food at an early age, cooking alongside his grandmother. After earning a degree in Culinary Management from the Universidad Del Este, he honed his craft at renowned restaurants in San Juan and Miami Beach before joining the kitchens of world-renowned Chef José Andrés in Washington, D.C. Over the next decade, Lugo excelled as Head Chef at several of Andrés' prestigious concepts, including Jaleo, Zaytinya, Spanish Diner, and China Chilcano, the latter of which earned a spot on the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand list.
Lugo's recent accomplishments include being featured in the Michelin Guide blog for "How to Make a Paella at Home" and participating in the Stadium Chef Series to benefit the James Beard Foundation.
Now, at Wyndham Palmas, Lugo blends his love for Puerto Rico with his diverse culinary expertise, creating a dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the island with a modern, global twist.