Gee Cuyugan

Executive Chef

Originally hailing from the Philippines, Chef Gee was introduced to a diverse array of cuisines and cultures while traveling throughout Europe and Asia throughout of his father’s military career, which inspired him to begin experimenting in the kitchen growing up. The family eventually settled in the Chicago area, where Cuyugan channeled his creative spirit and interest in cooking into a career. 

Throughout the past 17 years, Chef Gee has gathered skills from various kitchens of notable hotel companies including Sofitel, The Ritz-Carlton and The Drake. He oversaw operations of iconic dining spots like The Cape Cod Room and upscale cocktail lounge Coq d’Or, the daytime eatery Drake Bros’, Club International and Executive Lounge. In 2016, he made the move to Autograph Collection’s stylish Hotel Chicago, where he served as executive chef before returning to The Ritz-Carlton brand as executive sous chef of swanky Italian steakhouse, Torali, while simultaneously managing the hotel’s breadth of culinary operations.

We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Gee to Mercat a la Planxa and look forward to the signature artistic flair he’ll add to our menu of authentic, elevated Spanish delicacies.