Give my Compliments to the Chef: Featured 2024

Making sure your culinary team hits the mark is a crucial part of ensuring a memorable day for your guests. Luckily, Chicago is home to some of the most talented chefs in the world. Here are two you should know.

Guenther Moreno

Executive Chef, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago

Executive Chef Guenther Moreno, a Florida native, began to hone his passion for cooking at a young age by helping his grandmother prep and cook their Sunday family dinners. Moreno later enhanced his culinary skills at the Florida Culinary Institute (now Lincoln Culinary Institute) before starting his career working alongside the chefs at the five-star Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Seeking new challenges and wanting to be exposed to different cuisines and cooking techniques, Moreno moved to the Windy City to work for The Peninsula Chicago before joining The Ritz- Carlton, Chicago team. The Midwestern region’s abundant resources of livestock and seasonal produce and his family continue to inspire Chef Guenther’s globally-inspired cuisine.

Dish: The Ritz-Carlton’s take on the Chicago classic – Chicken Vesuvio – with a twist on traditional ingredients, adding seasonal turnips, celery root and parsnips for a heartier dish.

Justin Frankenberg

Executive Chef, Museum of Science and Industry

Originating from Washington, D.C., the allure and adrenaline of the kitchen brought Chef Justin Frankenberg to the restaurant industry at a young age. After earning degrees in food science education and foodservice management, Chef Justin worked at notable D.C.-area restaurants including The Red Sage and Bistro Bis. After gaining 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he relocated to Chicago and ventured into catering for large-scale events. In 2022, he took on the role of Executive Chef at the Museum of Science and Industry, where he delights guests with his inventive creations.

Dish: Spiced panna cotta, eucalyptus gelee, Zhatar crisps, local vegetables and blood orange.