Southern Cuisine

Chicago native Victor Martinez, who worked his way up from his father’s bistro as a teen to some of the most respected kitchens in the country, is now bringing fundamental teachings to the culinary internship program at UHCHI. Victor’s upbringing in the kitchen is where he honed his love for cooking. After culinary school, Victor’s resume quickly took shape within the hotel Food & Beverage world. After positions at Hyatt, Sofitel, Renaissance, and Four Seasons, he started to look at cooking as an art form. Victor continued his career helping run the show at the luxurious Conrad Chicago, Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort and The Drake Hotel downtown Chicago. During this time he was introduced into the world of teaching, assisting at Purdue University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. He became passionate about imparting the knowledge he had acquired through his 25 years experience to the next generation of chefs. Now he continues sharing his culinary knowledge and industry experience with his students at UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute’s Chef de Partie Apprenticeship Program.