Manuel E. Acin – Royal Sonesta Harbor Court

Manuel E. Acin also known as Manolo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in February 22, 1978. After graduating high school he went to college to become an engineer. At the same time he found himself a part time job in sandwich spot which opened his eyes and attention into the culinary world. After a few years he decided that the engineering life was not for him so he decided to quit school and dedicate his full attention and time to the culinary world. After working there for almost a year he venture out to work in a small restaurant in the kitchen where he got the chance to work as a cook and learn some of the basics of how a kitchen is run. After a few years, he changed jobs and went to another restaurant and his ambition for the culinary arts grew bigger. There he decided to learn more about the culinary arts and went to the Universidad del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico where he got his Associated Degree in Culinary Arts in 2005.

While still in culinary school he got a job at the InterContinental San Juan in Carolina, Puerto Rico and where he learned more about his passion for great food. Two years later he got the opportunity to go and help out for 3 month in the opening of the InterContinental Boston, where he later transferred to that hotel and promoted to Restaurant Sous Chef. He worked there for 4 years before transferring to what used to be the InterContinental Harbor Court as the Banquet Chef and the executive chefs right hand. Since being in the Baltimore he won a price for Best Recipe for Broccoli Rabe in a contest from one of the produce companies which resulted in the credit of $250 for produce for the hotel and the 1st Prize winner for Best Presentation in the Chocolate Affair. All of these prizes were won in 2011. At this moment he is still the Banquet Chef at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in Baltimore, Maryland.