With more than 15 years of hotel and culinary experience, Jose De la Puente has been appointed to Chef de Cuisine of Lightkeepers at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. De la Puenteworking alongside the restaurant’s culinary team to create inventive cuisine with a focus on utilizing fresh seafood and land products from South Florida’s waters and local farms.
Prior to this position, De la Puente served as Executive Chef of The St. Regis Bahía Beach Resort in Río Grande, Puerto Rico and as Chef de Cuisine of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Dorado, Puerto Rico.
De la Puente studied at the Nimes Hotel School in France where he acquired several internships. It was here that he became proficient in French culinary techniques and fostered his passion for high-end cuisine. Following graduation, he served in positions in several of France’s Michelin starred restaurants where he gained expertise in the luxury realm working in demanding and high-pressure environments. De la Puente’s culinary journey continued when he moved to Monaco and acquired mentorship from Philippe Labbe at the mythic, three Michelin-star restaurant Chèvre de OR. A globally inspired chef, he also worked in Colombia and Cairo, Egypt prior to moving to South Florida in 2022.
In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami has appointed Jason Quenguan to Specialty Restaurant Chef of DUNE Burgers on the Beach and Cantina Beach. In this role, he oversees the resort’s culinary outlets, personally performing tasks to lead the staff and manage all food related functions.
Prior to this, he served as an Expeditor in the Food and Beverage Division for the luxury property.
Photo: Chef Jose De la Puenta (The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami