Chef Ryan Manning From the halls of the United States Congress to the historical town of Colonial Williamsburg. Chef Ryan Manning found his roots in the kitchen in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Shortly after graduating the American Culinary Federation Apprenticeship Program at Colonial Williamsburg Chef Manning joined the team culinary team at Walt Disney World Resort; working his way through banquets at the Grand Floridian to the upscale dining experiences of the California Grill, Flying Fish and Yachtsman Steakhouse.
The opportunity arrived to open a new southern inspired concept called Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando so Chef Manning jumped at the chance to resurface his southern experience from Virginia. The Ritz-Carlton opened doors to see the country and the world through varying roles including opening The Edition Hotel in South Beach, working at Navio in The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and ultimately finding a home as Chef de Cuisine at The Ritz-Carlton Cancun. It was in Mexico that Chef Manning fell in love with the cuisine, culture, languages, the people and most of all the genuine hospitality the country offers.
Photo courtesy Roberto Gonzalez
With roots that span the pre-hispanic empires, the influence of European, Asian, African and Middle Eastern immigration, Chef Manning has set a life goal to become an expert on the cuisine of Mexico. With that goal in mind as he returned to the United States he began to plan a taqueria concept while cooking in Washington D.C. as the Banquet Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C. The first appearance of his restaurant MX Taco was at the Embassy of Mexico where Chef Manning was selected to showcase his knowledge of Mexican cuisine as the culinary representative of the Embassy for an event of over 4,000 people. The event brought accolades from the Embassy of Mexico where they said the dishes served were authentically Mexican.
In early 2019 Chef Manning opened MX Taco in Orlando, Florida where the traditional tacos have found their way into the hearts of the local community and now also owns Cookies & Cream in Lake Mary, FL. In 2021 Chef Manning joined the culinary team of Rachel's North and launched ORA Ultra Cabaret in the fall on 2021. In 2022 Chef Manning is presenting on trends of the industry on the main stages of The National Restaurant Association Show and the American Culinary Federation Nation Convention in Chicago and Las Vegas and received the Chef Edward Brown Award for Rising Chefs in the Industry.
A Chef's Approach to Mixology
Tuesday, March 28 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Take your bar package experience to the next level with themed upgrades! From unique garnishes, syrups, jams, layered cocktails and beverages that tell a story you will take away some unique ways to make your guests special event truly unique and memorable.
