Puerto Rico · Culinary leadership · Fine dining

Grounded in tradition.
Driven by hospitality.

Caribbean soul, luxury discipline, and the energy of Puerto Rico, brought together in food that feels honest, modern, and alive.

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WCA2026 World Culinary Awards NomineePalio · Puerto Rico’s Best Hotel RestaurantView recognition

Culinary film

The chef
in motion.

A glimpse into the details, rhythm, and hospitality behind each experience.

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From his grandmother’s kitchen to Puerto Rico’s luxury resorts

Food has always been a way to connect, care, and create.

Chef Charles Davis presenting at Culinary U

Charles Davis’s culinary journey began at home, helping his grandmother feed a large family while his parents worked. In that modest kitchen, he learned that nourishment is about more than recipes; it is resilience, generosity, and joy.

Today, he brings that foundation to Puerto Rico’s vibrant culinary scene. His experience spans luxury hotels and independent restaurants, including St. Regis Bahía Beach, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, and Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve.

As a hands-on leader, Charles builds collaborative kitchens and expressive menus rooted in local ingredients. His work moves confidently between Caribbean and Italian cuisine, Asian fusion, steakhouse venues, and elevated resort dining.

01

Local first

Celebrating Puerto Rico’s growers, producers, and unmistakable flavors.

02

Lead with purpose

Creating kitchens where feedback, trust, and ambitious ideas can thrive.

03

Refine the familiar

Balancing technique and emotion so every plate tells a clear story.

A tasting portfolio

The complete collection from the Bio and Headspace sections: signature dishes, seasonal menus, chef’s tables, pop-ups, and special events, each shown with its original context.

Collection I

Featured Work

Bio section · 9 selections

Sushi & Crudo Pop-Up
01

Sushi & Crudo Pop-Up

Caviar service and ice sculpture at Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences.

2024 Palio Restaurant
02

2024 Palio Restaurant

Three- and four-course menus with a chef’s table experience.

Organic Sweet Corn Agnolotti
03

Organic Sweet Corn Agnolotti

Corn cream, acacia-honey ricotta mousse, herbes de Provence, and Mediterranean rose-petal harissa. Inspired by produce from La Torre Agrícola and R. Mestey Agroponics.

1855 Ranch Petite New York Strip
04

1855 Ranch Petite New York Strip

Late-harvest black truffle, 48-hour Barolo demi-glace, and foraged mushrooms.

Buttery Sea Bass Crudo
05

Buttery Sea Bass Crudo

Local citrus supremes, white truffle, and harvested flowers from La Torre Agrícola.

Tuna Tiradito
06

Tuna Tiradito

Tomato emulsion, Sicilian peperonata, and shoestring potatoes.

Summer Burrata
07

Summer Burrata

Served with seasonal peaches.

Filetto di Manzo al Barolo con Funghi
08

Filetto di Manzo al Barolo con Funghi

Eight-ounce filet mignon with sautéed mushrooms in a delicate Barolo wine sauce.

Fire-Roasted Spanish Octopus
09

Fire-Roasted Spanish Octopus

Recao foam with a white bean and chicken longaniza stew.

Collection II

Headspace

15 selections

Vitello Tonnato
10

Vitello Tonnato

Slow-roasted veal tenderloin, tuna sauce, and Pantelleria caper berries.

Burrata
11

Burrata

Tangerine citrus, basil, pickled organic heirloom tomatoes, and white-truffle oil.

Tuna & Grapefruit Crudo
12

Tuna & Grapefruit Crudo

Blood orange, caper vinaigrette, cucumber, lemon, crispy lentils, and fennel pollen.

Avocado Tartare
13

Avocado Tartare

62°C egg cured in tare shoyu, pressed focaccia, Osetra caviar, and a Parmesan crisp.

Tuna Tostada
14

Tuna Tostada

Blackened furikake breadcrumbs and Caribbean mojo.

Coconut-Pineapple Hamachi Ceviche
15

Coconut-Pineapple Hamachi Ceviche

Open-Flame Branzino
16

Open-Flame Branzino

Finished with Sicilian mojo.

Specialty Sushi Tasting Menu
17

Specialty Sushi Tasting Menu

Tuna Poke
18

Tuna Poke

Tenderloin Carpaccio
19

Tenderloin Carpaccio

Diver Scallop
20

Diver Scallop

Caviar and pickled watermelon radish.

Octopus Carpaccio
21

Octopus Carpaccio

House-made seasonal giardiniera.

Frutti di Mare Risotto
22

Frutti di Mare Risotto

King Crab Leg
23

King Crab Leg

Criolla crema and crab salad.

Culinary U Pitmaster Weekend Event
24

Culinary U Pitmaster Weekend Event

The mission

“Elevate Puerto Rico’s vibrant cuisine while championing the growers and producers who enrich our community.”

Bold food. Sustainable practice. A positive, collaborative kitchen culture that empowers teams and gives the island’s culinary heritage room to evolve.

Honored. Grateful. Motivated.

Recognition that belongs to the whole team.

Each honor reflects the people, partnerships, and shared standards behind the work, from building restaurant concepts and mentoring teams to representing Puerto Rico’s culinary community on major stages.

2026Nominee

World Culinary Awards

Puerto Rico’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2026

Palio at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar was nominated for this international hospitality distinction, recognizing the restaurant’s culinary program and the work of Chef Charles Davis and the Palio team.
Chef Charles Davis with a large group of chefs and culinary professionals
Community

Puerto Rico’s culinary community, built through collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to hospitality.

Chef Charles Davis with a fellow guest chef
Collaboration

Learning, exchanging ideas, and growing alongside respected culinary professionals.

01

Honors & Leadership

2026 · First Quarter · Leadership

Manager of the 1st Quarter

Named Manager of the 1st Quarter 2026 at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.

2024–2025 · Excellence

LionGrove Excellence Award

Awarded at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort in recognition of the passion, dedication, and consistency brought to every shift, dish, and guest experience.

Leadership · Team Achievement

Manager of the Year

Recognized after developing a new restaurant concept and leading the team in elevating both the culinary offering and standards of service excellence.

Fourth Quarter · Leadership

Manager of the Quarter

Honored with the fourth-quarter award at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Río Grande, Puerto Rico.

May–August 2022 · Service

Count on Me Star & Manager of the Quarter

Recognized for exceptional leadership, unwavering service, dedication, and upholding Wyndham’s tradition of excellence.

2023 · Palio Restaurant

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

As Palio’s chef, Charles created a menu designed to complement the restaurant’s distinguished wine program, contributing to the team effort that earned this international recognition.
02

Guest-Chef Milestones

Guest Chef · Community

La Buena Vida Festival

Contributed to a culinary festival that gives back to communities in Humacao and beyond by supporting small businesses, sustainability, and access to local resources.

2024 · Guest Chef & Presenter

Culinary U Masterclass

Led a hands-on masterclass at Wyndham Rio Mar, sharing innovative techniques, Puerto Rican ingredients, and fine-dining insights with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts.

Guest Chef · Palio

Puerto Rico Wine & Food Festival

Represented Palio with Polenta Valsugana and bluefin tuna crudo, accented by acacia-honey ricotta and chèvre mousse, Osetra caviar, and late-winter truffles.

Culinary Competition · Industry

PRHTA People’s Choice Awards

Represented Wyndham Grand Rio Mar alongside Chef Roberto Cátala, showcasing a shared commitment to Puerto Rican culinary excellence.

Live Television · Puerto Rico

WAPA-TV Summer Closing Broadcast

Invited to cook and present live alongside acclaimed local chefs on Puerto Rico’s national television.