Exposed to a whirlwind of flavors from a young age growing up in Puerto Rico, Society Cafe's Executive Chef Manuel González Charles inherited his passion for cooking from his family. At the age of 18, Chef Manuel left Puerto Rico to pursue his dreams, gaining acceptance to The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Upon graduation, he continued to hone his skills at a diverse array of top dining establishments, working his way up the culinary ladder from a Tournant role at Michelin Starred Restaurant Mark Forgione to Executive Sous Chef at Laotian favorite Khe-Yo, before accepting the role of Chef de Cuisine at Society Cafe in 2016, where he worked to develop integral relationships with local farmers; the backbone of the restaurant's successful market to table concept. In November of 2018, Chef Manuel González Charles was named Executive Chef of Society Cafe.