2023 Chef’s Specialty

Fate has beautifully intervened in George Aquino’s life, intertwining his passions for travel, food, writing, and photography with his career calling as a global hotelier. George embarked on his first solo travel experience as an eight-year-old, flying between Los Angeles and his home in Manila. After immigrating to the United States, he studied at the University of Iowa, the Institute for Culinary Education in New York, and at Cornell University, where he completed the Advanced Management Program in hospitality. George’s career took off, quickly progressing from busboy at Le Ciel Bleu at the Mayfair Regent Chicago to General Manager at Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands within five years. He currently serves as VP/Managing Director for AHC Hospitality, overseeing development and domestic and international operations. George has played pivotal roles in growing the company’s hotel portfolio and is actively involved in various community organizations.

Beyond his professional achievements, George is an accomplished writer, photographer, and certified pickleball pro instructor. In 2021, he co-founded 20 x 44 Sports, a pickleball hospitality company. George is married to Elena, his wife of 30 years. They have three grown children living in New York City, Nashville, and Los Angeles.