Innovative Chef & Culinary Leader; Co-Founder of Maxwells Trading & Underscore Hospitality; Four-Time James Beard Award Finalist
Erling Wu-Bower Biography
Erling Wu-Bower is a chef based in Chicago known for his commitment to community-focused hospitality and innovative culinary leadership. Wu-Bower studied philosophy at the University of Notre Dame before pursuing a career in the culinary arts. Early mentorship from Rick Bayless influenced his enduring interest in seafood, which has shaped his approach to American cuisine.
After graduating from Notre Dame, Wu-Bower began his culinary career under Chef Paul Kahan, spending more than a decade with One Off Hospitality Group at avec, The Publican, and Publican Quality Meats. He contributed to The Publican from its opening and later served as the opening chef de cuisine at Nico Osteria. At Nico Osteria, Wu-Bower was recognized as a finalist for the James Beard Foundation "Best Chef: Great Lakes" Award for three consecutive years and received a StarChefs Rising Star Chef Award.
Wu-Bower co-founded Underscore Hospitality with Joshua Tilden, focusing on creating professional stability within the hospitality industry. Their collaboration led to industry recognition, including a James Beard Award for "Pacific Standard Time" in the Best Restaurant Design category. "Pacific Standard Time" was also named among the best new restaurants in America by Eater and received coverage in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Wired.
Wu-Bower is a co-founder of Maxwells Trading, a seasonal American restaurant with Asian influences located in Chicago's Kinzie Industrial Corridor near Fulton Market. The restaurant features a rooftop farm and offers a menu described as "personal cuisine," blending Asian and American culinary traditions. Wu-Bower draws on his background as the son of a Chinese immigrant and a Louisiana native to inform the restaurant's offerings.
A four-time James Beard Award finalist, Wu-Bower is recognized for his influence on the American restaurant industry. He has spoken about the importance of leadership, talent development, and management in hospitality, as well as the transition from kitchen roles to broader industry leadership. Wu-Bower's perspectives on food, culture, and restaurant management contribute to ongoing conversations about the evolution of the culinary field.
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How do I book Erling Wu-Bower to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Erling Wu-Bower for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Erling Wu-Bower, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Erling Wu-Bower or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Erling Wu-Bower
Speaking fees for Erling Wu-Bower, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Erling Wu-Bower are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Erling Wu-Bower, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Erling Wu-Bower speak about?
Erling Wu-Bower is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business Leadership, Celebrity Chef, Celebrity Chef, Disruptive Thinking, Executive Leadership, Hospitality, Thought Leadership -
Where does Erling Wu-Bower travel from?
Erling Wu-Bower generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Erling Wu-Bower’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Erling Wu-Bower for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Erling Wu-Bower for your next private or corporate function. -
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Erling Wu-Bower is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Erling Wu-Bower for your event is available upon request. Erling Wu-Bower generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lucas Sin, Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson, Michael Solomonov, Jorge Guzmán and Abraham Conlon. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Erling Wu-Bower for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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