ROCHESTER, NY, October 08, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ilhan Erkek has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by a series of progressive leadership roles in restaurants, hotels and banquet settings, Mr. Erkek has led a remarkable career in the culinary arts. Since 2022, he has served as an executive chef at Genesee Valley Club in Rochester, New York, where he is also the director of culinary services. In his dual roles, he conducts his rounds throughout the club, oversees two restaurant locations, meets regularly with the general manager and manages schedules and events. Aware of the significance of spearheading operations at a club that has served patrons with distinction since 1885, he carries the experience of over two decades of hospitality management and culinary excellence into his roles.

Prior to joining Genesee Valley Club, Mr. Erkek was an executive chef at Antrim 1844 Hotel in Taneytown, Maryland, where he led the establishment to achieve national acclaim from 2018 to 2022. Under his direction, Antrim 1844 was named the best historic restaurant in a historic hotel by Historic Hotels America. Additionally, the Smokehouse Restaurant was recognized as the best hotel restaurant in the United States in 2020 as a Readers' Choice Winner by USA Today.

From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Erkek held the position of executive chef at Ottoman Taverna in Washington, D.C. During this time, his leadership contributed to a significant milestone when the restaurant received the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction within its first year of operation — the first Turkish restaurant to achieve this honor so quickly. As he was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, before relocating to the United States, this recognition stands as one of his proudest professional accomplishments.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Erkek served as a garde manger chef at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, where he oversaw the garde manger kitchen, club kitchen and gourmet shop and prepared tasting menus for clients. He further developed his expertise as the executive chef at Tryst Gastro Lounge from 2011 to 2014, during which he refined his skills in menu development and team management.

From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Erkek advanced through several roles at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes under International, including chef de partie, program supervisor and cook I. Each of these positions provided him with valuable experience in daily kitchen preparations, scheduling, food cost control and training employees in high-volume luxury hospitality environments. He began his professional journey with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, where he gained five years of foundational experience that would inform his later successes in the United States.

To continue his professional development and stay aware of culinary trends and best practices, Mr. Erkek is an active member of industry organizations such as the American Culinary Federation and the Club Managers Association of America.

Before venturing onto his vocational path, Mr. Erkek obtained an associate degree from Istanbul University in Turkey, which provided a strong foundation for his culinary accomplishments and leadership roles. Attributing much of his success to discipline and a steadfast commitment to honoring his words and actions, he values learning from his colleagues and believes that exposure to diverse cultures has greatly enriched his perspective on cuisine and hospitality.

A proud and dedicated father of three children, Mr. Erkek cherishes spending time with his family, going to the beach and swimming as a balance to his professional responsibilities. Looking toward the future, he aspires to open a real artisan butcher shop that he hopes will become a legacy for his children. His well-traveled journey reflects a longstanding commitment to effective leadership, innovation and cultural appreciation within the culinary arts.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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