The Art of Flavor: Chef Maurice Wells

Meet Chef Maurice Wells - the mastermind behind our vibrant dining outlets at The Emily Hotel. Join us as we explore Chef’s background and take a dive into his plans for The Emily's culinary future.

Growing up in a single-parent household with younger siblings, Chef had plenty of opportunities to experiment in the kitchen. By the time he was 11, he was already mastering the art of breadmaking.

At 15 years old, he began working as a dishwasher at a family-run BBQ joint in Illinois. It wasn’t long before he seized the opportunity to make pizzas, and a lifelong passion for cooking was ignited.

His culinary influences run deep, thanks to his diverse roots, with his grandparents bringing flavors from both Ethiopia and Latin America into his life. Teaching him the art of using fresh, seasonal ingredients for homemade creations such as pickles, sauces, and cured meat - it's this rich background that shapes his cooking style today.

After his early start in the kitchen, Maurice's career took a surprising turn. Originally intending to go to college for medicine, Chef decided to ditch his pre-med studies and dive headfirst into the culinary world. Over the next 12 years, he traveled the globe, picking up skills and flavors from some amazing places. He even worked as a personal chef for a well-known NFL player!

His adventures led him to some incredible kitchens in Spain, France, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Canada. He developed a real love for North African and Middle Eastern spices, not to mention the vibrant Pan-Asian flavors he mastered while running an Asian restaurant in Miami.

When he returned to Chicago in 2016, Maurice jumped right back into the local food scene, teaming up with culinary legends like Julius Russel and getting involved in local initiatives like A Tale of Two Chefs and Chicago Gourmet. He’s passionate about promoting healthy eating in lower-income neighborhoods. For Chef Maurice, Chicago’s food scene is unparalleled, with its blend of incredible access, service, and rich cultural diversity. It's a city that feels like home.

At Fora, Chef Maurice brings his A-game — turning simple dishes like roast chicken into some of the best in the city. His creativity shines even more at Selva, where he mixes in flavors from his travels in Mexico. Imagine traditional guacamole with unexpected twists like pomegranate and watermelon seeds—delicious, right?

Maurice believes The Emily Hotel is all about offering something for everyone. Whether it’s kids enjoying chicken nuggets while catching a flick at the Rooftop Cinema Club or adults indulging in fine dining at Fora or sipping cocktails at Selva, there’s a spot for every taste.

But there’s more to Maurice than just amazing food. Back in the 90s and early 2000s, he was a touring musician, jamming with hip-hop legends like Wu-Tang, Nas, and The Roots. Plus, he’s a total musical theater nerd, with favorites like The Wiz and Jesus Christ Superstar in his repertoire.

Chef Maurice’s culinary philosophy is all about respecting ingredients, celebrating the vibrant city of Chicago, and sharing authentic, elevated food experiences with every guest - He’s truly a chef who pours his heart into everything he does.

Ready to taste Chef Maurice’s extraordinary creations? Visit us at Fora and Selva and enjoy a dining experience that’s as vibrant and unique as the city we call home.