Chef Lordfer Lalicon is executive chef and co-owner of Kaya, a Michelin-recognized Filipino casual fine dining restaurant in Orlando’s Mills 50 district.

He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry as a chef and manager working at renowned Michelin-starred and World’s Best restaurants such as Blue Hill (NYC, Stone Barns), Carbone/Major Food Group, The Oak Room and Maharlika.

In 2013, he moved back to his home state of Florida to contribute to the growing local culinary scene by introducing a new form of dining to Orlando as co-owner/chef at Kappo, a seven-seat chef’s table at the East End Market. The concept took off and evolved into their own brick and mortar, Kadence, recipient of multiple accolades including one star in The Michelin Guide and Orlando Sentinel critic’s choice for best restaurant two years in a row (2018, 2019).

A champion of community and family, you can often find him spending time with his wife and three kids or volunteering at The Edible Education Experience (Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House and Culinary Garden) as a chef ambassador and youth program instructor.