Dancing Marlin is proud to have Executive Chef JR Luna leading our cutting edge culinary team. Chef JR’s introduction to the culinary world began at a very young age under influence from his grandmother, at which time he knew his passion was to make people happy using food as the medium.

Like many other renowned chefs, he entered the realm of food service at the bottom washing dishes. From the beginning, he aggressively pursued opportunities over the next twenty-five years, assisting in the growth and development of prominent restaurants across the country, including locations such as Miami, New Orleans, Breckenridge, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and New York. Even with all of his travels, Chicago remains Chef JR’s home. He served nine years as the Executive Chef at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood & Steak in Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood, assisting them in opening multiple locations throughout the country.

Following that, he further advanced his career becoming an intricate part of the Chicago-based Gibson’s Restaurant Group, working over ten years assisting in their growth and expansion. During his years in the kitchen Chef JR has had the honor to work alongside some of the culinary greats, including Chef John Cloetta, Chef Jean Joho at the Everest, Wolfgang Puck and others.

His multifaceted experience and sheer determination has cultivated those essential skills that has led his team to earn Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. Chef Luna defines his culinary style as a mix of both new and old culinary techniques and traditions. He constantly elevates and challenges himself and team with his passion.

He remains dedicated to using local purveyors, whom can be worked with closely to get those specific ingredients needed to execute a winning menu. “Cooking food we can eat and enjoy everyday” has always been his philosophy in the kitchen.