Chef Erma

Erma Cuenca-Price was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States in 2001. She began her culinary career in bakeries, restaurants, and hotels in Boston before moving to Chicago, where she became the Head Pastry Chef at ZED451. When the restaurant closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Erma turned a challenge into an opportunity by founding Tropicake Chicago, a business inspired by her Filipino roots and her passion for fresh, creative pastries.

Erma quickly gained a following through her pop-ups at the South Loop Farmers Market, where her tropical-inspired cakes and desserts became community favorites. Her talent and artistry had already been recognized in 2014, when she won the People’s Choice Award at the World of Chocolate event supporting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Today, Tropicake has expanded beyond baked goods to include Filipino savory dishes and catering services for both private and community events.

Her culinary journey also includes working at some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including Restaurant Sixteen, Girl and the Goat, The Ritz-Carlton Boston (now Taj Boston), Harvard University Business School, and La Morra Restaurant. Beyond her pastry expertise, Chef Erma is skilled at preparing dishes for specialty diets, including diabetic-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free offerings.

Tropicake is also a family endeavor. Erma’s sister, Eliza, moved from Boston to Chicago to join her, helping grow the business and bring more Filipino flavors to the city’s food scene.

Today, Erma continues to share her heritage and creativity through Tropicake Chicago. She lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter–the inspiration of the silhouette on the Tropicake logo.