About | Event by Hugo

Michelle Hugo is the Co-Founder of Maison Hugo Brasserie Moderne.  After the closing of its Park Avenue location, Michelle launched Event by Hugo, an innovative event production and catering business that provides healthy conscious clientele the indulgence of classic and modern food trends while incorporating  sustainable practices. Michelle emphasizes vegetables and earthy fares in every menu for minimal carbon footprint in our food supply.

A New York entrepreneur and activist, with nearly two decades of work in the hospitality industry, Michelle opened Maison Hugo Brasserie Moderne in 2015 with Chef Florian Victor Hugo, a direct descendant of the famed French novelist Victor Hugo. Together, they built Maison Hugo Brasserie Moderne to critical acclaim, drawing the admiration and patronage of New York’s finest, including Michelin starred chefs. Together, they have been featured on The New York Times, Vogue, Town and Country, Forbes, Time Out NY,  Manhattan Magazine amongst many other publications.

An avid global traveler and a foodie, Michelle grew up with a passion for the culinary arts in her blood. Born and raised in the Philippines, daughter of a politician-journalist father, she grew up helping her mother with the business, catering to schools and communities in Manila. From a very young age, Michelle learned firsthand the value of food, agriculture and what sustainable farming brings to every community.  A true hands-on experience on environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Michelle would later translate her passion for service in her global work and for the community. As a hands on mother to daughter Ella-Rose, Michelle has done volunteer work on healthy eating programs in her daughter’s schools and has organized cooking classes at Maison Hugo. Michelle devotes her free time to her other “true calling“ Today, Michelle is Global Ambassador and Summit Organizing Committee Member for the Womensphere Foundation. An advisor to Jimbere fund, a non profit organization that mobilizes women entrepreneurs to lift Congo out of poverty. An active advocate for food sustainability and equity in underserved communities.  She has consulted for non profit organizations including her homeland on the most pressing environmental issues.  In addition, Michelle is an active member of Women’s International Forum, an organization formed in 1975 by UN diplomat spouses, its WIF members engage in forums that relates to United Nations agenda and all other critical global issues.

Michelle’s dedication to great service is born of love and commitment:

“It is my hope and my mission that women in small businesses are recognized based on their ability to create, inspire and lead with their hearts. To raise awareness in inequality in the work place and to provide the dignity of labor to each and every one.  Together, we have the power to make a positive change.”