Chef Jose Garces announces Chef Jezabel Careaga as the next Chef in Residency at Volvér on Kimmel Cultural Campus. Chef Careaga's residency will run from January 26th to March 13th. Funding will help support the initiatives of Fuerza for Humans, a non-profit focusing on mental health for the restaurant community.
Careaga is an entrepreneur, chef, woodworker, designer, and community leader from Palpalá, Jujuy, NW Argentina. In addition to her degree in Tourism & Hotel Management focusing on international languages and business, she received a progressive education encompassing climate change, sustainability, and mental health, all issues that she cares about deeply today. After a formative work experience in an 800-room hotel in Miami, she moved to Philadelphia to start her own business.
In 2010 she opened Jezabel’s with a mission to offer a welcoming and delicious NW Argentine experience while prioritizing environmental sustainability, community growth, and financial stability. In 2018 Jezabel’s relocated to West Philadelphia and expanded her offerings to include cooking classes and special events. Her latest venture is L'Atelier where her furniture designs and handiwork are showcased among a selection of artisan home goods. Over the last ten years, Jezabel’s has become a staple in Philly’s dining scene and her empanadas, alfajores, and a multitude of Argentine-style pastries have received critical acclaim and widespread popularity.
"I’m thrilled, excited, and humbled - all in one - by this opportunity to work alongside Chef Jose Garces and his stellar team," said Careaga. "It was an honor to collaborate in bringing these dishes from Northwest Argentina to life."
Careaga's menu will include Picada, Escabeche de Berejena Toast, Empanadas, Tamales Saltenos, Vacio con Papas Estrelladas, Estofado, Locro, Queso y Membrillo and Panqueque Con Dulce De Leche.
For inspiration for his dishes, Careaga said, "The dishes I picked are traditional in the flavors I grew up eating. However, also an evolution of my culinary journey as a cook, cooking is what we did as a family, eating healthy, organic, and fresh food was the norm. On my Volver menu, we were able to translate those time-intensive cooking traditions and it's reflected in the depth of flavor, soul of the dishes you will enjoy."
"I'm honored to be able to support Philadelphia's hospitality community through Volver's Chefs in Residency series," said Chef Jose Garces. "One of my hopes for the series was to support these emerging chefs not only in the kitchen but with the business lessons I've learned over my career. I've always been passionate about mentoring chefs."
On working with Careaga, Garces said, "I’ve known Jezabel for many years. I have many fond memories of eating her empanadas and enjoying a cafe con leche at her initial iteration of Jezabel's Cafe in Fitler Square. I've continued to watch her grow as a chef and restaurateur and I'm so happy to be supporting her and getting the word out about her Latin-inspired cuisine and amazing talents."
For the continuing Chefs in Residency Program, Chef Jezabel Careaga is the third chef for the inaugural line-up, following Chef Kiki Aranita from Poi Dog Philly and Chef Phila Lorn from Terrain. Careaga residency runs from January 26th to March 13th. The program will continue in 2022 with Chef Jennifer Zavala of Juana Tamale, Chef Alex Yoon of Little Fish, and Chef Dane DeMarco of Sonny's Cocktail Bar and Wine Dive in Philadelphia and Burgertime in Audubon, NJ.
Volvér's hours for the season will be from Wednesday to Sunday, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with a special pre-theatre menu served from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm, and happy hour from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Reservations are now available via the Volvér website, Open Table, or by calling 215-670-2302. Volver is located at 300 S. Broad Street, in Center City, Philadelphia.
Marilyn Johnson is a freelance food and travel writer covering the food and drink scene of Philadelphia, South Jersey, and beyond. Food news: phillygrub@gmail.com. Travel tips: phillygrubtrips@gmail.com.
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