Introducing Chef Joel Javier

A unique look into new American Filipino cuisine

Introducing my friend, Chef Joel Javier!

Chef Joel spent his early years in the Philippines and migrated to Jersey City when he was 10 and has been a New Yorker for the past 19 years.

We met through Bill Tellpan, the culinary director at The Met Museum and fellow WITS boardmember, when I was researching for my cookbook EFOR. When I interviewed Chef Joel I was immediately taken by his laugh and honesty. A classically-trained chef, Joel was surprised that there was little to no mention of any of his heritage foods throughout his extensive training. Well, Joel committed to make the dishes his family thought him and you will find that his recipes offer HUGE flavor.

Besides being a perfect contributor to Eating From Our Roots, Chef Joel and I have become friends and worked on charitable projects together. We also share an uncanny love for farmers markers and for centering joy in the kitchen. I am thrilled to share my conversation with Chef Joel so you can learn more about new American Filipino cuisine and the blurred lines between heritage cooking and what the canon considers haute cuisine.

Joel and I will have a conversation on IGIG Live on Friday, January 27, 2022 at 1pm/ET and 10am/CT. Save the date and join us!