Graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a Cum Laude Degree in Culinary Arts, Chef Javier Nassar proceeded to obtain a Sommelier Degree from the United States Sommelier Associaton.
At the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla, Chef Nassar worked serving both Mediterranean as well as classic French cuisine, later becoming one of the culinary instructors at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel Wine Club.
Later in his career, Chef Nassar moved to Vienna, Austria, joining the international company Do&Co., where he traveled throughout Europe catering to such events as the Formula 1 Grand Prix races at Austria, Spain & Italy, Austria’s Baden Casino Galas, as well as airline catering to Lauda Air & British Airways First Class & Private Jet Services. Throughout his time in Austria, Chef Nassar joined Do&Co’s 5 star “7th Floor” Restaurant in Vienna, serving French-Austrian fusion cuisine.
Returning to Miami, Florida, Chef Nassar joined Miami Beach’s “The Forge”, serving classic French Cuisine and freelancing as banquets chef. Gaining recognition within the culinary industry, Chef Nassar became private chef to such celebrities as Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Alonzo Mourning, Maria Celeste Arraras, Cristina Saralegui, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, as well as offering high end petite catering services to Miami’s elite.
Moving to his Native San Juan, Puerto Rico, Chef Nassar has presented at such culinary festivals as Saborea Puerto Rico, as well as recorded culinary videos for Banco Popular & other corporations. Chef Nassar opened Sonne Latin Steakhouse, from where he was invited to cook for International Chef Celebrities Ferran Adria & Juan Marie Arzak, later moving on to become the Executive Chef at the prestigious Banker’s Club in Hato Rey’s banking district.
Chef Nassar is presently Chef & Owner of A la Carte Catering Co. & Tras-patio Bistro. A la Carte Catering Co. offers high end catering services to corporations as well as government events, concerts & social gatherings for up to 2,000 guests. In addition to its catering services, A la Carte offers Culinary Consulting to restaurants, bars & households. A la Carte Co. operates Tras-patio Bistro in the heart of San Juan’s banking district, serving only the freshest ingredients Puerto Rico has to offer, seating up to 60 guests for both lunch & dinner.
Highlights about Chef Nassar
• Chef Presenter at Flavors of the Islands, St. Thomas 2015
• Top 10 “Chef Novel” by El Vocero 2014
• Chef Demo Kitchen at St. Regis “Culinary U” 2013-2014
• Chef Presenter at “Son Soles” Mendez & Co 2014
• Chef Presenter at Centro de Convenciones “Bajo las Estrellas” 2011-2014
• Chef Demo Kitchen & Chef Presenter
Plantation Food & Wine 2012-2013
• Chef Demo Kitchen at “Saborea Puerto Rico” 2011-2013
• Chef Presenter at Centro de Convenciones “Food & Wine” 2009
• Competitor 2nd place at Cattleman’s Challenge 2009
• Competitor 3rd place
• Centro de Convenciones, “Sam’s Culinary Competition” 2008
• Sommelier Certification
United States Sommelier Association, Inc. 2002
• Chef Presenter at “Chef Against Aids” Benefit
• Food For Life Networks, 2nd Annual Celebration Miami, Fla 2000
