Jennifer Zavala and Volvér

If you have been missing the Chef in Residencies at Volvér you have been missing a treat. The newest chef is Jennifer Zavala.

Jennifer’s Start

Jennifer has been known to be one to pivot. If she’s given a challenge she rises to the occasion. You may remember her from Bravo’s Top Chef. However she is not one to take the road most paved. From food trucks and cannabis she’s know to push the envelope. I personally met her at Underground Arts. She’s the only person and I mean this that I will eat her vegan tamales. Even before I became vegan I wouldn’t eat them. Jennifer has a way of spicing up all that she does.

Jennifer’s Dishes

She’s able to bring her flare to anything she makes. So it wasn’t even a question when I was invited to the opening premiere of her residency with Chef Jose Garces at Volvér. Her ability to spice up anything. During the dinner at Volvér her signature dishes were everything and more.

Mexican Broccoli Tortita

This is made with goat cheese, Piouillo pepper, toasted pepita, and sesame crumbs. I loved the taste of the broccoli. I didn’t like the sauce but that’s because as a vegan I actually love the taste of veggies. I’m not the type that would eat sauces on veggies.

Ceviche Verduras

Dragon fruit, beats of palm, mandarin oranges, Serrano chiles, cilantro, and wheat crisp. This was refreshingly delicious. I loved it and definitely.

Seasonal Greens Salad

Now some people would think that salad is basic. However there’s nothing basic about this salad. It was so good that honestly it took everything in me not to ask to take some home. I love arugula. This was some of the freshest salad I’ve ever had.

Bacalao Y Tamal

If you love tamale you will love this dish. It also includes lightly salted cod, tomato conserva which again wasn’t my favorite, and Anaheim chile. This was too good. If there’s a dish to try it is this. She also is featuring friendship taco.

Jennifer’s Spirit

When Jennifer isn’t cooking she’s a force to be reckon with. Every time I’ve encountered her she’s been real. She’s the type of woman that is about uplifting others. She calls out what needs calls out. I’ve never seen her fold. I am always a better person when I talk to her. She’s the type of woman that lights up other women in her presence. There’s no pretending with her and I love that. I was always taught to give people their flowers. Women’s History Month, is about uplifting women who even when life throws curve balls pick up the pieces and makes things happen. Jennifer is that woman.  

Giving Back

Chef Zavala’s residency will run from March 16th to May 1st. The Chefs in Residency Program is a new program to support and raise up rising star minority chefs with a focus on Black, Brown, LGBTQ and Female chefs impacted by the pandemic. Funding raised by Zavala through the program will help city programs benefiting black and brown youth; with a strong focus on access to resources for our communities dealing with gun violence.

Chef’s Table

Of all of the Chef Residency that I’ve attended I finally was able to experience the Chef’s Table, I highly recommend booking the Chef’s Table. The experience of seeing how hard they work to bring the dishes to life is well worth it. Also seeing your own dish made is just amazing. So if you’re able make sure you book it because it books fast.

Cocktails

I always get a Rose Gold but this time I also tried the Mingo Tamarindo. It’s made with Tequila, raspberry liqueur, Tamarind honey, grapefruit juice and Tajin. It’s delicious. A mix of sour and sweet it’s a perfect drink that pairs well with the above options.

Dessert Anyone?

I had the Mossaic Jello Terrine. It’s made of mango, coconut, Tamarind, lime, Chamoy, oat and granola crumbs. Mixture of sweet and tangy this will definitely round out your meal and night.

Thank you to the staff of Volvér, Chef Jennifer Zavala, Chef Jose Garces and Aversa PR for having me. Enjoy the excellence that is Volvér and all Garces restaurants.

You can follow Jennifer on Instagram or visit her at Juana Tamale located at 1941 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19148.