Chef Javier Melendez

Personal Chef In San Juan

I'm a working Executive Chef with 15 years of Culinary experience. Born in PR and Coast Guard Vet that after service graduated from Le Gordon Bleu with Bachelor's in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts in 2009. After living in Massachusetts, NY and Miami settled in Orlando FL after 20 years in the US moved back to my loving Island Puerto Rico to continúe my career in the place i love to call my home.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking for me is life literally, in kitchens where Ive spent most of my adult life sacrificing everything for my family and my love for food.

I learned to cook at...

After graduating i got to put my knowledge to practice in various Restaurants but working under my mentor and Chef Jon Tan was the key to my cooking.

A cooking secret...

I love fusing different techniques and regional flavors with local ingredients to maximize flavor.

My menus

East to West

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Bolita de Queso /gouda croquette.spiced guava sauce

Tuna Tartare Tostada /yuzu.avocado.cucumber.chili crunch

Chicken Yakitori /japanese skewers.green onion.sesame

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Street Corn Salad /cilantro.greens.queso fresco.lime dressing

Pickled Vegetable Salad /pickled carrots cucumber breadfruit.bok choy.coriander.furikake.ginger lime drssing

Sopa de Calabaza /pumpkin cream soup. semillitas.cilantro

Lentil and Carrot Hummus/ root vegetable chips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Churrasco /grilled skirt steak.sweet potato hash.charred onion chimichurri.shishito peppers

Island Mahi /taro root puree.island mojo.arañitas(crispy plantain).escabeche

Mofongo De Camaron /mongolian shrimp.toasted coconut

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Abuela's Tembleque / coconut custard.honey comb crumb.candied ginger

Ginger Pound Cake Tres Leches

Passion Fruit/ creme brulee

Traditional Puertorican

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Alcapurria de Carne/ plantain beef fritter

Chicken Empanadas/ cilantro aioli

Bolita de Queso/gouda bite.spiced guava sauce

Croqueta de Longaniza/local sausage.cilantro aioli

Guineitos en Escabeche/pickled green bananas

Bacalaito/ cod fritter

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Shrimp Toston/ toston stuffed with shrimp

Sopa de Calabaza /pumpkin cream soup. semillitas.cilantro

Chicharrones de Pollo/ cilantro mojo

Ensalada de Aguacate/ avocado.pickled tomatoes n onions.farmers cheese.passion fruit vin.crispy garbanzos

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Bistec Encebollado/pan steak and onion.yellow rice w/beans.sweet plantains

Pastelon de Fricasse de Pollo / sweet plantain lasagna.bechamel.queso fundido.ensalada

Mofongo De Langosta/ lobster in creole sauce

Pernil(roast pork)/ yellow rice with pigeon peas.yuca in mojo

Island Mahi/ malanga mash.island mojo.arañitas(crispy plantain).escabeche veg

DESSERT

All inclusive

Ginger Pound Cake/ tres leches cream

Abuela's Tembleque / coconut custard.honey comb crumb.candied ginger

Cheese Flan / spiced guava.biscoff crumb sauce

Cheese Flan / spiced guava sauce.maria crumble

Passion Fruit/ creme brulee.fresh fruit

Indulge in Paradise

STARTER

All inclusive

Chicharron /crispy pork belly.roasted batata.escabeche.cilantro aioli

Ceviche de Pescado/ roasted peppers.pickled veg.avocado.citrus foam

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Elote Polenta/corn.queso fresco.chile rojo.lime crema.fried egg

SEARED SCALLOP IN CANNELLINI BEAN STEW.BLACK GARLIC CREAM.HERB OIL

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Beef Filet / malanga puree.wild mushrooms.beet demi

Roasted Pork Tenderloin / tacu tacu.pickliz

Coco Lobster/coconut curry.mojo root vegetables.bok choy.coco espuma

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Cheese Flan / spiced guava sauce.maria crumbi

Abuela's Tembleque / coconut custard.honey comb crumb.candied ginger

Passion Fruit/ creme brulee

PISTACHIO PANNA COTTA / fresas.bisc

New Boricua Cuisine

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Croquetas de Longaniza / local sausage croquette.piquillo aioli

Braised Beef Empanadas/cheese.cilantro aioli

Lentil and Carrot Hummus/ root vegetable chips

Avocado Toast/salsa matcha.compressed tomatoes.pickled onion.queso fresco.dehydrated garbanzo

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Ceviche de Camarones / coco arepa.escabeche

Tuna Tartare Tostada/ yuzu.avocado.cucumber.chili crunch

Elote Funche(Polenta)/corn.queso fresco.chile rojo.lime crema.fried egg

Chicharron /crispy pork belly.roasted batata.escabeche.cilantro aioli

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Costillas de Res / braised short rib.root veg mofongo.wine reduction

Beef Filet / malanga puree.wild mushrooms.beet demi

Chicken Roulade / stuffed w chorizo.maduros.black bean mamposteao rice.piquillo chimi

Seared Scallop/ spinach.cannellini bean stew.piquillo chimichurri.pistachio crisp

Coco Lobster/coconut curry.malanga.calabaza.bok choy

Roasted Pork Tenderloin/ calabaza squash.herb sauce.queso fresco.hazelnuts

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Ginger Pound Cake Tres Leches

Cheese Flan / spiced guava sauce.maria crumble

Coconut Panacotta/ berries.biscoff

Show me more

Chef Javier's reviews

4.94

•

42 services

Javi was just wonderful! Our group of 12 ladies getting together for our 25th study abroad reunion was blown away by his friendliness, flexibility, and food preparation! We discovered that our Airbnb did NOT have an OVEN right before the first night he was supposed to make dinner for all of us and, upon learning this, he quickly pivoted and improvised, working around the craziness! The food was delicious, too! He was kind, punctual, and just overall 10/10 for our experience! If you're debating about who to hire to prepare your food on a visit to Puerto Rico, definitely go with Chef Javi! He is fantastic and you won't be disappointed!! Thank you again, Javi!

Javier is the man! Hired him for my sister's 14 person bachelorette party and he prepared all but one of our meals for the weekend. He was attentive and flexible, factored in all the allergies and dietary restrictions of our group, and was just an overall great time. We would 100% recommend him to anyone doing a trip with a large group that wants a fun, cultural, and delicious personal chef experience. Thanks again Javi!

Food was absolutely delicious! And it was a generous amount to where we had leftovers! Our chef Javi was very punctual and was able to pick up extra groceries with short notice! He will most def be my chef whenever I visit Puerto Rico.

Javier exceeded our expectations with his talented cooking skills, his charisma and local recommendations. He was easy to communicate with, punctual and most importantly made delicious food for our family of 13 everyday. My kids woke up the day after vacation asking “Wait, where is Javier??” So I guess you could say he’s family now! When we return to PR we would love to have Javier be our chef again

Add 5 more stars because Chef Javier deserves 10 stars! Chef Javier impressed us with his personality, punctuality, and delicious food. His kitchen clean-up, presentation, and engaging conversation made the experience exceptional. Initially, I was stressed about the menu due to my group's many dietary restrictions. Chef Javier confidently assured me, "No problem!" and he delivered on that promise. He skillfully accommodated everyone’s needs, and the variety and quality of dishes were outstanding. Every meal was a hit, leaving us all delighted. I highly recommend Chef Javier and he will definitely be my go-to chef when I return to Puerto Rico!

I love our chef he was so awesome and punctual and the food was amazing, definitely getting him again when I go back to Puerto Rico. Definitely worth the money!!!

Chef Javier was an incredible gift to our group for a really special occasion. He prioritized giving us the most authentic experience that the island has to offer, and he shared meaningful stories with every dish he prepared for us. From our first dinner to our last brunch, he was incredibly communicative, punctual, detailed and accommodating. He perfectly timed every course and helped with cleaning dishes at the end of the night. He even adjusted a few of our menu items last minute when he learned that one of our group members confessed his disdain for seafood. His meals were lights out! Not one bad dish. Most importantly though, he is a great human being who is very passionate about providing the best experience possible. We can't thank him enough for making our trip to San Juan one of the most unforgettable experiences. He gave us a piece of his home, and we are forever grateful. And when I tell you I'm still dreaming of that cream of corn... and that tres leche cake...

I don’t know where to even start. It is not the first time having a chef cook privately for us but this is the first time using take a chef and our chef was Javier Melendez. Javier was beyond amazing. He was punctual, engaging, professional and made amazing food. We had a party of 13 grown men and Javier accommodated every single one of us. There were dishes that members of my party had sworn prior that they would never eat but after trying it out with Javier they completely changed their minds. There is so much more I could say about our chef Javier, I wish I could make him my private chef for any other destinations I plan to go to. There were other choices of chefs but I am glad I picked Javier, he was great and next time I’m in Puerto Rico I will definitely request his services again.

If you are seeking a truly exceptional culinary experience, Chef Javier is your go-to professional. From the very beginning, Javier distinguished himself not just as a chef, but as a consummate professional. His punctuality and ease of communication were just the appetizers to an incredible experience. Admittedly, I was not the easiest client. My requests regarding dates and the menu were frequent and sometimes last-minute, but Javier handled every adjustment with an inspiring patience and flexibility. His ability to accommodate without a hitch is something every host can appreciate. Javier’s roots in Puerto Rico add an authentic flare to his dishes that is hard to replicate. The cuisine he presented was nothing short of spectacular, providing a delicious tour of his homeland’s vibrant flavors and traditional dishes. Every meal was a masterpiece, crafted not only with skill but with passion. The highlight of his service was how he managed to deliver an extraordinary feast that was both under budget and over expectations, including thoughtful additions that perfectly matched the group's vibes. Moreover, the joy and excitement that Javier brought to our celebration enhanced the entire weekend. His presence was like that of a friend who just happens to cook like a dream. It’s rare to find a chef who can create a menu that puts you in a "food coma," yet still leaves you eager for the next meal. In summary, Chef Javier is more than a chef; he's a culinary artist who brings joy and unforgettable flavors to the table. He truly went above and beyond, making our event not just a meal, but a memorable celebration. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in the rich flavors and joyful spirit of Puerto Rican cuisine.

Chef did an amazing job. We were a group of twelve for seven meals and he did not disappoint on any. Javier is a must book when in PR.

Javier is FANTASTIC. He cooked all meals for a group of 15 picky ladies for a whole weekend, and every single person claims he was the highlight of the trip!!! His food is excellent, he is so easy to work with, and goes the extra mile for his clients. For example, our rental didn't have enough coffee for everyone so he brought and brewed a whole bag the next day and didnt even charge us for it. I cannot speak more highly of Chef Javier!!!!!!!

He made our trip amazing. His dishes were delicious and he was friendly and a joy to have.