Born and raised in the Philippines, Jade began her culinary journey at a young age, assisting at her aunt's eatery during summer breaks from school, often handling the preparation of vegetables. Jade realized early on that she wanted to pursue a career as a chef, finding immense satisfaction in nourishing the people she cooked for. Apart from aiding at her aunt's restaurant, she played a significant role in raising her younger siblings. From ages 12 to 20, Jade took charge of budgeting, shopping, and cooking for herself and her three siblings.
After completing high school, Jade pursued a college education in the Philippines, majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Following graduation, she ventured to the United States for a year-long culinary internship at The Meritage Resort. This experience exposed her to the abundance of seasonal produce in Napa Valley and modern French culinary techniques.
Subsequently, Jade joined the esteemed team at The French Laundry, where she absorbed invaluable lessons.
Empowered by her success at The French Laundry, Jade embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, blending the lessons learned in the United States with her cherished Filipino culture. As she introduces Carabao to the Napa Valley community, this marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We eagerly anticipate weaving Carabao into the fabric of Napa Valley's culinary scene.