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Chef Xavier Pacheco
With more than 20 years of culinary experience in hotels and restaurants, Puerto Rican Chef Xavier Pacheco is recognized as one of the island's leading voices on sustainability, local ingredients, and cultural preservation. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University (Florida), he began his professional career at Nobu and Four Seasons Hotel, later refining his techniques in Barcelona under the mentorship of Chef Ángel Palacios at the restaurant Ámbar.
Upon returning to Puerto Rico, he co-founded Xafra Latina in Isla Verde, was a finalist on Operación Chef, and was recognized by El Vocero among the country's top ten emerging chefs.
In 2011, he fulfilled one of his greatest dreams by opening La Jaquita Baya, a restaurant inspired by Puerto Rican culture and poetry, focused on seasonal local ingredients and contemporary techniques. He also co-founded the Gastronomic Association of Puerto Rico and has represented the island in international culinary events in Spain, New York, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Caribbean.
In 2017, he collaborated with Anthony Bourdain on the production and curation of the Parts Unknown episode dedicated to Puerto Rico.
Committed to sustainability and supporting local farmers, he also collaborates with philanthropic causes such as Fundación Síndrome Down, Hogar Niñito Jesús, Hospital del Niño, among others.
He is part of Raíces Compartidas, a platform that honors Puerto Rican and global culinary roots, drives cultural exchange, and promotes gastronomic tourism.
Current Roles
- • Chef / Co-owner - Bacoa Finca + Fogón (farm-to-table, open-fire cooking, Juncos)
- • Chef / Co-owner - Aldeana (fine dining, events, weddings, and curated culinary experiences)
- • Chef / Owner - Los Guapos (Mexican taquería, cocktails, and wines)
- • Chef / Owner - Teotihua (new Mexican restaurant, upcoming opening)
- • Co-owner - Tres Senderos Spirits (wines and liquors)
- • In development - New culinary projects
Awards, Recognitions, and International Participation
- • Founder of the Gastronomic Association of Puerto Rico
- • Participant in culinary events in Spain, New York, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Caribbean
- • Featured in international media such as BBC, The New York Times, and Parts Unknown (Anthony Bourdain)
- • Recognized for excellence in open-fire cooking, farm-to-table cuisine, and Puerto Rican gastronomy
- • Early recognition by El Vocero as one of the top ten emerging chefs in Puerto Rico
- • Extensive professional experience in fine dining, corporate kitchens, and international culinary projects
