Born in the Philippines and raised in American Samoa, Jasper Alivia did not initially plan to spend so much time in restaurants. After receiving his B.A. in economics from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia he quickly realized that cooking was his calling and left a promising job in finance to work in restaurants in Philadelphia. It was at the French Culinary Institute in New York City where his passion for cooking really blossomed, leading him to work at some of the most highly regarded restaurants in the city, like Savoy and Park Avalon.
Jasper moved back to Philadelphia, and in 2011 became the the Executive Chef of Cuba Libre under the leadership from two-time James Beard award winner and chef/owner Guillermo Pernot. During his 5 years at Cuba Libre, the restaurant received many accolades including Best Brunch of Philadelphia, Best Latin Restaurant and Best Tapas Menu.
Hearing the beach and salt water calling, Chef Alivia moved to Norfolk, VA, only a 20 minute drive from Virginia Beach for the past 2 years, to become the Executive Chef of Blue Moon Tap House, The Market at Waterside District, and Harbor Club. He was not only instrumental in opening multiple concepts, but involved in menu development as well.
He is happy to be back in Philadelphia, where he has always called home to be Chef and owner along with Jesus Garcia, and General manager and friend Alejandro Fuentes, to open their first restaurant.