Top Filipino Chef in Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Jojo Hernandez moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1995 when he was 17, dreaming of becoming a pilot. Instead, he found a job as a dishwasher at Naval Station Mayport and then at Burger King. This was his first step into work in America, but it wasn’t where his heart was. Soon, he discovered his true passion lay in the kitchen, not in the skies or medical field his family encouraged him to join.

Despite his father’s wishes for him to become a nurse, Jojo couldn’t ignore his love for cooking. He tried to pursue a career as a medical assistant but quickly realized it wasn’t for him after just one day of training at St. Vincent’s Hospital. He didn’t return after his first day, ignoring calls to return because he knew cooking was his true calling. This decision led him on a challenging but fulfilling journey through various kitchens, learning fine dining and cooking techniques worldwide.

Jojo’s passion and hard work eventually led to the opening of his restaurant, Abstrakt Filipino Essence, in Jacksonville Beach. His restaurant has become the only one in Northeast Florida to be listed in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024, a significant achievement highlighting his skill and the growing appreciation for Filipino cuisine. This recognition brought more customers and attention to Jojo’s work and the Filipino food scene in Jacksonville.

The process of making it onto Yelp’s Top 100 list was unexpected for Jojo and his wife, Desiree. Initially skeptical of an email from Yelp, they eventually realized the importance of this accolade. The listing not only brought pride to Jojo but also motivated him to introduce Filipino cuisine to a broader audience. His approach to cooking combines 80% of his Filipino heritage with a 20% twist, aiming to impress his family and honor his roots while appealing to new customers.

Jojo’s story is about more than just his success; it’s about bringing Filipino cuisine to the forefront in Jacksonville, where the Filipino community is the largest immigrant group. Through his restaurant and the Jax Filipino Chefs group he co-founded, Jojo is helping to show that Filipino food is diverse and rich, offering more than just lumpia. His journey from a young immigrant who dreams of flying to a celebrated chef is a testament to following one’s passion and the impact of sharing one’s culture through food.

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