I recently had the distinct pleasure of nominating my friend, and culinary hero, Chef Jessica Yarr for the Star Chefs Rising Star. It was so fun reading back through Jess’ many accomplishments and inspiring to reflect on her creativity and generosity. Check out her nomination.
Chef Jessica Yarr is an exemplary candidate for StarChefs’ editorial coverage, bringing a rich tapestry of culinary experience, innovation, and community engagement to the forefront of the California dining scene.
Since March 2023, Chef Yarr has been at the helm of The Grove Café & Bakery in Felton, California, as its Executive Chef and Owner. The Grove is a vibrant, plant-forward establishment that emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch baking, offering patrons a menu that delights the palate while fostering a sense of community.
Prior to establishing The Grove, Chef Yarr’s culinary journey included notable positions such as:
- Pastry Chef at Theo’s Restaurant in Soquel: Here, she honed her skills in French pastry, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
- Pastry Chef at Gabriella Café and Penny Ice Creamery in Santa Cruz: Her work at these establishments earned her recognition as Santa Cruz Weekly’s “Best Pastry Chef of Santa Cruz” in 2011 .
- Executive Chef at Assembly in Santa Cruz: In 2016, she took on this role, further solidifying her reputation in the Bay Area food scene .
- Executive Chef at Adobe’s Headquarters for Bon Appétit Management Company: She led farm-to-fork initiatives and culinary programs, serving approximately 3,000 people daily, which deepened her commitment to sustainable and inclusive dining .
Beyond her roles in established kitchens, Chef Yarr has launched several innovative culinary ventures:
- Chicken Foot: A pop-up dining experience dedicated to crafting plant-based Eastern European comfort fare, inspired by her Ukrainian heritage.
- Brunch Shift: A playful brunch destination that brings a fresh twist to traditional brunch fare, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative recipes.
- Forest Fare: An elevated catering service offering unique culinary experiences.
Chef Yarr’s contributions to the culinary world have been recognized through various accolades:
Santa Cruz Weekly’s “Best Pastry Chef of Santa Cruz” .
Named one of the “Santa Cruz Culinary Masterminds Under 36” by Good Times Santa Cruz .
Santa Cruz NEXTies 2023 Foodie of the Year .
Competitor on Season 34 of Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay .
Her dedication to the farm-to-table movement is evident through her participation in numerous events and fundraisers, including the Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, Farm Discovery at Live Earth’s annual Fall Feast in the Fields Benefit, Big Sur Food and Wine Festival, and Jim Denevan’s Outstanding in the Field. This year Chef Jessica Yarr will be the Keynote speaker at Farm Discovery’s annual event, Thrive, a celebration of abundance.
Chef Yarr’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Felton, where she was immersed in seasonal and sustainable cooking from a young age. This background informs her commitment to creating dishes that are both innovative and grounded in local traditions .
Chef Jessica Yarr’s extensive experience, innovative ventures, and community-focused approach make her a compelling subject for StarChefs’ editorial coverage. Her journey reflects a dedication to culinary excellence and sustainability that resonates with contemporary dining values.