"Throughout our experiences, schooling and travels in life, one consistent thing that has brought us joy was the company of good food and laughter with family and friends".
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| Photo courtesy of Pete Seinen |
Meet Chef Johnathan Metellus (www.chef-de-jour.com), who has traveled to over 16 different countries to bring his cooking experience to your table. Chef Johnathan began his career in the military as a food specialist and has worked in Panama, Honduras, Antigua and throughout the United States. While on duty in Germany, he was given the opportunity to attend a culinary workshop and was awarded a notable mention ribbon in a culinary competition, which further sparked his interest in a career in the culinary arts. However, Chef maintains that his interest in food and cooking really began “when I started burning cookies in my mother’s oven.”
After a break from the military, Chef Johnathan attended the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America where he received a Bachelor's degree in culinary arts management. His extensive career includes apprenticeship at Hotel Pulitzer and Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sous chef at the Seelbach Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky , Sheraton Hotel, New York and Executive Chef positions at Howard University, Washington, DC, and Marriott services at prestigious accounts throughout the states. While working as a culinary arts instructor for educational and private organizations in New York City, Chef Johnathan was offered an opportunity to be a managing partner in a restaurant venture in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey where he received "best new & favorite restaurant" in Sussex county. Chef Johnathan has also received the distinction of Certified Executive Chef from the American Culinary Federation and Certified Food Service Management Professional from The National Restaurant Educational Foundation.
Having mastered the “perfect culinary marriage of international flavors and American regional cuisine”, Chef Johnathan is excited to bring his signature recipes to Café 458. He also plans to launch a formal culinary training program at Samaritan House of Atlanta for our homeless guests. Chef Johnathan resides in Woodland Hills with his daughter Nefta.
