Jontae Zapata

Teaching Chef

Jontae has always been passionate about helping people and passing along knowledge. He spent a few years as a sexual and reproductive health educator providing free workshops to community centers, shelters, schools, and more. In addition to his drive to pursue advocacy and community organization work, he had a huge space in his heart for being in the kitchen. His family was always cooking at home - his aunt was (and is) known for having the best Puerto Rican food you could ask for! He began his restaurant career working at a local restaurant and lounge for some time where he took on many roles in both the front and back of house. In the years to come, he would find himself in and out of the hospitality industry until he finally settled in Mexicue where he ran their kitchens at multiple locations for five years. As a self taught chef, coming up in the industry has had its challenges yet Jontae persists with success and looks to further continue his culinary journey by sharing his experience with the students at Emma’s Torch as a Teaching Chef.

​Outside of the kitchen, Jontae is a dedicated martial arts instructor, competitor, and big time nerd who spends his time studying his art, watching anime, and reading his favorite books. You can find him at your local Barnes and Noble perusing the sci-fi and fantasy sections looking for his latest addition to his ever-growing home library.