Executive Chef Juan Jose Garcia, “Jose” as he is known to friends and family, is an extremely creative and talented chef who worked hard for many years to attain his ultimate goal.
 
He has a natural ability and passion for food, which is apparent in each dish he prepares. Not only are his dishes a visual delight, they afford the taste buds with a gastronomic experience beyond compare. Asbury Park Press Food Critic, Andrea Clurfeld (as published in the Dining Companion, 2005) very eloquently summed up Jose’s talent, “there are a handful of plates that spark originality, a voice in the kitchen…I think he’s (Garcia) got the chops to take things to another level”.

His interest in food, and enjoyment for eating, evolved early in his childhood in Mexico. Always anxious to partake in a delicious meal, Jose quickly learned his way around a kitchen. At the age of 14, Jose moved to the United States and began his restaurant career on the ground floor – washing dishes after school and on weekends. His hard work and talents were quickly noticed and his voyage to achieving his goal of owning his own restaurant began. By the tender age of 19, a time when most young men have no idea or thoughts of the future, Jose became the Executive Chef at the Kreisher Mansion, an exclusive restaurant in Staten Island, New York.

Jose, determined to expand his culinary knowledge, shared his talent at various restaurants in New York and New Jersey. Along the way, a group of loyal patrons who were hooked on Jose’s delectable fare, developed a respect for his gracious, genuine personality which led them to follow him from venue to venue.

In 2000, Jose relocated from Staten Island, New York to Brick, New Jersey for the opening of Mangiare Tu, which appeared on the Zagat Survey.

Jose’s journey of hard work and determination paid off as his lifelong dream has finally materialized. He is proud to announce that not only is he the Executive Chef - he is also Co-Owner - of Belmar’s newest dining establishment, Tulipano’s Ristorante and Italian Market, featuring his very own Contemporary Italian Cuisine.