Staff Spotlight
Meet Executive Chef Jose Ochoa
Meet Jose Ochoa, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center’s Executive Chef!
Jose began his career with Guardian Recovery Network in the Boca Detox kitchen (which he describes as initially being the size of a small closet). He then moved to Immersion Recovery Center to help build out their kitchen, working directly with architects and engineers to create a functional and state-of-the-art design.
Today, Jose brings decades of experience to Princeton Detox & Recovery Center, where he works as Executive Chef, creating delicious and nutrient-dense meals for clients and staff members.
Decades of Global Experience
“I’ve been doing this for many years,” Jose explains. “I have a lot of experience on the design side of things. I still get a lot of calls from my friends, asking me to help them design their personal kitchens.
I started working in kitchens in the late 1970s. I had opportunities to serve a lot of celebrities; Hollywood people, movie stars, politicians.
I also traveled a lot. I was in France, Spain, Portugal, and Germany, along with many other places.
I got the opportunity to travel all over the world and meet a lot of interesting people. I love what I do, and I’ve gained a lot of insight and experience along the way. I’ve also worked in many different roles. I was the Executive Chef for a catering company for over 25 years.”
What Brought Jose to PDRC?
“I used to live in New York, and I started working in kitchens in New York when I was in high school,” Jose explains. “I decided to begin working with Princeton Detox & Recovery Center in New Jersey because it’s so close to New York; I figured it would be a great opportunity to catch up with old friends.”
Jose notes that although his travels have been gratifying, he is grateful for the role he has played as a fundamental part of the Guardian Recovery Network culinary team.
“I’ve really done everything I wanted to do by way of traveling and working as a chef all across the world,” Jose says. “I can say that right now, at the age I’m at now, I’ve lived a very rewarding and fulfilling life. But there is something really special about being to help people the way I am now, in the position I’m currently filling. Because I have experience cooking so many different kinds of cuisine from all over the world, and because we have clients from all over, I can help make them feel more comfortable and at home by cooking what they are familiar with.”
Cooking with Intention
Jose shares how powerful it can be to cook a good, comforting meal for someone who has been going through a particularly tough time.
“I started working with treatment centers a little while before I started with Boca Detox Center, and I had the opportunity to cook for clients from London, India, from the Caribbean; from all over,” he adds. “But there were people who were coming from very little, too. People who had been living on the streets for years. I started talking to these people and I learned how much a good meal could improve their day. Sometimes people will show up feeling really low, very sad and defeated, and they’ll ask me to make something for them. A good meal, some comfort food. Having a good meal can really make a difference. Even if it isn’t on the menu. If we don’t have it in the kitchen and someone wants it, I’ll go and get it. Eating a healthy meal is so important.”
Jose adds that when he’s off of work, he encourages his wife to do most of the cooking. “Unless we’re having company,” he adds. “If we’re having a dinner party, I’ll do the cooking. Otherwise, I relax and let my wife take the lead.”
