Jennifer Fear Zavala: Punk Rock Chef, Top Chef Alum, South Philly Instigator, Tamale Queen

Jennifer Zavala showed up in Philly in 2007, and not long after appeared on Top Chef, preparing seitan at a time when most people (including the judges) didn’t even know what it was. She bounced around various kitchens, from El Camino Real to The Farmer’s Cabinet to Xochitl, before deciding on something way more punk rock: illegal tamale trucks, cannabis cooking, and vegan meatballs.In this episode, Jennifer shares her journey of going from cooking for Ozzy Osbourne and OzzFest to arriving in Philadelphia. She tells the story of the infamous meatball debacle of 2017, when she received actual death threats for preparing vegan meatballs for a South Philly meatball contest, and introduces us to the term “gentrification balls”. She also recalls how she helped to take down a South Philly residential burglary ring after someone robbed her house that you’ll have to hear to believe. And she talks illegal tamales trucks, her cannabis catering events and what her future holds.Jennifer Zavala is as punk rock as it gets, and this is an awesome episode. She’s a strong woman who refuses to play by anyone’s rules but her own, all while setting an example of hard work and relentlessness for her son. Be sure to tune in.This episode was recorded at the Black Cat Tavern on 12th, which is at 2654 S 12th St (12th & Oregon). Black Cat had a great neighborhood vibe with a solid selection of beers and whiskey. If you don’t live in the area, it’s a great pre-post stop after events at the sports complex.LINKS:Jennifer Fear Zavala:Twitter/Instagram/J Zavala CateringBlack Cat Tavern on 12th: Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Home