Born and raised in the Philippines, Chef Josef Larita’s culinary journey is a story of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.

With a background steeped in the rich flavors and aromas of Filipino home cooking, Josef’s early years were filled with the vibrant culinary traditions of his family. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family meal, good food was always at the heart of his upbringing.

Josef’s path to becoming a chef began when he immigrated to Toronto in the early 2000s. In 2006, he started his culinary career as a dishwasher, a humble beginning that would eventually lead him to the helm of one of Toronto’s trendiest restaurants. Between 2007 and 2010, Josef embarked on an apprenticeship under the guidance of Executive Chef Jo Castrinos, known for his work at Splendido and Portland Variety. During this time, Josef honed his skills in both classic and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at establishments like Amber in Yorkville and Cinq01. These formative years were crucial, as Josef learned the essentials of fine dining, preparing him to serve local and international celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival.

After his apprenticeship, Josef spent a 10-month stint at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, working under the leadership of Executive Chef Donna Dooher. With the support of chefs Tyler Cunningham and Taylor McMeekin, Josef further refined his skills, particularly at the Entremetier station, where he prepared local fare during busy dinner services. This experience added another layer of expertise to his culinary repertoire.

In late 2011, Josef joined Boehmer Restaurant as a Poissonnier, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Under the mentorship of Executive Chef Paul Boehmer, Josef underwent rigorous training in classic French cuisine. Over the years, he mastered recipes and techniques that span Chef Paul’s distinguished 40+ year career. His dedication and skill led to him taking on the significant responsibility of running the kitchen, managing everything from busy services to large events.

Josef’s talents were further recognized in 2019 when he was invited by Food Network Canada to compete in the Iron Chef Canada competition. Personally selected by Chef Paul Boehmer as one of his sous chefs, Josef played a crucial role in the team’s victory against Iron Chef Susur Lee, with the secret ingredient being “tiny fish.”

Today, as the executive chef of Boehmer Restaurant, Josef Larita continues to build on his rich culinary heritage, blending the flavors of his Filipino roots with the refined techniques of French and Mediterranean cuisine. His journey from dishwasher to executive chef is a testament to his passion, hard work, and the enduring influence of his mentors.

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