OCTAVIO CANALES: Chef de Cuisine
Octavio Canales joined the Big Red F family at the impressionable young age of 17. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, passion for soulful food was part of his DNA and the kitchen at Jax Boulder immediately felt like a second home. Starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to Sous Chef, Octavio intimately understands all the ingredients needed to build a solid, impassioned kitchen. Since 1995, Octavio has trained with the many talented executive chefs who have steered the ship at Jax Boulder: Hosea Rosenberg- Top Chef Season 5 Winner, Sheila Lucero- Jax Culinary Director, and Chris Blackwood- West End Tavern Chef/Owner are among the many on that list.
Octavio joined The Bitter Bar as Executive Chef in 2013. As a long-time, well-respected member of the Big Red F family, Octavio was a natural fit and leader for their 8th restaurant. With his years of experience and deep understanding of the culinary craft, he brings a luminous perspective to the worldly yet down-home feel of The Bitter Bar.
On the line or off, Octavio is always enjoying life and having fun. He loves spending time with his beautiful wife and three children, playing soccer, listening to music way too loud, and dining out all around Boulder and Denver to keep his knowledge and curiosity ever-expanding.