Chef Rebecca Reed joins Asado Life as Corporate Pastry Chef, bringing classic French technique, Northeast Florida flavors, and a touch of whimsy to our bakery, dessert, and market programs.
You may know Rebecca from her work at Matthew’s, Rue Saint Marc, or Orsay, or from her winning appearance on Food Network’s Chopped Sweets. Now, she’s bringing that experience to our kitchens, with new pastries, desserts, and market offerings on the way.
Select desserts will reflect Rebecca’s work over wood and coals on our Urban Asado grills, where patient roasting and careful caramelization build layers of flavor through the craft of low-and-slow grilling. It’s one part of a broader pastry program shaped by her curiosity, craftsmanship, and playful approach to flavor.
From New York to North Florida
Rebecca’s pastry career took her to New York City’s French Culinary Institute, where she graduated with honors. She continued her training at Locanda Verde under James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Karen DeMasco before returning to the South as Pastry Chef at Aspen Grille in Myrtle Beach.
Jacksonville became the next chapter. At Matthew’s Restaurant, she brought her French training and artistic style to the pastry program. She later helped open Rue Saint Marc and became Corporate Pastry Chef for Black Sheep Restaurant Group, overseeing pastry at Black Sheep, Orsay, and Bellwether.
Along the way, North Florida became more than a place to work. Its chefs, restaurants, and creative community became a continuing source of inspiration.
Finding joy in sharing the craft
Some of Rebecca’s most meaningful moments have happened while teaching others.
While working at Matthew’s, she helped with a cooking class and discovered how much she enjoyed sharing the techniques that had become second nature to her. Seeing the participants’ excitement helped her recognize just how much she had learned, and how rewarding it could be to pass those skills along.
That experience led her to introduce dessert classes through Matthew’s Cooking School. It also shaped an enthusiasm for teaching that she brings to Asado Life. Rebecca is excited to share her experience with our guests, offering a closer look at the care, creativity, and technique behind pastry.
A spotlight on Jacksonville
Rebecca’s decision to pursue television competitions grew partly from her love for the community around her. She wanted to challenge herself while helping shine a spotlight on Jacksonville’s culinary talent.
In 2020, she won an episode of Food Network’s Chopped Sweets. She later competed on Prime Video’s Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge, reaching the finals in 2022.
Those experiences gave a national audience a glimpse of her imagination and skill. For Rebecca, they were also a chance to represent the North Florida food scene and the talented people who continue to inspire her.
A taste of what’s ahead
At Asado Life, Rebecca is bringing all those experiences together: the precision of her training, her connection to Northeast Florida, and the pleasure she finds in making and sharing something delicious.
You can enjoy Chef Rebecca’s dessert specials now during dinner Thursday through Sunday, subject to availability. Look for more pastries, desserts, and market offerings as her program takes shape.
We’re excited to welcome Rebecca to the Asado Life team—and to share what she’s baking next.