Chef-Owner, alaMar Kitchen & Bar and Sobre Mesa; Oakland, CA

Nelson German is chef-owner of alaMar Kitchen & Bar and the Afro-Latin cocktail lounge Sobre Mesa, both located in Oakland, California, a contestant on Top Chef season 18, and was named one of Plate’s “2020 Chefs to Watch.” A Dominican American originally hailing from New York City, Chef Nelson received his culinary training at the New York Art Institute, where he learned the foundation of Mediterranean-style cooking incorporating French techniques. He worked his way up to executive chef at New York staples like Gramercy Park Hotel, Jerry’s Café, and Joseph’s Citarella. After relocating to his fiancée's hometown of Oakland, Chef German joined Supper Club SF and adopted a newfound appreciation for California cuisine. His unorthodox culinary style draws from his Dominican heritage, his African roots, and his embrace of Mediterranean cuisine and Asian influence, coupled with his love of local and sustainable California ingredients. He believes in letting his food tell the stories of his journey, derived from childhood memories, inspirational travels, food escapades, and his own original ideas. @chefnel4