About

What Is Nava Culinary?

Nava Culinary is a private chef and luxury dining brand based in Charlotte, NC, founded by Executive Chef Ali Nava

what is Nava culinary?

Nava Culinary is a private chef and luxury dining brand based in Charlotte, NC, founded by Executive Chef Ali Nava

Ali delivers customized weekly family meal prep, multi-course dinner parties, catering & events, and interactive in-home cooking classes

By combining fine-dining execution with the comfort of a private kitchen, Nava Culinary provides high-end, stress-free hospitality catered to elite clients across the Charlotte region

About Ali Nava

Just a girl with big dreams.

I grew up in Boone, NC. I started cooking at a young age for my younger brothers when our mom went to work. I liked watching cooking shows and trying recipes on my brothers. One time I snuck in a coffee crust on their steak to see if they'd like it... and they loved it! That's when I knew l loved cooking food for others to enjoy and experience.

As a kid I started a few business ventures. I had a Youtube channel where I created and sold clay figurines. I started selling them at school. My figurines became so popular at my school, I taught my friends how to make them so they could create their own.

My first job was at a Kripsy Kreme when I was 16. I was a donut decorater and became a trainer. I loved icing, decorating the donuts, packaging them for customers, and training new hires. That was the starting point of my interest in the culinary arts.

Years passed and I worked at various restaurants. I started as a dishwasher and quickly moved my way up to Sous Chef. That's when I really grew as a cook. I practiced my techniques, learned about balancing flavors, working with new ingredients, and creating dishes. I started to really see my creative side grow. I later helped open and manage 4 restaurants and met amazing people along the way.

A few years ago I got a crazy idea. To become a private chef. I slept on that dream for a few years until I realised traditional kitchens were not for me. I loved being a chef at those restaurants, but I always had an entrepreneurship dream. That's when I decided to make a chef page on Facebook and advertise myself. I was so surprised I had immediate interest from possible clients, but I knew that I was cooking up something big.

I eventually moved to Charlotte and am now studying Business. Business class sparked a fire in me and that is why I created Nava Culinary.

For the longest time, my Instagram bio said "Just a girl with big dreams". Today, that dream has a name. I am so excited for the future. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you soon

My Philosophy

I believe that cooking is an art and

that true luxury is simple.

Luxury dining is not pretentious, it is uncompromising commitment to quality, flavor, and execution.

Food should leave a lasting impression. Every menu is created to have bold, flavorful, and balanced dishes.

High culinary standards require a clean environment. Everything you do while cooking, the client will eat. I treat your home and food with respect. Your kitchen will be left cleaner than when I arrived.

Exceptional hospitality is driven by exceptional people. As Nava Culinary grows, my mission to my employees is to build a place that highly rewards and recognizes talent. This ensures you are getting high-quality service from a chef who loves what they do.

The Future of

Nava Culinary

goes beyond a single kitchen

My vision for Nava Culinary

The Nava Culinary Studio

The next step is the establishment of the first Nava Culinary Studio. This place will serve as our headquarters and will be designed for event hosting, interactive masterclasses, tasting menus, and catering production

The Nava Food Truck

Luxury also doesn't have to be expensive. The Nava Food truck will deliver high-quality food and make it accessible for everyone

Excellence & High Reward

People do their best when they are rewarded, recognized, and given a good quality work environment. That's why Nava Culinary will prioritize the chefs behind the food, will only hire the best talent, and make sure they are generously compensated

The Nava Foundation

Looking much further ahead, my ultimate goal is to launch the Nava Foundation. This mentorship will provide training, business education, and high paying career ways for the next generation of culinary artists.

By supporting Nava Culinary today, you are directly investing in someone's future in the culinary arts