Welcome to Jalao NYC

Escape from the streets of New York City to the brightly colored paradise of the Dominican Republic while dining at Jalao. Enjoy authentic Dominican food and vibrant cultural surroundings right in the heart of NYC’s Washington Heights Neighborhood.

Eat surrounded by the vibrant ambiance of Taíno, African, and Spanish influences that blend together in a flavorful splash of Dominican culture. In a courtyard built for live music and dancing, experience the timeless atmosphere of the historic Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo.

Located in the brand new Radio Hotel, join Manhattan’s Little Dominican Republic community as they experience a taste of home. Handcrafted Dominican furniture adorns the dining area, while the walls are splashed with brightly colored murals and authentic Carnival masks.

Chef Guzman has worked as a cook for more than 8 years. The world of Dominican gastronomy is her passion, a world full of colors, flavors, and memories.

Currently, she is the Executive Chef at Jalao SD, a restaurant 100% of her country, where she has overseen the restructuring of the facilities, menu, and staff. It is a job full of challenges and responsibilities, which has made her grow and believe in her ability to run a large kitchen, managing a staff of more than 20. Jalao SD is in the historic Colonial Zone, visited by tourists, expat Dominicans looking to rediscover flavors they long for, and locals who seek a unique atmosphere.

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 1985, she grew up in the kitchen of her parents’ catering business, making her the second generation of her family to provide love to others through cooking. Throughout her life she’s known gastronomy was and is her passion. It’s something that runs through her veins… dreaming, creating, and tasting dishes. Understanding what her true vocation was more than 10 years ago, she began to study in the different culinary schools of the country to train in professional cooking. Through discipline and long hours, she achieved diplomas and certifications, developing and advancing the skills she needed to get to where she is today.

In 2015, she opened a now successful business providing catering services to businesses, that can be found on the NoeCooksRD social media accounts. She began with a handful of large companies in the country, such as ARS Humano, Shell Company, Claro Dominicana, and Carnet, among others. Then in 2016, she expanded her services to brands such as Refisal, Maggi, Nestlé, and Franks.

In 2019, she won the third season of the reality show MasterChef Dominican Republic, which became a springboard to further advancing her career.

From 2020 to 2021, she was the Sous Chef at the restaurant Ajuala with her mentor, Chef Saverio Stassi.

In 2021, she began working for the Epic Hotel in Brickell Miami, where she supervised the banquet area for several months running large events, including the hotel's New Year's Eve party.

In May 2022, she participated in the Miami Grand Prix with Chef Dayanni de la Cruz, cooking for more than 1000 people per day at the Hard Rock Stadium, servicing Mclaren and Crypto.