About Cassava
Founded by award-winning chef Zoe H. Badillo Jimenez, Cassava is a culinary paradise that serves authentic Puerto Rican food and desserts. Cassava started as a method of survival during the midst of COVID-19 around July 2020. Shortly, the "hobby" began turning heads by providing tasty, exciting and unique desserts, classes, and custom cakes for local and national customers.
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At Cassava, we believe in providing fresh ingredients, quality products, and bold Puerto Rican flavors to every customer we serve.
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Cassava Executive Chef's Acknowledgments:
Best of El Paso 2022 #3 Chef
El Paso Inc
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2022 Best of El Paso Award in the Puerto Rican Restaurant category
El Paso Award Program
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55 Best Restaurants in El Paso, TX
2021 MODEMAG
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Businesswoman of the Year 2021, El Paso, TX
El Paso Chamber
40 Starts Under 40 in Business Award, 2016 - Brooklyn, NY
Home Reporter
Winner Kentucky Derby Burger, 2014 - Louisville, KY
Recipe featured at the Louisville Hard Rock Cafe, Krogers, and Kentucky Derby Festival Beerfest
Gold Medal ACF (American Culinary Federation)
(Sugar Sculpturing Cat.), 2014 - Cincinnati, OH
Bronze Medal ACF (American Culinary Federation)
(Sculpturing Cat.), 2014 - Cincinnati, OH
Silver Medal ACF (American Culinary Federation)
(Sugar Cat.), 2014 - Charlotte, NC
Silver Medal ACF (American Culinary Federation)
(Wedding Cat.) 2014 - Queens, NY
​3rd Place Canadian Tuna Challenge, 2014
(Serenata Dish (Spin)) - Canada
​Finalist Bull Burger Battle 2014 - Chicago, IL
Finalist The American Grilled (Bluegrass Episode)
Travel Channel, 2014 -Louisville, KY
About The Team
Zoe Badillo
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Founder / Executive Chef
Our Chef is a veteran, military spouse, mother, and M.B.A. graduate. As a native Puerto Rican who resided in Germany, Kentucky, New York, and Texas, she credits her culinary range to the great many teachers who shared their knowledge with her throughout her journey, literature, and the tasting from local food businesses.
Zoe attended Louisville Sullivan University as a Baking and Pastry Art student and joined the University's National Center for Hospitality Studies (NCHS) competition team, where she earned multiple awards as well as accolades from prestigious culinary experts. Simultaneously, she worked at the Proof On Main Restaurant as a Pastry Cook. In Brooklyn, Zoe worked for the Army as a Marketing Coordinator, created a successful cake business, and was an Army SKIES Unlimited culinary instructor for ages 6 and older. At El Paso, Zoe continues to create custom cakes, provide personal chef services, cooking classes to adults and children from ages six and above, and bring authentic Puerto Rican food with a flare.
Waldemar Ruiz
General Manager
Born in Mayaguez, P.R. Currently serves in the U.S. Army. Has a background in military combat support including four combat tours. In 2014 transitioned to Human Resources as a Recruiter. He is a graduate from American Military University. Has a Bachelor of Sciences in Sports and Health Sciences. Also qualified as Fitness Instructor and Specialist in Nutrition. He is a passionate cook of the Caribbean native and International cultural cuisine.