07/28/2026
🍴 Chef Spotlight: Meet Chef Xavier! 🍴
Behind every great meal is a great story, and Chef Xavier’s story began right here in Lake Charles.
Known to many of our residents as Chef Zay, Xavier grew up surrounded by good food, from neighborhood corner stores to locally owned mom-and-pop restaurants. His culinary journey has been shaped by every chef he has crossed paths with, and he still considers himself a student of the craft, always eager to learn new techniques, flavors, and recipes.
Chef Xavier cooks throughout all of our Sage Oak houses, bringing versatility, creativity, and plenty of personality to every kitchen. Whether he is preparing a comforting Southern favorite or plating a colorful pasta dish, his food reflects both his imagination and his belief that every meal should be made with love.
His favorite meal to prepare for residents is gumbo because, as he says, it is one of those dishes that brings comfort to everyone. His own comfort food? Wings. He loves them so much that he even started selling them! And when it comes to his favorite ingredient, purple onion takes the prize.
Outside of the kitchen, Chef Xavier is also a dance teacher, which may explain the rhythm, energy, and flair he brings to everything he creates.
What he loves most about cooking at Sage Oak is the way food brings people together, from residents and caregivers to nurses and leadership. Rotating throughout the houses has given him the opportunity to form relationships, hear stories, and help create moments where everyone feels comfortable gathering around the table.
And his kitchen motto? “It ain’t easy being cheesy.” 🧀 ☺️
Chef Xavier, thank you for the heart, talent, creativity, and joy you bring to Sage Oak. We are proud to have you as part of our family!
