JEFFREY McGAR
Executive Chef

Chef Jeffrey McGar was born and raised in Upstate NY and has been working toward mastering the culinary arts since the age of fourteen. Chef McGar is experienced in every aspect of the restaurant industry. He initially worked in Italian eateries and pizza parlors before performing seasonal across the country, eventually progressing to upscale “American-style” white table restaurants and even performing seasonal apprenticeships under Certified Master Chefs across the United States.

Jeff moved to Atlanta just after the Olympics in search of new horizons. Here in Atlanta, Chef McGar continued his education at Cherokee Town & Country Club, one of the US’ premier private clubs, where he began a rigorous apprenticeship program mentoring under Certified Master Chefs for seven years. Over the years, Chef McGar has competed in a multitude of competitions achieving the podium with every entry. Chef McGar has also coached many teams for American Culinary Federation competitions. Chef McGar now has his sights set on the Bocuse D’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, hoping to represent the United States in France. Chef McGar strives with each competition to bring Atlanta to the forefront of the culinary world.

Over the past two and a half years, Chef McGar has worked very hard to cement Opera’s prestigious catering reputation by winning multiple catering competitions up against Atlanta’s top caterers and through flawlessly serving over 45,000 guests. Most recently, Opera was named Winner of ISES’ 2009 Race for A Taste, The Best V. The Best Culinary Competition and also won a 2009 Allie Award for Best Buffet/Reception Menu.

Chef McGar creates restaurant quality, deconstructed gourmet cuisine for every menu. Popular hors d’oeuvres include Tuna and Salmon Tartare in hand-rolled “ice cream cones” dipped in sesame seeds and garnished with wasabi aioli, Mini Burgers on Ping Pong Brioche with Coke Floats and Mojito Lamb Lollipops. Chef McGar and the entire culinary team invite you to experience our world class culinary delights in our full service venue.