Jamilka Borges is taking a much-needed break. For the last year and a half, the chef has been working to open her Wild Child restaurant in Etna — all while hosting pop-up events, farm dinners and other culinary events throughout the region.
“We’ve navigated a global pandemic, many delays and personal challenges while trying to make this dream come true,” she says. “But with a heavy heart, I want to let you know that I have decided to pause this project indefinitely.”
Borges, a native of Puerto Rico who moved to Pittsburgh 13 years ago to attend culinary school, has worked at some of Pittsburgh’s top restaurants: Legume Bistro, Livermore, Bar Marco, Spoon, The Independent Brewing Company, Hidden Harbor and Lorelei. In 2015, the James Beard Foundation named her a Rising Star Chef Semifinalist.
Now she’s taking time to reconnect to her roots.
“You will still see me around town — I can’t stay away from cooking for you all — but I will be traveling back and forth between Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico for a bit,” Borges says.
She plans to revisit her dream of owning a restaurant in the future.
In the meantime, the owner of the restaurant space at 372 Butler St. is exploring options and hopes to bring an exciting food concept to Etna.