The Truth In This Art with Chef Zoe Baez
S9 #57

The Truth In This Art with Chef Zoe Baez

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews Zoe Baez, a seasoned chef with over 15 years in the culinary industry. Zoe shares her journey from being inspired by her grandmother's cooking to pursuing formal culinary education and gaining hands-on experience in professional kitchens. She discusses her entrepreneurial venture in Puerto Rico, her international culinary experiences, and her unique fusion of Puerto Rican and Spanish flavors. The conversation also touches on the role of food in travel, menu development, overcoming kitchen challenges, and favorite dishes.


Episode Highlights:

  • Zoe Baez's culinary journey (00:01:22) Chef Zoe discusses her background, passion for cooking, and her culinary experiences in different states.
  • Influences in culinary passion (00:04:25) Zoe talks about her early influences, including her grandmother and her first experiences with cooking.
  • Memorable family dishes (00:07:51) Chef Zoe shares her favorite dishes from her grandmother and her own culinary experiments with beer-infused dishes.
  • Career choice and early kitchen experiences (00:10:55) Zoe Baez discusses her decision to pursue a career in the culinary industry and her early experiences in professional kitchens.
  • Learning through diverse kitchen experiences (00:17:19) Zoe explains how working in different kitchens and communities has enriched her knowledge and skills as a chef.
  • Exploring new culinary experiences (00:18:46) Zoe Baez discusses her approach to exploring new places and their culinary specialties when traveling.
  • Signature Dishes (00:23:44) Chef Zoe describes a memorable dish she created that represents her culinary style and heritage.
  • Menu Development (00:29:09) Zoe explains her approach to menu development, considering seasonality, local availability, and the preferences of her clients.


Key Takeaways:

1. Find Your Inspiration: Discover what ignites your culinary passion, whether it's a family tradition, a favorite TV show, or a memorable meal.
2. Invest in Education: Formal training and hands-on experience are crucial steps in becoming a professional chef.
3. Be Bold: Take risks and start your own culinary venture, using customer feedback to refine your creations.
4. Travel and Learn: Exploring different cultures and cuisines can significantly broaden your culinary expertise and perspective.


Website and Socials
chefzoebaez.com
X: @chefzoebaez
Instagram: chefzoebaez
Facebook: Zoé Baez
LinkedIn: Zoe Baez


🎙️ Hey foodies! If you enjoyed my chat with renowned chef Zoe Baez on "The Truth in This Art," don't forget to visit and support her website and social media links to stay updated on her culinary adventures. Also, please take a moment to rate and review this episode—it really helps us grow! And if you love what we're doing, consider supporting us on Patreon to keep the delicious content coming. Your support means the world! 🌟🍽️

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
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Chef Zoe Baez
Guest
Chef Zoe Baez
In the realm of culinary arts, I hold a steadfast belief: connections reign supreme. It is through the shared experience of dining that we forge some of life's most meaningful bonds. With over 15 years of honing my craft across esteemed establishments in Madrid, the United States, and Puerto Rico, including a tenure as Executive Chef at the renowned Arecibo Observatory, I have cultivated a profound appreciation for the power of gastronomy in fostering connections. My journey began with formal training at a prestigious culinary institution in Puerto Rico, and has since evolved into a multifaceted career as a Personal Chef, bilingual ServSafe-certified instructor, culinary branding instructor, catering manager, culinary consultant and mentor. I pride myself on seamlessly blending my culinary expertise with a keen aptitude for hospitality, ensuring every interaction at the table is not just a meal, but a memorable experience. Beyond the kitchen, I've augmented my skill set with courses in Business, Branding, Social Media, and Email Marketing, underscoring my commitment to staying at the vanguard of industry trends. In my leisure, I find solace and inspiration in the company of my family, while also seeking out collaborative endeavors within the dynamic Food & Beverage landscape.
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