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! 🌟🍽️
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About “The Truth In This Art“
Hosted by Rob Lee, “The Truth In This Art” podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.
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