The sky is the limit for the Dubai-based chef, as she brings her culinary prowess to a range of new hospitality projects, from California to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Since first starting work at the tender age of 13, Vanessa Bayma has always been called to the kitchen. Inspired by the vibrant cooking of her passionate Sicilian and Brazilian grandmothers, Chef Bayma has carved out an impressive 20-year career in the hospitality industry, working as an executive chef, catering chef, and renowned F&B consultant, as well as a private chef to HNWIs, celebrities, and royal families in the Mediterranean, UAE, and KSA.
Now, Chef Bayma’s culinary flair and unique flavour combinations are finding new audiences, as the acclaimed professional brings her nous to four hotly anticipated openings and menu launches in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman, and the USA.
Saal comes to Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Chef Bayma has been instrumental in the opening of Saal, a chic new all-day restaurant in Al-Andalus, Jeddah. Chef Bayma lent her expertise to the design of the kitchen and the menus, training the kitchen team and setting the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the restaurant. “With a focus on beautiful sharing boards laden with hummus, labneh and figs, alongside virtuous juices and smoothies, Saal exemplifies my commitment to fresh, flavourful produce, simply prepared and beautifully presented,” says Chef Bayma.
A new leaf for Toss & Co.
As part of her role as Brand Executive Chef for Toss & Co., Chef Bayma has also been busy relaunching the menus for the Dubai-born fast-casual restaurant group with healthy eating at its heart. With three outlets in Dubai, the brand will soon be expanding into Saudi Arabia and Oman. “Toss & Co. is all about serving feel-good food that nourishes the body and nurtures the soul. With a focus on great-tasting dishes that are convenient, affordable and good for you, it’s a food philosophy that is close to my heart. I’m delighted to be working with Toss & Co. to help bring their culinary vision to life in Dubai and soon across the GCC,” says Brand Executive Chef Bayma.
From Al Ain to LA
It’s not every day a UAE success story makes it all the way to the USA! Al Ain’s Reverse Café is bounding onto the California culinary scene, when it opens in Los Angeles at the end of the year. In order to translate the Al Ain favourite to the American market, Chef Bayma has been tasked with adding a Californian spin to the menu. Local standouts include luscious vegan cheesecakes and fruit-forward desserts that will work a treat in the LA heat. Stay tuned for details on this exciting international expansion. “It’s been such a treat to help bring the Reverse concept to California,” says Chef Bayma. “All of the things we love about the original Al Ain menu – the brilliant levantine flavors, the icy cold lattes – are perfectly suited to the warm Los Angeles climate.”
Culinary revival in Oman
A project that has been 14 months in the making, Revival is soon to open its doors in Oman. For this high-end restaurant situated in the exclusive Muscat hills, Chef Bayma has advised on the kitchen design and curated the menu development, hosting on-site training of the culinary team and guiding the passionate owners in the direction of their offerings; “I’m excited to see Revival come to life, bringing a new level of dining to the Omani capital,” says Chef Bayma.
While these exciting hospitality projects take flight, Chef Bayma continues to fly the flag for exceptional event experiences in Dubai. Chef Bayma and her team at CBC are available to hire for private chef experiences for villa parties, yachts, and exclusive events.