The next generation of culinary artisans are changing up the industry. These artisans have a whole new approach to reaching and satisfying the next generation consumer. In this podcast we will explore chefs and artisans from around the world diving into their story and passion.

In this episode of Chef AF, I chat with Pastry Chef Maria Arenas from ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho about growing up in Argentina, her grandmother’s influence and her passion for desserts.

Arenas was originally from Buenos Aires, she grew up with the art of baking at an early age. Her grandmother owned her own cake business and was an established pastry director at the local culinary school. Arenas worked on her baking skills, she studied at Escuela de Arte Gastronómico and Instituto Argentino De Gastronomía in Buenos Aires.

I asked Arenas about her grandmother’s influence and she said, “she was a pastry cook, she started as a pastry cook and then a couple years later she had a pastry school. You know she was a very important pastry chef in Argentina so growing up with her I was super amazed about what she was doing and seeing all her work.”

In Argentina, Arenas strengthened her skills and was able to work in operations in front of house experiences as well. She discovered her passion was truly to focus on being a pastry chef. She left Argentina in 2018 and moved to Arizona. In 2019 Arenas started with the Hotel Valley Ho’s ZuZu Restaurant in Scottsdale. Arenas was promoted and was able to work as pastry lead under the pastry chef at the restaurant.

Arenas talks about the difference in making pastries in Argentina and coming to the United States and learning a new way of baking. Arenas says, “I learned so much since I've been working in ZuZu.” She said it's amazing now that she is the pastry chef, she never stops learning, she reads books, watches videos and is always trying new recipes.

To hear Arenas talk about supply chain challenges and her drive to create desserts that are the star of the hotel, plus get her Macarons recipe check out this episode of Chef AF “It’s All Food.” You can listen to this episode and more on Spotify!