Bronx's Celebrated Chef Yala Visited Hostos, Offered Inspiring Advice and Cooked Delicious Dominican Staples
(L-R) Director of Health and Wellness Fabián Wander, Entrepreneur Chef Yala, and Development Officer Idelsa Méndez, one of the main organizers.
Carmen Báez, known widely as Chef Yala, believes that drive and passion are the foundational ingredients for achieving one's dreams. Rising from humble beginnings in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, she has carved a path as a successful business owner, published author, and a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the profound impact of relentless commitment to personal goals. On Wednesday, April 17, she visited Hostos Community College to inspire the community and shed light on her life's journey. This visit was part of the "Nourishing Conversations" series, which highlights critical on-campus resources for students and addresses the pressing issue of food insecurity in the Bronx.
The Division of Institutional Advancement hosted the event in a packed Savoy Multipurpose Room, where Chef Yala conversed with Director of Health and Wellness Fabián Wander, who moderated the event. She opened the dialogue by emphasizing the pivotal role of community in her life and career, underscoring how integral it has been to her success and continued passion.
Chef Yala reminisced about her past and what inspired her to be who she is today.
“I am very grateful to my people and owe myself to them. I started very small, with a tiny grill from Sears that I used to cook food in a small area of my first business endeavor, a hair salon. People started liking what I was making, and it became a big thing. Here I am today,” she said.
Chef Yala began her career by following in the footsteps of her mother, who owned several hair salons. The passing of her mother marked a profoundly difficult period for her, during which she discovered that cooking provided a therapeutic outlet for her grief. As a result, Yala attended culinary school and began to incorporate both hairstyling and cooking into her daily routine. Over time, the rich smells, aromas, and flavors of her native Dominican cuisine captivated her entirely, steering her career solely towards culinary arts. Eventually, Yala sold the hair salon she was running and used the proceeds to rent and then acquire the space and necessary licensure to open what is La Cocina de Yala today. Her restaurant is a highly successful establishment in the Bronx, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and heartfelt hospitality.
In fact, the compelling story of her life and restaurant has attracted much attention, including a memorable visit to La Cocina de Yala by Supreme Court Justice and Bronx native Sonia Sotomayor.
“The day before her visit, a U.S. Marshall was at the restaurant's door, and he told me that they needed ten tables the next day because Sonia Sotomayor wanted to have lunch there. I was shocked and said, ‘Sure.’ The next day, multiple officers were around my place, the entire street was blocked off, and suddenly she came in. It was such an important moment for me. Sotomayor said that she had seen my story in the news, and that’s why she wanted to come to the restaurant,” she remembered. “That’s why I tell everyone always to do your best every day because you never know who is watching.”
Chef Yala offered advice to students.
During the event, Chef Yala seized the opportunity to offer essential advice to students grappling with food insecurity in the Bronx. For instance, she recommended being mindful of seasonal vegetables, which are more affordable than out-of-season options and provide a way to diversify and enrich one's palate.
Chef Yala demonstrated how to cook “bacalao guisado” and “arepitas de yuca.”
After her conversation, the chef answered questions from the public. Then, she did a cooking demonstration of two easy-to-make and flavorful meals of her culture, “bacalao guisado” and “arepitas de yuca.” Four copies of her autobiographical book were raffled among the attendees.
Bacalao guisado.
For those interested in learning more about Chef Yala or visiting La Cocina de Yala, please visit her website, follow her on Instagram, explore her culinary insights in her latest book, or watch some of her recipes on YouTube.
Arepitas de yuca.
This enriching event was sponsored by Educating for Diversity: Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives.
(L-F) Part of the DIA staff with Chef Yala: José Martínez, Idelsa Méndez, Chef Yala, Claudia Hernández, and Kelsey Hillebrand.
Chef Yala talked with students after her presentation.