Cristina Baez

Cristina has built the foundation of her career taking it one step at a time and putting in the work. She has done every role possible in the hospitality industry. She understands what it takes at every level to deliver consistently high-quality hospitality but most of all the love and care for the industry and everyone involved in it. She has spent well over a decade on the operations side of hospitality and cooking whenever possible.

In her mid 20's she became one of the youngest culinary instructors at the university in Carolina, Puerto Rico. During that time she also taught at one of the best culinary schools in the Caribbean, The Universidad del Este. Subsequently, she was the Founding Partner at Ataula restaurant and 180 Xurros in Portland, OR, considered some of Portland’s favorite gatherings and unique places to visit. In 2015, missing the kitchen heat and rhythm she began hosting a pop up, a dinner series that was rooted on her culture and the flavors she couldn’t find in the PNW.

Over the years she has collaborated with Eater national, ChefsFeed, Portland Monthly, Washington Post, and Sunset Magazine. Over time she has been mentoring young hospitality professionals and consulting entrepreneurs in Portland, Bend, New York, and Puerto Rico.

All these experiences and her strong culinary background have created a rediscovery journey of her love of storytelling and the magic that happens when people share a meal no matter their background. Because it’s not only cooking but a dish's history and journey to the table and the importance of documenting it whenever possible. She believes this is how we honor where we come from as well as how we can continue to push culture forward.

In 2021 she moved with her family from Portland, OR, to upstate New York where she is currently doing consulting and working at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.

- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality and Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, NY
- Workshop with Delores Custer on Food Photography & Food Styling
- Permaculture Design Certification