CHEF JESSE MERCHANT ZUNIGA
An LA native, despite having an art history degree, Jesse decided to pursue a culinary career after working at Sunday Suppers in Brooklyn. After graduating from the International Culinary Center, she cut her teeth as a pastry chef at Lilia (James Beard Winner). From there, she went on to fine-tune her skills at respected New York restaurants like Wildair and Cervo's and eventually, as a sous chef at Hart’s in Brooklyn. Currently, along with husband Javier Zuniga, she is the Chef/Co-Owner of Bad Habit, a high-end ice cream brand, and Caleta, a small plates concept due to open in January 2023.
