Chefs
Ana Esteves
Young and energetic, Ana’s passion for food has deep roots in her mother’s Lebanese heritage and her father’s love of cooking. Growing up in Venezuela with a family who thrived on flavours, fresh ingredients and enticing smells, Ana seized the opportunity to spend two weeks at her father’s friend’s restaurant in Miami. Two weeks became an entire summer and her culinary career began. First it was to France and Universite Marc Bloch - alongside which came new food and great wine. Returning to Miami Ana graduated summa cum laude from Johnson and Wales University with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science encompassing Hospitality and Restaurant Management. Whilst studying full-time, Ana completed her internship at the prestigious Azul Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental under internationally acclaimed Chef Clay Conley. She then landed a prime position with Cacao Restaurant, named as one of America’s leading establishments in terms of innovative cuisine. Last winter took Ana to Peru to Cala Restaurant (on Summum Guides’ top 10 list in Peru) where she consulted on their new menu. She expanded her horizons in the kitchen of Rafael’s, listed in Summum’s Top 3. Ana arrives at SALT with a wealth of experience and fresh new ideas from across the globe. She is set to take an award winning kitchen team to the next level with her creative and contemporary flavour-based approach.