Ghaya Oliveira
Ghaya Oliveira | |
|---|---|
| Born | Tunisia |
| Occupation(s) | Pastry chef, culinary professional |
| Known for | James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef (2017) |
Ghaya Oliveira is a pastry chef and culinary professional originally from Tunisia, currently working at the renowned New York City establishment Daniel. In 2017, she earned the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
Career
Oliveira's passion for cooking was sparked in her homeland of Tunisia through her grandmother’s traditional custard recipes prepared during Ramadan. After obtaining a degree in economics, she pursued a career in investment banking in Tunis. She later moved to New York City to care for her ailing sister. Since her culinary qualifications from Tunisia were not recognized in the United States, Oliveira explored ballet and held various jobs before starting as a dishwasher at a restaurant. Following her sister’s death, she took on the responsibility of raising her niece.
Her professional culinary journey commenced at Domingo, a restaurant owned by Plácido Domingo, where she progressed to the position of pastry commis chef. Upon Domingo’s closure, Oliveira joined the pastry team at Cafe Boulud in 2001, receiving guidance from the head chef. By 2007, she was promoted to executive pastry chef at Bar Boulud and broadened her responsibilities in 2012 by overseeing pastry operations at Boulud Sud as well.
In 2013, Daniel Boulud selected Oliveira to serve as pastry chef at his flagship venue Daniel, recognizing her exceptional talent and capacity for creativity and development.
Awards
Oliveira was nominated multiple times for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2012, 2015, and 2016. After four nominations, she ultimately secured the award in 2017.