Desiree Passaro

Desiree Passaro is the chef and owner of Cannella Bakery & Cafe, a culinary establishment located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.12 Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Passaro has been living in the United States since 2007.1

Culinary Journey

Passaro's culinary career began in 2014 at Maialino in New York City. After three years of honing her skills, she embarked on a journey to explore different cultures and cuisines.1 Her culinary adventures took her to several notable establishments:

• Michelin-starred Mina in Bilbao, Spain
• Chaqchao, an organic chocolate factory in Arequipa, Peru
• Pujol, a San Pellegrino Top 50 Restaurant in Mexico City

Upon returning to New York, she worked at several prestigious restaurants, including:

• The Michelin-starred The Nomad
• Danny Meyer's Union Square Cafe
• Daily Provisions
• Cleaver Co. (for catering experience)

Establishing Cannella

In August 2018, Passaro moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the goal of opening her own bakery and exploring her culinary personality.1 Before launching Cannella, she gained experience at two of San Juan's most celebrated restaurants, Marmalade and Vianda, where she learned about local traditions, flavors, and ingredients.1

Culinary Philosophy

At Cannella, Passaro aims to bring together all of her experiences, highlighting the folklore, quirks, and flavors of Latin America.1 Her approach fuses European and Latin flavors in her creations, which include croissants, cookies, and cakes.2

Passaro's diverse culinary background and passion for exploring different cuisines have shaped her unique approach to baking and cooking, making Cannella Bakery & Cafe a reflection of her journey and expertise in the culinary world.