ABOUT BAMBARA
A Modern Dining Experience in Downtown Salt Lake
Experience sophisticated dining at Bambara in Salt Lake City, where creativity and authenticity shape every dish. Reserve a table or drop in to enjoy seasonal menus featuring the finest ingredients from local farms and fisheries in our bountiful region. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or embracing a spontaneous night out, expect elevated details, thoughtful service, and a setting that is effortlessly chic and refined.
Executive Chef
JV Hernandez
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Chef JV Hernandez’s culinary journey has taken him across the globe, from the Virgin Islands to San Diego, Dallas, Maine, Denver, and Orlando. While his career path initially led him into revenue management and sales, he found his true calling in the kitchen after a moment of inspiration watching a Le Cordon Bleu commercial. Trading the corporate world for the culinary arts, he attended culinary school in Dallas and never looked back.
With 15 years of experience in the industry, Chef JV has trained under Michelin-starred and James Beard-winning chefs, honing his expertise in French-American, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. His early culinary roots were shaped by his family—his father a chef, his grandmothers were talented cooks, and his great-grandmother running a farm where seasonality dictated every meal. Those formative experiences instilled in him a deep respect for fresh ingredients and the importance of food as a cultural and communal experience.
Chef JV’s passion for mentorship continues to be a driving force in his career. He believes in fostering a positive kitchen culture, one where young cooks have a voice, feel encouraged, and are inspired to push culinary boundaries without fear of burnout. His approach emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and the removal of ego from the kitchen.
Since arriving in Salt Lake City in August 2024, Chef JV has been on a mission to elevate the local dining scene. At Bambara, his vision is to introduce fresh flavor profiles, innovative techniques, and a new level of culinary excellence for the revered restaurant.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef JV is an outdoor enthusiast, spending weekends snowboarding in Park City or hanging out with his border collie, Truffle, who has been by his side for 13 years. As he continues to explore and contribute to Salt Lake City’s evolving food culture, Chef JV is eager to collaborate with fellow chefs, create unforgettable dining experiences, and inspire the next generation of culinary talent.