Jesse Bajana is a California-born chef, culinary storyteller, and food content creator known for celebrating coastal cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and the craft of cooking with intention. After more than 15 years in luxury kitchens—including Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Montage Laguna Beach, L’Auberge Del Mar, and Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa—Jesse shifted his focus from restaurant leadership to sharing his knowledge directly with home cooks and aspiring chefs.

Guided by the seasons, his cooking reflects a deep respect for local produce, small farms, and the natural flavors of ingredients at their peak. Jesse now develops recipes, teaches cooking fundamentals, and creates approachable, technique-driven content that empowers others to cook with confidence.

Through his platform Jess Baja Custom Chef, he blends chef-level craft with real-world simplicity, offering tutorials, product recommendations, culinary storytelling, and food education that’s grounded, flavorful, and always accessible.

Jesse’s perspective remains rooted in creativity, camaraderie, and the joy of food as a shared experience—whether in a professional kitchen or around a home table.