Team Member Spotlight: Vanessa Bejar, Pastry Chef at Musical Instrument Museum
January 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix is known for more than just its impressive collection of instruments and cultural exhibits. Thanks to the creativity of Guest Services’ pastry chef Vanessa Bejar and her collaboration with the talented MIM team, Café Allegro and Beats Coffee Bar® offer guests a flavorful experience to complement their visit.
From Passion to Profession
For Vanessa, the journey into pastry began at an early age. “I started baking when I was about 7 or 8 years old, helping my mom make goodie baskets for the holidays,” she shared. “I fell in love with baking and haven’t stopped since.” Now at MIM, Vanessa works as part of Guest Services’ dedicated culinary team, crafting everything from seasonal pastries to elaborate banquet desserts.
Vanessa’s responsibilities include:
- Weekly-changing desserts: For Café Allegro, tailored to seasonal flavors and ingredients.
- Daily pastry production: For Beats Coffee Bar®, featuring an assortment of cookies, muffins, scones, and breakfast pastries.
- Catering for concerts and banquets: Ranging from casual treats to elegant plated desserts, often with creative themes.
Highlights of 2024
One of Vanessa’s standout moments from 2024 was being featured in MIM’s quarterly newsletter, Quarter Notes, for her seasonal holiday offerings. “It was such a fun experience showcasing the pies and pumpkin cream cheese bread loaves I created for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. You can read more about Vanessa’s holiday creations by checking out her feature in Quarter Notes.
Her contributions to MIM’s nearly year-round concert series have also made a lasting impact. “With concerts happening almost 360 days a year, it’s rewarding to see guests enjoy my creations during such a variety of events,” she noted. Vanessa’s exceptional work is part of a larger Guest Services effort to enhance the guest experience, ensuring every culinary detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For 2025, Vanessa is excited about the creative possibilities that lie ahead, working alongside her team to elevate MIM’s culinary offerings:
- Experience Weekends: These events, tied to MIM’s exhibits, allow Vanessa to craft desserts inspired by diverse cultures, such as Irish, Mexican, or Hawaiian flavors. “It’s a chance to make things I might never attempt otherwise,” she said.
- Expanding the Menu: At Beats Coffee Bar®, Vanessa plans to introduce more seasonal pastry varieties and experiment with new recipes. “I love the creative freedom to try something new and see what resonates with guests,” she added.
Teamwork and Gratitude
Vanessa’s success reflects the collaborative spirit of Guest Services and the outstanding operations at MIM. The teamwork between Vanessa, Café Allegro, Beats Coffee Bar®, and the broader Guest Services culinary group ensures every dish is crafted to delight.
As Vanessa puts it, “I love seeing the joy that desserts bring to others. It makes me happy to know I can brighten someone’s day with something I’ve made.”
We extend our gratitude to Vanessa and the entire MIM team for their dedication and creativity, which continue to make the museum a memorable destination for guests from around the world.