Salt Lake's upscale, Modern Bistro

Located in Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City ● 801.363.5454

An authentically European-inspired restaurant in downtown SLC

A refreshing elevated dining experience that doesn't take itself too seriously, Bambara puts a chic, modern spin on traditional European fare with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Savor 24 Hour Wagyu Short Ribs that melt in your mouth. Sip signature cocktails with friends, old and new. Linger awhile in the strikingly sophisticated ambiance with none of the pretentiousness.

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JV Hernandez

Executive Chef

With 15 years of culinary experience, Executive Chef JV Hernandez brings a diverse background rooted in American cuisine with European and Japanese influences, as well as personal touches inspired by his childhood with a fine dining twist.

Originally from Puerto Rico, the love for cooking runs in JV's family as his father and grandmothers were chefs. Initially working in sales and revenue management, JV took a leap of faith to follow in his family’s legacy and pursued a career in gastronomy, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2012.

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Since then, his career has spanned high-level roles working and learning alongside prestigious chefs, including a Chef de Cuisine role at Mercantile Dining & Provision in Denver, where he cooked alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Alex Seidel and Chef de Cuisine at The Joule Hotel in Dallas where he was mentored by Chef Junior Borges, a James Beard Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Chef. Most recently, JV was Culinary Director at Rear View Mirror Concepts where he oversaw kitchen operations for Community Supper Club’s upscale casual French-American dining and Birdhouse’s casual dining concept in Lafayette, CO.

At Bambara, JV focuses on creating seasonal menus that highlight local ingredients, building relationships with nearby farms to craft unique culinary experiences with a local connection – something he’s very passionate about.

When he’s not leading a kitchen, JV loves spending time outdoors with his dog, Truffle, and enjoys activities like mountain biking, hiking and snowboarding.

Thanksgiving at Bambara

Celebrate with us for a stress-free, memorable Thanksgiving, blending the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of Friendsgiving celebrations.

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