Ep. 1603 Bilena Settepani | The Next Generation

Welcome to Episode 1603 in which host Victoria Cece interviews Bilena Settepani this week on The Next Generation. The Next Generation where Victoria Cece interviews young Italian wine people, 30 and under, shaking up the wine scene. More about today’s guest Bilena Settepani is a talented young entrepreneur, and pastry chef, raised in a family of both bakers and restaurateurs, and from a young age, she was immersed in the world of food and hospitality. Bilena’s first word was “Dabo” which in Ethiopia means bread; many of our patrons have seen Bilena work every position from starting as in her early teen’s maître d, bussing, waiting tables, bartender, manager and more as she studied and even on the side as she started a career in fashion. When the pandemic hit she dropped everything and quit her job to step up and take care of the family's business while the Settepani family like everyone else was facing hardship in all aspects of life. Bilena's passion for pastry began at a young age, as she would spend time at both locations but always trying to get her hands on the action and was always curious to try things. Her love for food goes beyond the kitchen as she also runs our monthly classes. After receiving a degree at High Point University, she attended Institute of Culinary Education where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of pastry making. After graduation, she worked in some of the top pastry kitchens in the world, gaining valuable experience and perfecting her craft. Bilena is the vision behind the brand at Settepani, she overseas out marketing and works side by side with Chef Nino to constantly evolve to pastry program at Settepani, where she is responsible for creating the restaurant's dessert menu, managing our e - commerce, and overseeing the pastry line of products. She brought a fresh and innovative perspective to the business, when she decided to help her family bring Settepani forward instead of folding when times get tough. She has helped to elevate the Settepani brand and expand its reach beyond the local community, and continues to find ways to give back to our community. Connect: Website settepani.com/ Instagram www.instagram.com/bilenasettepani/ More about the host: Victoria Cece is a food and beverage storyteller whose curiosity is somewhere deep in a bowl of pasta or a bottle of wine. A fool for history, you can find her reading up about ancient grape varietals or wandering around a little Italian town eating everything in sight, under her alias Slutti Spaghetti. Connect: Instagram: @sluttispaghetti Twitter: @sluttispaghetti LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cece/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! If you want to be part of the next generation then like and share this track! We will remember you when you need dentures and a straw for your wine!