Chula Vista is home to a bakery where the business is rising as fast as its dough. Its culinary works of art are now supporting the arts at Southwestern College.
Aglay Salum, a professional pastry maker and owner of Maya Chiang, agreed to bring some luster to the last art exhibit opening, restoring a little pinoche during a year of brutal budget cuts and layoffs.
SWC's art department suffered a terrible loss when events coordinator Sylvia Lugo was laid off in June. Lugo was the arts sparkplug with dozens of responsibilities, including organizing receptions complete with traditional food and beverages.
Vallo Riberto, instructor of art and gallery technician, found Salum, who graciously agreed to sponsor the Biennual Faculty Exhibit.
Salum is a pastry maker with 20 years of experience who earned her degree from the San Diego Culinary Institute. She has catered for many restaurants including some hosted by Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox.
"I love it and feel very fortunate to do what I love for a living," said Salum.
Riberto said Salum's pastries are tasty and very classy.
"She's made all of the delicacies for the opening by hand, creating an elegant event," said Riberto.
Salum said she is happy to be involved with SWC. A resident of Chula Vista, she believes it is important to be involved with the community and its young people.
Elizabeth Sisco, arts department chair and gallery director, said she was sad to lose Lugo, but was happy to have Salum cater the event.
For the opening, Salum created malt chocolate mousse cups, fruit tarts and cakes with "Alice in Wonderland" and Halloween themes.
"Our style is mostly high couture cake," she said. We try to make them fancy and elegant for very sophisticated parties, but we are also open to ideas wanted by the customer when catering for events."
Salum forayed into the pastry business in 1994 when she and her sister opened up a café in Tijuana.
Sparking her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened up her own pastry and café in San Diego. Maya Chiang is a cake boutique and café, located at 357 Third Ave Chula Vista. It opened in January and has proved popular.
Pastries are made fresh daily and are served warm to the customers. She said she will be expanding her menu by adding salads and panninis.
Salum comes from a Mexican and Lebanese background, and said her heritage is a big influence on how she makes her pastries. A lot of Mexican ingredients are used in her food, which helps create a unique and tasty flavor.
"Usually it is a surprise to the customers," said Salum. "They like it and enjoy it. I try to create a flavor that creates excitement in your mouth."
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