We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vinny Bhatia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vinny , appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

At BabyBlu Catering we focus on making every culinary experience unforgettable by blending eclectic flavors and techniques from Mediterranean and South Asian cuisines. Unlike the industry standard of sticking to safe or predictable menus, we specialize in creating fun, unique dishes that push boundaries and leave guests talking long after the event ends.
Our process is highly collaborative; we treat each menu like an art piece tailored to the event’s theme and client’s vision. From crafting Neapolitan-style pizzas with South Asian flair to creating personalized tasting menus that celebrate diverse cultures, we pride ourselves on innovation and attention to detail.
It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s curating wine pairings or offering interactive pop-ups, we focus on bringing people together through vibrant, memorable moments.

Vinny , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always believed that food is so much more than just nourishment—it’s a bridge that connects people, cultures, and memories. My journey into the culinary world started at a young age, thanks to the incredible influences in my life, both inside and outside my family. When I was about four years old, my parents arranged for me to have a Filipino babysitter. Little did they know, that decision would introduce me to a whole new world of flavors. From lumpia to adobo, those early days expanded my palate and sparked my lifelong love of exploring diverse cuisines. It was my first taste of how food could open doors to new cultures and experiences.
My family also played a huge role in shaping my passion for food and hospitality. My dad worked in corporate hospitality at Wyndham, which meant we traveled a lot. Those adventures exposed me to an incredible variety of cultures, cuisines, and dining experiences, teaching me that food is a universal language that connects us all. His work also showed me the importance of creating memorable experiences for others—a lesson that still drives my work today.
At home, my mom’s passion for cooking was unmatched. She effortlessly crafted delicious Indian dishes that filled our home with warmth and love. Watching her cook taught me the value of tradition and the magic that happens when you pour your heart into every dish. Her influence is woven into everything I create today.
Then there’s my older brother, my biggest supporter and motivator. He saw my love for food early on and pushed me to pursue it as a career, even when it meant taking risks. His belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my passion and build the career I have today.

Now, I run BabyBlu Catering by SkyBlu Hospitality Group LLC, specializing in eclectic luxury catering, private chef experiences, and wine-focused events. Our menus are deeply personal, blending Mediterranean, South Asian, and global flavors to create unforgettable dining experiences. Whether it’s crafting adventurous dishes or fine dining tasting menus, my goal is always to tell a story through food and make every meal a journey.
What sets us apart? It’s our commitment to personalization and creativity. We specialize in solving problems for clients who want something truly unique—whether it’s an intimate private dinner, a large-scale event, or a brunch concept that has guests talking long after the plates are cleared.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how our work brings people together. Food has this extraordinary power to create shared moments, and being part of those moments is something I cherish deeply. At BabyBlu Catering, we’re not just serving food; we’re crafting experiences that leave lasting memories.
To anyone discovering my work for the first time, I want you to know that everything we do is rooted in passion, creativity, and connection. Whether it’s through our catering, events, or culinary collaborations, my team and I are here to make your dining experience as extraordinary and unique as the people we serve. Let’s create something unforgettable together!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was that success is a straight path—you set a goal, work hard, and eventually, you arrive. It sounds simple, but life taught me that success is more like navigating a maze, full of unexpected detours and dead ends, and sometimes, you even have to double back to find your way.
The backstory? Early in my culinary journey, I was laser-focused on what I thought was the “right” way to build a career: attend prestigious events, partner with big names, and check all the boxes that screamed success on paper. I poured everything into crafting the perfect pitch for clients and creating flawless menus, thinking this would guarantee a steady trajectory toward my goals.
But then, life threw its curveballs—canceled events, unforeseen challenges, COVID, and sometimes even clients who just didn’t vibe with my creative vision. At first, I saw these moments as failures, as though I’d somehow missed the mark. But over time, I realized these weren’t setbacks; they were lessons.
One turning point was when I shifted my focus to creating from the heart, embracing eclecticism, and being unapologetically bold with my ideas—whether it was fusing Mediterranean and South Asian flavors or designing menus with a flair for the unexpected. I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success and started building something uniquely my own.
Success is not about a linear climb but about resilience, creativity, and the ability to pivot. It’s about staying open to reinvention and being okay with charting your own course, even if it looks wildly different from what you initially envisioned. That’s when I learned to trust my instincts and lean into the detours—they often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

There are so many ways to grow clientele from social media to websites like Thumbtack and Bark. Since there are so many caterers already utilizing social media, I had to find a way to standout. After working on it for a year, I can safely say the best way Ive grown my clientele is by simply telling my story. I’ve presented my company as a different caterer, one who is focused on creating a unique experience for each and every client. No 2 menus are the same and I ensure that each of my clients menu fits their theme, vibe, and feeling of the event. This has helped people understand my business and what they can expect by working with me. This strategy has really helped me reach a larger audience and helped my presence grow online!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Baabyblucatering.com
• Instagram: Babyblucatering
• Youtube: BabyBluChef
• Other: TikTok-BabyBluChef

Image Credits

Credit: Vinny Bhatia – BabyBlu Catering by SkyBlu Hospitality Group LLC