Alexandra Combs
Portland,OR
Summary
Knowledgeable Pastry Chef with robust background in creating innovative and visually stunning desserts. Known for leading teams to develop unique pastry concepts and maintaining high standards in food quality and presentation. Demonstrated expertise in managing kitchen operations and fostering collaborative environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Pastry Chef
Orange & Blossom
Portland, OR
03.2025 - Current
- Led development of innovative patisserie menu, enhancing seasonal offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw daily pastry production, ensuring consistency in quality and presentation across all items.
- Mentored junior pastry chefs, fostering skill development and collaboration within the kitchen team.
- Implemented streamlined processes for inventory management, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency.
Jerry's Tavern
Kitchen Manager
Portland, OR
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Wrote recipes for a "tavern-style" menu
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Pastry Chef
Bar Diane
Portland, OR
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Dreaming up and executing weekly specials.
- Writing recipes and training the staff on how to execute the recipes .
- Training new staff.
- Creating the first desert menu for Bar Diane
- Working sustainably by prioritizing seasonal ingredients and waste product from other menu items.
- Worked alongside the chef to create menus for special event dinners held at Bar Diane and Negociant.
Baker
Patisserie Jacqui
Bisbee, AZ
10.2021 - 12.2022
- Dreaming up and executing weekly specials.
- Creating inventory and ordering systems.
- Hiring and Training.
- Rewriting hard copies of shop recipes.
- Writing job descriptions.
- Working FOH
Sous Chef
Prism
Berlin, Germany, Germany
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Gained experience working in a 1 Michelin Star kitchen
- Effectively manage a 6+ person kitchen.
- Help to ensure all plates going out are of the best quality possible.
- Assigning prep lists, and managing shopping lists daily.
- Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to source best ingredients at best prices.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
Chef de Cuisine
Coffee Circle
Berlin, Germany, Germany
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Adjusted a kitchen to a Covid friendly environment.
- Worked to build an online store and in person market to continue to sell our products through lock down.
- Collaborated with vendors to source desired recipe ingredients while maintaining tight cost controls.
- Created menus and designed corresponding recipes for Coffee Circle Cafes.
- Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers and waiters.
- Modernized processes for kitchen staff to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
- Hired, managed and trained kitchen staff.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Head Chef
KAFFEEBAR
Berlin, Germany, Germany
06.2018 - 01.2020
- Effectively managed 4+ kitchen employees.
- Designed unique menus using sustainable and seasonal products.
- Hired, trained, and managed kitchen personnel.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity and presentation.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
Cake Decorator
Katies Blue Cat
Berlin, Germany, Germany
05.2016 - 06.2018
- In charge of morning baking duties.
- Organized orders for independent customers and other cafes.
Chef de Patisserie, GLASS
Berlin, Germany, Germany
11.2015 - 05.2016
- Baking all of the breads fresh daily.
- Executing all of the pastry related recipes, and plating the desserts during service.
- In charge of all of the dishes coming from the cold foods line.
Pastry Chef
Village Baker
Oregon
09.2014 - 12.2014
- Working with Breads and pastries.
- Gained experience working a grave yard shift.
Pastry Chef
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Oregon
01.2014 - 11.2014
- Making everything from morning pastries to frozen desserts.
- Writing banquet menus.
- Ordering ingredients.
- Writing preplists for kitchen staff.
Server/Bartender
Five Pine Resort
Oregon
05.2012 - 01.2014
- Exclusively worked weddings.
- Helped organize reception and rehearsal drink menus set-up.
Education
Associates of Science - Baking and Pastry Arts
Cascade Culinary Institute
OregonSkills
- Recipes and menu planning
- Stocking and Replenishing
- Conflict Resolution
- Workflow Optimization
- Fine-dining expertise
- Menu Development
Languages
German
Timeline
Head Pastry Chef
Orange & Blossom
03.2025 - Current
Jerry's Tavern
Kitchen Manager
06.2024 - 10.2024
Pastry Chef
Bar Diane
12.2022 - 06.2024
Baker
Patisserie Jacqui
10.2021 - 12.2022
Sous Chef
Prism
09.2020 - 06.2021
Chef de Cuisine
Coffee Circle
01.2020 - 08.2020
Head Chef
KAFFEEBAR
06.2018 - 01.2020
Cake Decorator
Katies Blue Cat
05.2016 - 06.2018
Chef de Patisserie, GLASS
11.2015 - 05.2016
Pastry Chef
Village Baker
09.2014 - 12.2014
Pastry Chef
Sunriver Resort
01.2014 - 11.2014
Server/Bartender
Five Pine Resort
05.2012 - 01.2014
Associates of Science - Baking and Pastry Arts
Cascade Culinary Institute