Alison Elkins
Castle Rock,Washington
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Pastry Chef / Event Lead Culinary Chef
Herban Feast Catering by Landmark Event Company
Seattle, Washington
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Developed seasonal pastry recipes using market trend analysis, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Managed $50K+ monthly inventory while reducing waste through FIFO systems and labeling protocols
- Trained 8+ staff on equipment operation, reducing recipe errors, and insuring consistency.
- Coordinated monthly events (up to 500 guests), achieving on-time delivery
- Assisted in preparing and designing pastries for various events and functions.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal dessert menus for catering services.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the pastry kitchen area.
- Maintained zero health code violations through daily sanitation audits
Production Chef / Pastry Chef
Elliott's on Linden
Pinehurst, NC
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Customized daily pastries for high-profile events with dietary accommodations
- Streamlined production for restaurant and café projects, improving deadline compliance.
- Prepared high-quality dishes following established recipes and presentation standards.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
- Monitored food safety practices to ensure compliance with health regulations.
Prep Chef / Culinary Assistant
Herban Feast Catering
Seattle, WA
11.2019 - 11.2021
- Executed precision prep for weddings and events during peak season
- Reduced spoilage through strategic inventory rotation
- Prepared ingredients for various catering events following standardized recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace and equipment.
- Assisted chefs in assembling and plating dishes for client presentations.
- Collaborated with team members to meet deadlines during high-volume service periods.
- Ensured all food products were stored correctly in accordance with health code regulations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic knife skills such as chopping herbs or dicing vegetables.
Education
A.A.S. - Culinary Arts
Nicolet College
Rhinelander, WI 08.2013 - 12.2015
Skills
- Pastry Development
- Recipe Costing
- Menu Planning
- Baking Science
- Combi Ovens
- Piping Techniques
- Inventory
- Food safety compliance
- Pastry preparation
- Inventory management
- Event coordination
- Staff training
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Dessert presentation
- Culinary production
Summary
Food is memories before it becomes flavor. I cook to create those moments. A flavor-first chef with 6+ years in catering, crafting memorable taste experiences – passionate about perfect pastry combinations, as well as savory depth and complimentary flavors. I thrive on creative collaboration, refining recipes with fellow chefs or syncing with event teams to dazzle guests. I believe exceptional food balances artistry with intuition, and I’m always hungry to learn new techniques!
Certification
- Washington State Food Handler Permit
- MAST Card (Alcohol Compliance)
Notes
- All references notified and approved for contact
Professional References
- April Smith, Executive Pastry Chef, Herban Feast by Landmark Event Co., 206-453-8460
- Janet Doolin, Office Manager, 206-503-0707
- Hannah Hamilton, Catering Ops and Sales, On Safari Foods, 425-354-7691
Timeline
Assistant Pastry Chef / Event Lead Culinary Chef
Herban Feast Catering by Landmark Event Company
06.2023 - 02.2025
Production Chef / Pastry Chef
Elliott's on Linden
01.2022 - 11.2022
Prep Chef / Culinary Assistant
Herban Feast Catering
11.2019 - 11.2021
A.A.S. - Culinary Arts
Nicolet College
08.2013 - 12.2015