Laura Pessolano
Provincetown,MA
Summary
Accomplished Executive Pastry Chef with high-level technical and creative expertise with a passion for desserts. Managed team of pastry chefs and earned awards for creativity and quality of work. Excellent organizational skills, and mastery of pastry styles. Dedicated professional with history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Pastry Chef
Blue Monkey Cafe & Bistro
Provincetown, MA
10.2020 - Current
- In charge of all aspects of European pastry division including consultations for specialty cakes
- Customer service is important part of position as well planning and executing various events.
- Aligned seasonal plans with ingredient availability and key area events for optimal promotions.
- Created unique daily specials to drive business growth.
- Produced allergy-friendly gluten-, dairy- and egg-free variations of classic recipes.
Pastry Chef
UnCruise Adventures
Seattle, WA
06.2017 - 04.2020
- Plan and oversee production and presentation of all breads, pastries, desserts and afternoon tea cookies and confections
- Sous Chef responsibilities including plating of all meals
- Maintain accurate inventories to ensure appropriate stock levels and proper rotation of perishable food stores; this includes cleaning and organization of all storage areas
- Work closely with Chef to help create weekly orders based on inventory
Executive Pastry Chef
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, NY
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Direct team of nine pastry chefs in high-end dessert production for high-volume luxury hotel
- Have received high ratings on new items averaging at 94% customer satisfaction rate compared previously to 82% customer satisfaction rate
- Perform monthly baking demonstrations for 100 guests.
Executive Pastry Chef
Chaa Creek Lodge
San Ignacio, Belize
11.2012 - 08.2014
- Trained culinary team in European style pastry, desserts and breads for 5-star Resort
- Managed daily production for two restaurants, including scheduling, organizing and overseeing of students responsible for preparation of all baked goods including ice creams, sorbets, fruit tarts breads, chocolates and show pieces
- Ensured utmost quality and presentation incorporating local ingredients in an artful manner.
Restaurant Consultant
The Guava Limb Cafe
San Ignacio, Belize
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Consultancy included market research, layout, design, purchasing, menu creation, culinary training, job descriptions, hiring, scheduling management and cost control
- Received 5 stars since its debut August 2013.
- Improved customer service policies to maximize satisfaction and build brand loyalty.
- Updated business appearance, decor, social media accounts and promotional strategies.
Pastry Chef
New Season's Market
Portland, OR
10.2010 - 02.2012
- Prepared all desserts and pastries for upscale gourmet market
- Established and maintained food cost within three months of employment
- Received recognition for excellence for being a dedicated team player and showing excellent customer service skills.
- Created weekly menus to keep offerings fresh and interesting for customers.
Executive Catering Director
Clear Blue Catering
New York, NY
01.2007 - 06.2010
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Secured new clients and accounts by analyzing and catering products to specific needs.
- Maintained close working relationships with food and beverage director, head chef and banquet manager.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
Education
Culinary Arts Degree - Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
New School of Social Research: New York Restaurant School
Associate of Applied Business - Business Administration And Management
Berkshire Enterprises
Pittsfield, MAAssociate of Arts - Tourism And Travel Services Marketing Operations
The Travel Institute
Boston, MASkills
- Consultant
- Catering
- Leadership
- Customer Service Excellence
- Highly Proficient - Food Safety and Cooking skills: Advanced food preparation
- Clear Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Administration and Management
- Problem Anticipation and Resolution
Timeline
Executive Pastry Chef
Blue Monkey Cafe & Bistro
10.2020 - Current
Pastry Chef
UnCruise Adventures
06.2017 - 04.2020
Executive Pastry Chef
Mohonk Mountain House
06.2015 - 06.2017
Executive Pastry Chef
Chaa Creek Lodge
11.2012 - 08.2014
Restaurant Consultant
The Guava Limb Cafe
08.2012 - 08.2014
Pastry Chef
New Season's Market
10.2010 - 02.2012
Executive Catering Director
Clear Blue Catering
01.2007 - 06.2010
Culinary Arts Degree - Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
New School of Social Research: New York Restaurant School
Associate of Applied Business - Business Administration And Management
Berkshire Enterprises
Associate of Arts - Tourism And Travel Services Marketing Operations
The Travel Institute
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