Michelle Ochoa
Fenton,MO
Summary
Adept Pastry Chef with a proven track record at Russell's, where I elevated bakery offerings through advanced baking techniques and kitchen safety. Mastered dough handling and presentation management, significantly reducing dessert production expenses. My leadership not only improved team performance but also enhanced customer satisfaction with custom, artistically decorated cakes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Pastry Chef
Russell's
Fenton, MO
03.2007 - Current
- Trained junior pastry staff in advanced baking techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly cleaned, maintained, stored and calibrated regularly.
- Coordinated supplies, placed orders and managed stock on hand for bakery.
- Oversaw pastry production for catering, pick-up orders and in-store customers.
- Created custom cakes for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.
- Developed special menu items to improve business offerings.
- Monitored color of baking items to raise or lower temperature or remove from oven.
- Implemented cost-control measures, effectively decreasing dessert production expenses.
- Combined ingredients by hand and with electric mixing equipment.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas for improvement in product offerings or processes.
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted.
- Inspected all bakery products and removed any found to possess defects.
- Planned daily production schedules based on customer orders and sales forecasts.
- Managed inventory of baking supplies and ingredients, reducing waste.
- Adhered to safety protocols to minimize mishaps and accidents with baking equipment.
- Calculated and adjusted baking times and temperatures for different oven types, ensuring consistent results.
- Implemented a system for tracking and minimizing food waste in the pastry department.
- Decorated cakes with intricate designs and patterns.
- Measured and weighed ingredients to prepare dough for recipes.
- Coached new staff on policies, procedures and performance strategies.
- Inspected finished goods before packaging them up for sale or delivery.
- Customized items for seasonal offerings, special events and personal requests.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
- Assisted in menu planning for all pastry items.
- Met with customers to discuss needed bakery items and take orders.
- Utilized artistic skills to decorate cakes and pastries, enhancing presentation and customer satisfaction.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
Education
Culinary Arts
L' Ecole Culinaire- St.Louis
Ladue, Missouri01-2007
Skills
- Presentation management
- Dough handling
- Restaurant experience
- Catering expertise
- Precision measuring
- Sugar artistry
Timeline
Pastry Chef
Russell's
03.2007 - Current
Culinary Arts
L' Ecole Culinaire- St.Louis
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