Wendy Sherwood
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Dedicated pastry chef and chocolatier with more than 20 years of experience in fine dining and artisan pastry production, management and education. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills and connects with students from diverse backgrounds.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Chocolatier
La Forêt Chocolate
04.2010 - 07.2022
- Founded artisan chocolate company producing chocolates and confections for sale in Napa Valley boutique, online, fine dining restaurants and local wineries.
- Managed all aspects of business operations from daily production and product creation to online sales and marketing.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Developed in person and remote chocolate demonstrations and tastings.
Guest Chef
Holland America Line
05.2019 - 05.2019
- Presented region specific cooking demonstrations for groups up to 150 guests and hosted wine and food pairing events.
- Created a 5 course fine-dining event for 80 guests including menu development, working with kitchen staff to prepare and execute service.
Lecturing Instructor
Culinary Institute of America
10.2016 - 04.2019
- Full-time faculty position teaching various courses including Contemporary Cakes, International Desserts, Research & Development, Confectionary Arts and Restaurant Operations.
- Improved curriculum by updating recipes and lectures to reflect current industry trends while focusing on fundamental techniques, proper use of equipment and food safety.
- Additional duties included consulting & onsite conferences.
Pastry Chef De Partie/Chocolatier
The French Laundry
05.2008 - 04.2010
- Worked as part of the pastry production team to maintain 3 Michelin star standards in dessert production and service.
- Created and produced original chocolates, mignardises, menu items and show-pieces.
- Additional responsibilities included training of interns and commis, off-site events, ordering and inventory.
Lead Chocolatier
Woodhouse Chocolate
04.2004 - 04.2008
- Involved in all aspects of production of European-style molded and enrobed chocolates, holiday figures and various confections
- Responsible for technical consulting, training staff, and maintaining quality standards.
Executive Pastry Chef
Mustards Grill & Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
06.2002 - 01.2004
- Managed pastry programs at both restaurants, including menu and recipe development, cost control, hiring and training of pastry cooks, staff education, general kitchen management, ordering and inventory, special event catering.
Extern
Patrick Roger Chocolatier
12.2001 - 02.2002
- Three month paid externship with Patrick Roger, M.O.F., assisting in the creation of artisanal chocolates.
- Gained detailed knowledge of all aspects of chocolate work, from production to packaging.
Baker
The New French Bakery
09.1997 - 04.1998
- Responsible for daily production of laminated dough, French breakfast pastries, as well as assisting pastry chefs with production of classic French cakes and tarts.
Education
Diplôme de Pâtisserie - Baking And Pastry Arts
Le Cordon Bleu
Paris, France11.2001
Master of Arts - Cinema Studies
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Film Studies
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN05.1998
Skills
- Expert Pastry and Chocolate Skills
- Advanced Knowledge of Baking and Culinary Arts
- Proper Food Handling and Kitchen Safety
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Recipe Development and Writing
- Classroom Management and Individual Instruction
- Cooking Demonstration, In Person and Virtual
- Retail Sales, Customer Service and Marketing
- Small Business Operations Management
Other Interests
- Canning and Food Preservation
- Gardening
- Paper Marbling and Bookbinding
- Contemporary French Literature
- Travel Writing
Timeline
Guest Chef
Holland America Line
05.2019 - 05.2019
Lecturing Instructor
Culinary Institute of America
10.2016 - 04.2019
Owner/Chocolatier
La Forêt Chocolate
04.2010 - 07.2022
Pastry Chef De Partie/Chocolatier
The French Laundry
05.2008 - 04.2010
Lead Chocolatier
Woodhouse Chocolate
04.2004 - 04.2008
Executive Pastry Chef
Mustards Grill & Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
06.2002 - 01.2004
Extern
Patrick Roger Chocolatier
12.2001 - 02.2002
Baker
The New French Bakery
09.1997 - 04.1998
Diplôme de Pâtisserie - Baking And Pastry Arts
Le Cordon Bleu
Master of Arts - Cinema Studies
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Film Studies
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
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