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Pastry Arts Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Pastry Arts
Pastry Arts Podcast is the leading interview series for pastry & baking professionals and serious enthusiasts. Each episode features intimate conversations with industry leaders who share their career journeys, hard-won wisdom, and professional insights that inspire, educate, and connect our global community.
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- 2 weeks ago35 min
Melissa Weller: Setting a Very High Bar for Allergen-Free Baking at Bub's Bakery
Melissa Weller is an acclaimed baker, pastry chef, and cookbook author with over two decades of experience. Before pursuing her passion for baking, she worked as an engineer, but at 30, she pivoted careers by enrolling at the French Culinary Institute (now the Institute for Culinary Education). Since then, Melissa has built an impressive career in some of the country's most esteemed kitchens, including Babbo, Sullivan Street Bakery, Per Se, Bouchon Bakery, and Roberta's. She was the founding baker at Sadelle's and later served as the head baker at Walnut Street Café in Philadelphia and a chef-partner at High Street on Hudson, where she further cemented her reputation as a leader in the industry. Her expertise and dedication earned her a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Baker in 2016, and in November 2020, she published her first cookbook, A Good Bake (Knopf), sharing her deep knowledge and passion for the craft. In 2024, Melissa partnered with 55 Hospitality to spearhead the opening of Bub's Bakery (opened September 2025), an innovative allergen-free concept, expanding her influence in the baking world while championing inclusivity in pastry. Melissa's career spans New York City, Philadelphia, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where she continues to explore the art and science of baking. Driven by a love of learning and sharing knowledge, she remains a respected voice in the culinary world. Instagram: @melissafunkweller or @bubsbakerynyc Websites: Melissabakesbread.com or bubsbakery.com In this episode we discuss: • What prompted Melissa to pivot from a career in chemical engineering to professional baking • What she learned from mentors at Babbo, Sullivan Street Bakery and Per Se, among others • Juggling her role as a mother with baking at Roberta's in Brooklyn • Becoming an entrepreneur – opening a bagel stand at the market • Opening Sadelle's – where Melissa brought her pastries to a new level • Becoming an author: writing A Good Bake and Very Good Bread • Opening Bub's Bakery, an allergen-free bakery • And much more!
- Apr 22, 202654 min
Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent: The Journey to Excellence, from Michelin-starred Restaurants to Parker, Colorado
Chefs Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent have been mentored by some of the world's most renowned chefs. The two, who are now married, met while working for Joël Robuchon, who was awarded the title "Chef of the Century" in 1989. The two decided to pack their bags and learn from the greats of Europe. They've worked in restaurants in France, Switzerland and Spain, and were selected to work in El Bulli and The Fat Duck, judged to be the number one and number two restaurants in the world during their tenure. They strengthened their gastronomic foundation through invaluable classical French training at Pierre Hermé in Paris. "We have been the recipients of priceless training by some of the best chefs of our time," said Nugent. "We are expressing that knowledge at Poulette Bakeshop, offering delicious food, made with care by a team of passionate people, led by experienced chefs." After returning to the United States from Europe, the pair spearheaded the bread and pastry programs at L2o in Chicago, under the mentorship of Laurent Gras, which was subsequently awarded three Michelin stars. The two then built the French Patisserie program at Bottega Louie in Los Angeles and went on to assist Thomas Keller with Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills. Next, Ramos & Nugent were part of the team that facilitated Quince in San Francisco going from a two Michelin star rating to three stars. The couple's reputation earned them a Research & Development position at the iconic Tartine Bakery in San Francisco where they pushed fresh milled flours and heritage grains to the forefront of artisanal baking. Finally, working under Chefs Jacquy Pfeiffer & Sebastien Canonne as a chef-instructor at The French Pastry School, the nation's top educational facility for baking & pastry education, finalized a love of education and classical French pastry. In 2020, Nugent was honored to have been selected and cast as Chef Assistant to world renowned Chef & Chocolatier, Amaury Guichon, for his debut television show, School of Chocolate, now streaming internationally on Netflix. In 2024, Carolyn & Alen were honored to be nationally recognized as Semifinalists for The James Beard Awards in the category of Best Pastry Chef and Baker. "Our many years of education allowed us the opportunity to create Michelin star style pastry and confections in a large-scale environment," said Ramos. "The techniques we use at Poulette Bakeshop have been a specialty of the French patisserie for hundreds of years and are difficult to master. We can't wait to bring European and American style pastries, treats, loaves of bread and tasty food made from locally sourced ingredients to Parker." "We believe in the tradition of our craft," said Nugent. "Alen and I have driven the concepts of other great chefs throughout our careers, but feel that now is our time to make our dream a reality." Their artisanal pastries and baked goods can be found at Poulette Bakeshop in Parker, Colorado, every Wednesday to Saturday from 8am-3pm. www.poulettebakeshop.com In this episode, we discuss: How Alen and Carolyn met while working at Robuchon in Las Vegas Soaking up the creative juices at El Bulli in Spain Working hard and learning lots at The Fat Duck On the opening team at L2O in Chicago Being part of the magic at Tartine in San Francisco Opening a pop-up in Parker, CO during COVID The birth of Poulette Bakeshop And much more! Episode Sponsored by Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, has been crafting exceptional chocolate in the village of Tain L'Hermitage, France, since 1922. Founded by Pastry Chef Albéric Guironnet as the chocolate of chefs, Valrhona is known for its dedication to creating unique, artisan-quality chocolate with complex and balanced flavors. This commitment to excellence reflects the rich gastronomic traditions of the Rhone Valley, ensuring that every bite of Valrhona chocolate offers a consistent and unparalleled tasting experience. Visit valrhona.us for more information.
- Mar 18, 202630 min
Matthew Ratliff: A Certified Master of the Pastry Kitchen
Born and raised in northeast Ohio, Matthew Ratliff earned an Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Chef Ratliff stayed on at the CIA for a one-year fellowship as a Teaching Assistant. He completed his internship at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Beach, California, which included working in their five-star, five-diamond restaurant, as well as all other areas of the resort. After his time in sunny California, he returned to the East Coast to become the Assistant Pastry Chef at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on Little Torch Key, Florida accessible only by boat or seaplane. His next stop would be at Desserts International in Exton, Pennsylvania, where he worked under CMPC (Certified Master Pastry Chef) and owner Gunther Heiland. Desserts International is a wholesale bakery specializing in European style wedding cakes and extravagant desserts that are supplied to top restaurants, casinos, and hotels nationwide. Chef Ratliff also made his mark at The Inn at Perry Cabin, in St. Michaels, Maryland, a five-star hotel and resort. There he provided custom wedding cakes and creative desserts at the award-winning Sherwood's Landing Restaurant. In October 2007, Chef Ratliff began working at The Everglades Club under CMPC Chris Northmore. Matthew took over as the Pastry Chef at the end of 2019, and currently still works at the club as the Executive Pastry Chef. Throughout his career, Chef Ratliff has worked with three CMPC's in the United States: Gunther Heiland, Chris Northmore, Frank Volkomer. In addition, he has worked with Stéphane Glacier, MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier). Matthew has also been a contributor to Pastry Arts Magazine, and the Pastry Arts Summit. Chef Ratliff has earned several high ranked pastry certifications: WCMPC (World Certified Master Pastry Chef), CMB (Certified Master Baker) and CEPC (Certified Executive Pastry Chef). In 2006, Matthew started competing in nationally ranked pastry competitions, winning several, including FoodNetwork's Sugar Impossible Challenge and the Flying Sugar Challenge. In this episode, we discuss: How a fun job at a diner inspired his career in the culinary industry Studying pastry at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park <span style= "font-family: 'Calibri',sans-seri
- Feb 18, 202641 min
Jennifer Williamson: A Wedding Cake Artist's Success Story
Jenny's Wedding Cakes was officially born in 1998, inspired by Jenny Williamson's lifelong passion to bake pretty things. She began studying classic food techniques on her own, sparked by inspiration from her icon, Julia Child. Her love for beautiful and exceptional tasting food and desserts led her to continue to self-train in baking and catering while earning a degree in business. Together with her background in art and education in marketing, she was equipped to start a successful boutique wedding cake business, emphasizing classic aspects of design and style inspired by art, fashion and nature. Since then, she has become known for her original designs, eclectic, sophisticated – yet approachable – flavor selections and warm personal service. Jenny's work has been featured in over 20 wedding publications (three of which were covers), two hard cover books, and two world-wide publications, as well as countless other print publications. She has had the honor of receiving Boston Magazine's 'Best of Boston' award in wedding cakes in the years 2012 and 2018 and has also won the Improper Bostonian 'Boston's Best' for wedding cakes in 2017. Jenny has since taken her business experience and developed an on-line training program, Wedding Cake Business Academy, to help other aspiring wedding cake makers achieve success. Her students have been able to transform their lives to make a career out of their passion, baking and cake making. This will be her focus as she is so grateful for the life her business has given her, and she has made it a mission to share her knowledge with others. Jenny currently lives in Amesbury, MA with her two teenage daughters. Instagram: jennys_wedding_cakes Facebook group: Wedding Cake Business and Design You Tube: Wedding Cake Business Academy In this episode we discuss: How her family's love of food inspired a passion for baking When opportunity knocks: making her first wedding cake for a friend How she taught herself to make wedding cakes by reading books and lots of practice Getting a marketing plan and establishing important relationships How she keeps on top of the latest trends and techniques How she navigated being a single Mom and running a successful small business Developing her online training program, Wedding Cake Business Academy Jenny's top tip for decorating cakes And much more!
- Jan 21, 202635 min
Daniel Mangione: A Pastry Star in the Luxury Hotel Firmament
Daniel Mangione is an accomplished Executive Pastry Chef with a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. For over 23 years, Chef Daniel has been a noteworthy leader in luxury pastry kitchens within the namesake hospitality brand, Marriott. Serving as the Executive Pastry Chef at JW Marriott Nashville, Chef Daniel has been instrumental in shaping the pastry operations of this prestigious hotel in Tennessee. Beginning his tenure with the Marriott family in 2003, he started his pastry internship in The Ritz-Carlton Naples through the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Since then, he has continued to grow within the Marriott brand and has held Executive Pastry Chef roles managing pastry operations for Ritz-Carltons in Washington DC, Half Moon Bay, Sanya China, Dove Mountain Arizona and Bvlgari Resorts in Bali Indonesia. Chef Daniel was also recognized as a member of the Eastern Region Ritz-Carlton Pastry Advisory Board during his tenure and currently serves on Marriott's Pastry Chef Counsel. Daniel has been a part of over 22 new hotel openings including time spent in Aruba, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Tahoe, Ranch Mirage, Rome, and Naples. Throughout his career, he has consistently exhibited his passion for pastry and demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and attention to detail. With his extensive experience in luxury hotels and resorts, he has contributed to the success of numerous establishments, elevating the pastry experience for guests and setting new standards in the industry. Known also for his larger-than-life holiday displays, Chef Daniel's versatility and passion for pastry also extends to retail showcases and luxury event buffet creation. Chef Daniel's has most recently been credited with creating Nashville's only life size Whiskey Wonderland Gingerbread Bar where over 2000 guests tasted and toured this fully operational holiday season bar. As well, he was a critical part of the JW Marriott Nashville Valentines dessert lounge named "The Sweet Spot" that catered to over 600 guests in the four days of public operations. When not in the kitchen, Daniel can be found in his woodshop, building the next dessert buffet elevation or décor item in an effort to continue elevating his passion for displays and visuals throughout. Instagram: @danielmangione25 In this episode, we discuss: How an after-school job at the Ritz-Carlton led to an interest in pastry Enrolling at CIA in Napa, and graduating from CIA in Hyde Park Working as Pastry Cook at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, FL Learning about chocolate production at Norman Love Confections Back to the Ritz-Carlton, this time as Assistant Pastry Chef in Sarasota The economy crashes in 2008, so Daniel takes an opportunity to work in China Paradise found – working as Executive Pastry Chef at the Bulgari Hotel in Bali Playing politics – working at the busy Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. Erecting the first life-size, eat-in gingerbread house at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Tucson, AZ Landing at the JW Marriott in Nashville, and loving it And much more! Episode Sponsored by Valrhona, a certified B Corporation, has been crafting exceptional chocolate in the village of Tain L'Hermitage, France, since 1922. Founded by Pastry Chef Albéric Guironnet as the chocolate of chefs, Valrhona is known for its dedication to creating unique, artisan-quality chocolate with complex and balanced flavors. This commitment to excellence reflects the rich gastronomic traditions of the Rhone Valley, ensuring that every bite of Valrhona chocolate offers a consistent and unparalleled tasting experience. Visit valrhona.us for more information.
- Dec 17, 202544 min
Aran Goyoaga: Elevating the Art of Gluten-Free Bread and Pastries
Aran Goyoaga is a fourth-generation baker, cookbook author, food stylist, and photographer. She grew up in the Basque Country in her grandparents' pastry shop, which was a gathering place for priests, radicals, and anyone looking for community. Aran moved to the U.S. at age 24, attended culinary school, and then worked in professional kitchens for years. After suffering from debilitating autoimmune disorders, she and her son were diagnosed with gluten intolerance. The very thing that defined her life and work was what had been making her sick all along. It was then that she made it her mission to elevate the world of alternative baking—to take the knowledge she was given and honor her family, while transforming recipes through her own experience with gluten intolerance. Her latest cookbook, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, is now available. Her cookbook Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple was published in 2021, and was named best of 2021 by The Washington Post, Food 52, Vanity Fair, and more. Her book Cannelle et Vanille was nominated for a James Beard Award, and her work has been recognized by The New York Times, Food 52, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, The Washington Post, NBC News, and more. www.arangoyoaga.com In this episode, we discuss: How Aran grew up in the Basque region of Spain, living across from her grandparents' bakeshop Moving to the U.S. and learning pastry and baking at culinary school in Florida Why she decided to photograph and share recipes on a blog How she landed her first book contract and launched a career as a cookbook author Discovering she was gluten intolerant and embarking on a new way of baking The release of her latest book, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, and what's in it Tips on making the most flavorful (and beautiful) gluten-free bread And much more!
- Nov 17, 202535 min
Stephanie Oliveira: Proving that a Passion for Pastry Trumps All
A first-generation American whose roots trace back to Portugal, Pastry Chef Stephanie Oliveira brings a deep sense of heritage, discipline, and creativity to her craft. She earned her bachelor's degree in Baking and Pastry Arts Management from The Culinary Institute of America in 2010, where she was awarded the prestigious Les Dames d'Escoffier scholarship in recognition of her talent and promise. Stephanie began her professional journey with the Dinex Group in New York City, where she played an integral role in launching DBGB, Boulud Sud, and Épicerie Boulud under the direction of Chef Daniel Boulud. Her career quickly accelerated as she joined the opening team at Hakkasan, contributing to the restaurant's achievement of a Michelin star within its first year. After two years, she was promoted to Pastry Chef. She later led the opening of Pâtisserie Chanson as Head Pastry Chef, bringing refined pastry techniques and creativity to the forefront. Her experience expanded into luxury retail dining as the Executive Pastry Chef for L'Avenue at Saks, working alongside iconic French pastry chef Pierre Hermé. Today, Stephanie serves as the Regional Pastry Chef for Restaurant Associates, where she oversees multiple programs and supports pastry development across a growing portfolio. Her leadership reflects both technical mastery and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of pastry professionals. Instagram: @realchefsteph In this episode we discuss: How making Portugese treats with Mom sparked a love of baking Attending CIA and winning a Les Dames d'Escoffier scholarship Working for Daniel Boulud's Dinex Group for three years From Pastry Sous Chef to Pastry Chef of Hakkasan in NYC Next stop Patisserie Chanson – transitioning to a high-end pastry shop Landing her dream job – Executive Pastry Chef at Pierre Herme's L'Avenue at Saks Stephanie's best kitchen tip and advice for newbies And much more!
- Oct 24, 202528 min
Garry Larduinat: Crafting Red-Carpet-Worthy Desserts for the Oscars and Beyond
Pastry chef Garry Larduinat is known for his whimsical and inventive desserts, creating masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Born in Limoges, France, to parents who were both chefs, Garry started his career at age 14 with an apprenticeship at the Michelin two-star French restaurant, La Chapelle Saint Martin, followed by a formal culinary school education back in his hometown. After working in top kitchens throughout France, Garry's dream of moving to New York City came true when in 2010, he assumed a position working with renowned pastry chef Francois Payard. Garry served as Executive Pastry Chef at Payard Patisserie, one of the country's best pastry shops, for close to six years before heading west to California to become Executive Pastry Chef at Los Angeles' famed Hotel Bel-Air. In 2017, Garry joined Wolfgang Puck Catering which provided him with an opportunity to create with no boundaries, taking advantage of California's seasonal ingredients and the team's breadth of parties and events to produce an ever-changing arrange of visually stunning desserts. Garry's style showcases classic flavor combinations with an unexpected twist in flavor, texture or presentation. His creative process begins by visualizing the colors and shapes before crafting the flavor profile. His work has cultivated an audience of over 180,000 followers on Instagram, where he provides an inside look at his process for creating edible art. In this episode we discuss: Garry's apprenticeship at a Michelin-starred restaurant Taking a chance and a job in NYC What he learned working at Payard Patisserie Moving to Los Angeles to become Executive Pastry Chef at Hotel Bel-Air Discovering the challenges of working in a restrictive environment Landing his dream job at Wolfgang Puck Catering What it's like to craft desserts for Hollywood's biggest event of the year And much more!
About Pastry Arts Podcast
Pastry Arts Podcast is the leading interview series for pastry & baking professionals and serious enthusiasts. Each episode features intimate conversations with industry leaders who share their career journeys, hard-won wisdom, and professional insights that inspire, educate, and connect our global community.
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