What Is a Pastry Chef and Their Job Description

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What is a pastry chef? This should be the first question asked by anyone interested in becoming a pastry chef. A pastry chef (also known as a “Patissier” in French) is responsible for producing desserts and baked goods for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and hotels. Pasty chefs can work as a part of a restaurant or large commercial kitchen staff, or work alone as the owner of a bakery. Usually, pastry chefs are part of a large kitchen’s brigade de cuisine, and works as the pastry station’s “Station Chef.” Most pastry chefs typically work under an executive chef’s supervision – however, depending on the size of the establishment, some restaurants also employ the services of an executive pastry chef.

There are pastry chefs who simply choose to set up their own cafés or bakeries specializing in designer cakes, baked goods, or candy and chocolate.

What is a Pastry Chef Job Description?

According to the May 2013 Occupational Profiles released by the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pastry chefs are basically responsible for preparing desserts, but they can also be assigned to perform other duties in the kitchen.

Here is a list of the common duties performed by pastry chefs.

Create and Put Menu Items in Order

Most times, pastry chefs will confer with the executive chef in order to create desserts that will go very well with items on the menu. Pastry chefs often times prepare desserts items way before guests sit at the table to eat. The pastry chef is responsible for plating the items as requested by the guests during the meal. A pastry chef may also be responsible for dessert cocktails, wines, and other dessert drinks/beverages.

Orders Food and Supplies for the Dessert Menu Items

Part of a pastry chef’s responsibility includes submitting orders for food and supplies essential to running the kitchen effectively.

Prepares and Submits a Budget

Pastry chefs are responsible for figuring out what items need to be bought for the kitchen and putting a budget forward for the acquisition of those items.

Supervises and Trains Other Chefs

Pastry chefs are most times responsible for overseeing other kitchen staff as they help with the preparation of dessert item. The chef may also be required to train other pastry chefs in the art of pastry making.

Preparing Baked Goods

Most times, a pastry chef is responsible for preparing baked goods like fresh loaves of bread or rolls, in addition to pastries and desserts.

Researches and Develops Recipes

Pastry chefs must carry on learning about new recipes and testing them in the kitchen in order to keep the menu interesting and up to date – this is a great way to draw in more customers. Patrons are encouraged to order dessert menu items that are visually appealing and tempting.

The job of a pastry chef is perfect for those who relish the prospect of getting up early in the morning and getting their tasks done before lunchtime. This job is also known to come with many rewards. You will need to put in a lot of physical and mental work in order to become a successful pastry chef. Since pastry chefs need to spend a lot of time on their feet, one must be physically fit in order to keep up with the demands of the job. Pastry chefs must also pay close attention and take great pride in their work.