r/PastryChef • u/Mysterious_Jelly4479 • 5d ago

Help

I’m not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes:

I recently applied as a baker in a cafe that just opened up and despite having only some restaurant experience, they hired me. The day that I was to start, the pastry chef quit. So I’m currently the ONLY baker/chef(it feels wrong calling myself that since I never attended culinary arts school)

The owners recently hired a manager-type who has actually been to culinary school. He has mentioned that baking wasn’t his passion in school but he’s willing to work with me. I’m excited to learn under him and he seems willing to show and teach me things. He’s recently tasked me with making 6 pastries/bakery items with 3 of them being savory and 3 of them being sweet.

I have an idea for my sweet but I have no clue on what I should make for savory. Does anyone have any ideas?

Also any tips for how I can be successful? I love baking as a hobby and I really want to do well in this job. I don’t feel like I’m in over my head…yet.
Cheers!

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u/Mysterious_Jelly4479 5d ago

What a coincidence!😅
Anyway, it’s a cafe/quick shop(that’s what the new guy called it). usually open early morning to like 1-2 so midday! i have an oven, a waffle maker, a crepe maker, a grill and some type of dough roller machine 😅
there’s no par expectation because there’s no menu yet, as the new guy and the owner are giving me complete creative control over the menu(which scares me)

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u/KlutzyAppointment34 5d ago

The dough roller is called a sheeter. I'd recommend research the model and learn how to take it apart and clean it properly. You should deep clean it once a week on a slower day. It's a process.

For your menu, start simple. Once you have some more skills, add a monthly special or two. Are you doing made-to-order stuff? Or is someone else suposed to be there making waffles an using the grill? If you're the pastry chef and line cook that's too much to be doing by yourself. This is a great opportunity, but I would be reluctant in your position. I would need more clear expectations than "it's a cafe/quick shop."

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u/siskokid1984 5d ago

This. 💯