Cristal Paredes

Class of 2009; I, Pastry Chef Cristal Garcia am a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with over 15 Years of experience in the baking and pastry field. Known for my attention to detail and creative flair,  I have a deep passion for transforming high-quality ingredients into edible works of art. My specialties include elaborate wedding cakes, decadent chocolate sculptures, and delicate puff pastries. In addition to my work in professional kitchens, I dedicate time in mentoring, teaching aspiring chefs through workshops and online courses. My work has been featured in TV Shows and websites like King Arthur and was recently announced as a 2X Champion on Buddy Valastros [Cookie Cake Cupcake] competition currently airing on Hulu+. When not in the kitchen, I enjoy exploring global culinary traditions and experimenting with new techniques, ensuring my creations remain at the forefront of innovation in the pastry world.

Pastry Chef / Customer Service Representative

Its Delicious Desserts - Edgewater, NJ

January 2019 - Present 

Manage all orders, production and customer service needs. Head baker for cakes, cookies, cupcakes and specialty desserts. Cake decorator for simple and elaborated cakes. Managed inventory and food ordering. 

Executive Pastry Chef 

Orama - Edgewater, NJ

May 2016 - May 2017

Administer entire pastry department. Created seasonal menus for restaurant as well for catering department. Specialize in a wide variety of plated desserts. Produced multiple specialty cakes. 

Pastry Chef

NoMo SoHo - SoHo, NY

May 2015 - May 2016

Responsible for creating seasonal dessert menu. Organized morning and evening production for pastry station. Bake and plated desserts for Banquet pastries. Managed food inventory and food orders. 

Pastry Chef 

Eldberry Catering 

German Mission for United Nations, NY

April 2014 - January 2015

Constructed different menus on a daily for lunch and dinner parties ranging from 2- 100 people.

Assembled breakfast buffets. Fulfilled orders for two outside restaurants' dessert menu.

Pastry Sous Chef 

Isola Trattoria and Crudo Bar New York, NY

March 2011 - April 2014

Morning and evening production for pastry station. Involved in developing new menu ideas. Worked both lunch and dinner service. 

Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park,NY 

September 2007 - May 2009