Nadine Donovan
Nadine Donovan, Executive Pastry Chef at Ace Eat Serve & Ace Juice Bar in Denver, CO, shares her career timeline and advice for up-and-coming talent.
“Food is an essential part of life. This basic human need has given me a career that allows me nourish those around me, express myself artistically, and constantly be surrounded by passion.„
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
My greatest mentor, as a chef, a farmer, and a woman, is my mother. She has taught me to work hard, love deeply, and make really good food. I will always follow her lead by sourcing the best quality products, made by people who truly respect their craft.
Mise en place was my very first lesson stepping into the kitchen. Everything has its place. This is a value that I have held on to closely in both my personal and professional life. I believe that organization is the key to success.
An honest days work is one of the most rewarding feelings in life. If you are dedicated, honest, hold high standards, and never cut corners, you will sleep better at night knowing that you gave your best.
Maintaining a positive work environment is the best way to keep a team engaged and creating. Happy people make the most delicious food.
If I could go back ten years, I would tell myself to slow down and pay more attention to detail. It's not about what the finish line looks like, it's all about experience along the way. Classic tortoise and the hare story.
The main thing that keeps me motivated in the kitchen during though times, or especially long days, is the future. I am so excited to be apart of such a fresh and unique culinary scene. There are many great things in the pipeline.
It is so important to never become too comfortable with ones surroundings. When we become complacent, we stop learning. I try to keep myself challenged and continuing my education by exploring the world around me -Traveling, dining, reading, staging, talking.There are tidbits of knowledge hiding everywhere.
Send Us Your Nominations
If you know of any extraordinary food, beverage and hospitality professionals who inspire others through their hard work and leadership, nominate them now!
Nominate
Join the network and create your free profile
Search industry jobs here
Inspirational Career Timelines
Find your inspiration in the unique career timelines and words of advice these industry leaders have shared.
Sarah Simmons
Chef and Owner
CITY GRIT Hospitality Group, CITY GRIT, Birds & Bubbles, Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop
Alex Seidel
Executive Chef, Proprietor and Farmer
Mercantile dining & provision, Fruition Restaurant and Fruition Farms Dairy & Creamery
Jeremy Sewall
Chef / Partner
Lineage Restaurant, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34 Fort Point, Row 34 Portsmouth
Jonathan Deutsch
Professor of Culinary Arts and Food Science
Drexel University, Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Follow Us
