Pastry Chef

Job Posting: Pastry Chef
Location: Woodland Hills, CA
Experience: Mid-Level
Employment Type: Full-time

ABOUT US:
Casaléna is the premier dining and event destination in the West Valley, offering a coastal Mediterranean menu inspired by seasonal, top-quality ingredients. Our kitchen team brings together artistry, precision, and passion to create elevated yet approachable dishes, from our entrées to our handcrafted desserts.

As part of the Avondale Hospitality group, Casaléna is dedicated to culinary excellence and innovation. We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Pastry Chef to bring creativity, discipline, and detail to our dessert program, ensuring each guest experience ends as memorably as it begins.

THE ROLE:
The Pastry Chef is responsible for leading all aspects of Casaléna’s pastry and dessert production. This role will focus on the development, preparation, and presentation of all plated desserts, pastries, breads, and specialty items served in the restaurant and during private events. 

We’re looking for a passionate pastry professional with strong technical skills, exceptional organization, and a refined palate who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative kitchen.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare, and execute all pastry and dessert menu items with precision, consistency,
• and creativity.
• Manage day, to, day pastry production, including mixing, baking, and finishing desserts for à
• la carte service and events.
• Produce a range of components, including mousses, custards, sauces, ice creams, sorbets, and garnishes, according to recipe specifications.
• Assist in menu development, recipe R&D, and creation of seasonal dessert specials in collaboration with the Executive Chef.
• Maintain high standards of taste, texture, and presentation for all dessert items.
• Oversee pastry mise en place and ensure accurate inventory rotation (FIFO).
• Communicate effectively with the Executive Chef and BOH management regarding inventory needs, ordering, and scheduling.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of all pastry work areas and equipment.
• Conduct and maintain a weekly inventory of all pastry ingredients and supplies, ensuring accuracy, proper rotation, and timely communication of ordering needs to the Executive Chef.
• Supervise and mentor pastry cooks or prep assistants as the team grows.
• Support the kitchen, wide teamwork, and assist with special event prep as needed.

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS:

• Model the Core Values while continually striving to infuse their meaning, relevance, and impact into all aspects of your role with poise & polish.
• Represent Casalena professionally through your personal appearance, communication, and respect for others, and follow through.
• Demonstrate ownership of job responsibilities through focus, determination, and attention to detail to elevate the guest experience in every interaction.
• Act with integrity, honesty, and knowledge.
• Demonstrate an attitude of teamwork by working collaboratively with peers to identify positive solutions to problems or issues. Be open and receptive to changing needs and priorities.
• Take responsibility for maintaining a clean, neat, and orderly work environment. Use equipment, supplies, and other materials with a focused effort to reduce waste and increase safety.
• Welcome suggestions and new ideas as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve services.
• Anticipate and respond to owner, partner, colleague, employee, & guest needs in a respectful and timely manner.
• Strive to establish standards we hope will have an impact on the overall industry.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 4+ years of pastry or baking experience in a fine-dining or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Formal pastry training or certification preferred (Culinary or Baking & Pastry Arts).
• Strong baking experience extending beyond desserts, including the ability to produce house-made breads, viennoiserie, and other savory baked items that enhance the overall menu program.
• Demonstrated mastery of pastry fundamentals, including chocolate tempering, custards, sauces, mousses, ice creams, and plated dessert assembly, with a focus on consistency, balance, and presentation.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Positive, collaborative attitude with high attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift 50 lbs.
• Valid California Food Handler certification required.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A creative and challenging work environment with a focus on culinary excellence.
• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development within our restaurant group.
• Staff meals and employee dining discounts

SALARY COMPENSATION:
$75K - $90K