Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Elena Nikolova

Elena Nikolova

Sandanski

Summary

Young pastry chef with extensive experience in high-pressure kitchen environments. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, strict adherence to quality control, and ability to maintain a clean and organized workspace. Proven track record of fostering teamwork and collaboration among kitchen staff. Committed to continuous learning and improvement, bringing valuable skills to any culinary team.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Pastry Chef de Partie

Central Restaurante by Virgilio Martinez
Lima
08.2025 - Current
  • Prepared and plated desserts following established recipes and presentation standards.
  • Managed inventory of pastry ingredients to ensure freshness and availability.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of pastry station throughout shifts.
  • Documented inventory records of raw materials used in daily production operations.
  • Supervised a team of junior chefs in the preparation of various pastry dishes.

Commis Pastry Chef

Central Restaurante by Virgilio Martinez
Lima
05.2025 - 07.2025
  • Created pastries and desserts using high-quality Peruvina ingredients.
  • I learned about Peruvian culture and ingredients through the vast majority of information in the restaurant and the MASI and MATER research newsletters.
  • Worked closely with the Theobromas lab to learn new techniques and knowledge about working with the different Theobromas fruits.

Head Pastry Chef

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
Melnik
05.2024 - 02.2025
  • Developed and executed innovative pastry recipes for seasonal menus.
  • Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain kitchen operations.
  • Trained and supervised junior pastry chefs in baking techniques and presentation.
  • Conducted regular meetings with staff members to discuss ideas for improving efficiency of operations.
  • Assisted with menu planning by providing creative suggestions based on seasonal produce availability.
  • Developed, tested and implemented new recipes for pastries with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Established quality control procedures in order to guarantee consistency in taste and appearance of products.

Pastry Chef de Partie

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
Melnik
04.2023 - 04.2024
  • Executed daily production schedules to meet demand for pastries and desserts.
  • Trained junior pastry cooks on techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
  • Prepared and plated desserts following established recipes and presentation standards.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of pastry station throughout shifts.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain a smooth workflow during service hours.

Commis Pastry Chef

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
Melnik
06.2022 - 03.2023
  • As a pastry chef at Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux, I have been responsible for creating and preparing a variety of exquisite pastries and desserts.
  • I utilize my skills in dessert making techniques and knowledge of food chemistry to develop unique and innovative recipes that impress our guests.
  • Additionally, I thrive in high-pressure environments and am able to work efficiently and effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Adhered strictly to hygiene regulations when handling food items.
  • Created a range of desserts, pastries and cakes to meet the restaurant's menu requirements.

Apprentice Pastry Chef

Rumina Bakery and Patisserie
Sandanski
05.2020 - 03.2022
  • During my time as an Apprentice at Rumina Bakery and Patisserie, I layed my foundation and started to get practical knowledge in the pastry section.
  • Assisted in preparing and assembling pastry ingredients for daily production.
  • I thrived in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, working efficiently and effectively to meet customer demands.
  • Additionally, I prioritized food safety and sanitation practices to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
  • Create and prepare a wide range of delicious pastries and desserts.

Education

Diploma - Advanced Pastry and Baking Course

Pastry Academy
Sofia, Bulgaria
04.2024

High School Diploma -

Qne Sandasnki High School
Sandanski, Bulgaria
06-2020

Skills

  • Pastry making
  • Recipe development
  • Inventory management
  • Quality control
  • Food safety
  • Team collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Menu design
  • Culinary creativity
  • Kitchen safety protocols
  • Menu planning
  • Attention to detail
  • Team leadership
  • Effective communication

References

  • Sang Jung, Corporate Head Chef for Termain Sac (Central, Kjolle, MIL) Sang.jung@termainsac.com +82 10-9130-1119
  • Qvor Kirov, General Manager at Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux q.kirov@zornitzaestate.com +359 888809134
  • Veselin Kalev,Head Chef at Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux, v.kalev@zornitzaestate.com, +359 899805474
  • Radi Stambolov, Head Pastry Instructor at Pastry Academy, r.stambolov@pastryacademy.com, +359 899885838
  • Anna Mladenova, Owner and Head Pastry Chef at Rumina Bakery and Patisserie, Anna.Rumina@abv.bg, +359 887216599

Languages

English

Languages

Bulgarian
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Spanish
Elementary (A2)
A2

Timeline

Pastry Chef de Partie

Central Restaurante by Virgilio Martinez
08.2025 - Current

Commis Pastry Chef

Central Restaurante by Virgilio Martinez
05.2025 - 07.2025

Head Pastry Chef

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
05.2024 - 02.2025

Pastry Chef de Partie

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
04.2023 - 04.2024

Commis Pastry Chef

Zornitza Family Estate Relais & Châteaux
06.2022 - 03.2023

Apprentice Pastry Chef

Rumina Bakery and Patisserie
05.2020 - 03.2022

Diploma - Advanced Pastry and Baking Course

Pastry Academy

High School Diploma -

Qne Sandasnki High School
Elena Nikolova