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, Bulgaria04.2024
High School Diploma -
Qne Sandasnki High School
Sandanski, Bulgaria06-2020
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