Chef Paul Rocque
Chef Instructor, Pastry Arts
"Although you may be working toward your degree, and in some cases may have already attained that goal, the learning process is evolutionary. Remember to take advantage of all of the opportunities that surround you. They are numerous — you just need to keep your eyes open. Be a sponge, enjoy the journey, and never stop learning!"
About
With over 20 years of experience in the pastry arts, Chef Paul has co-authored the book “So Sweet!” for the Sur La Table national chain of cook stores, make cakes for Steven Spielberg, Melissa Joan Hart, Keifer Sutherland, Rosie O’Donnell, and Brooke Shields while working at Universal Studios in Hollywood, and even had the opportunity to make the 90th birthday cake for Betty White with a team of other instructors and students while working at Le Cordon Bleu.
Chef Paul has also made the 125th birthday cake for the city of Pasadena — a dessert that fed 5,000 people and used over 600 pounds of fondant!
He has worked in recipe development, held positions as an Executive Pastry Chef, an Assistant Pastry Chef, a Head Cake Decorator, a Research & Development Chef, a Bakery Consultant, and a Chef Instructor, and belongs to the Bread Bakers Guild of America.
Publications: So Sweet! Cookies, Cupcakes, Whoopie Pies, and More
Honors, Awards & Affiliations
- ServSafe® Manager
Professional EXPERIENCE
- Baker - Penninsula, Beverly Hills, CA
- Assistant Pastry Chef - Universal Studios, Hollywood, CA
- Head Cake Decorator - Universal Studios, Hollywood, CA
- Executive Pastry Chef - Santa Anita Race Track, Arcadia, CA
- Chef Instructor - Le Cordon Bleu, Hollywood and Pasadena, CA
- Bakery Consultant and R&D Chef - Pasadena, CA
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management, Le Cordon Bleu, Scottsdale, AZ
- Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts, New England Culinary Institute, Essex, VT
Special Interests
Gardening and painting.
