SIMON HERFRAY

Born in France, I began my education and immersion in the art of fine French pastry making in the Nantes area of France. After five years of classes, training and hands-on experience, I graduated with a Masters Degree in Pastry and Bakery.

Immediately after graduation, I left France to work in London and joined the culinary team at Aubaine, a renowned French Restaurant-Bakery in South Kensington, a hub of prestigious world-class restaurants, hotels and museums with a significant French cultural presence. Many celebrities living in the neighborhood can be seen here, eating a croissant! After one year in London, I headed to Australia where I lived and worked in Brisbane, and later on in Sydney, to polish and diversify my skills with new techniques.

An offer to join the acclaimed Blue Bird Restaurant in London brought me back to the UK. The Blue Bird Restaurant is a fabulous addition to the Kings Road restaurant scene, and also located in South Kensington. In 2009, I came across the pond, and entered New York City's pastry scene as the new Executive French Pastry Chef of Falai LLC. During this time, I had the chance to play a role in several unique events with Restaurant Benoit, Le Cirque, Peter Luger Steakhouse and even made bread for a party hosted by Martha Stewart! Then I moved on to Café M, a cozy pastry and coffee shop by the Empire State Building in Manhattan. Soon after, I crossed the bridge to Downtown Brooklyn and continued to create unique and delicious desserts at sister restaurants, Bacchus and La Defense Bakery and Bistro.

In January 2014, I launched my own company, a culinary company focused on catering and teaching the fine art of French pastry making through classes and workshops. I am excited to share my talents and expertise in French pastry and dessert making with the New York City community through my classes and menus for weddings and private/corporate events.

JENNIFER CAREY

Chef Jennifer Carey is an experienced Pastry Chef who has spent 23 years mastering the art and the science of baking. Her knowledge of pastry techniques include chocolates and sugar show pieces, cake decorating, petite fours, breads, and so much more.

She studied Classic Pastry Art at the French Culinary Institute in NYC, where she graduated with honors. She is a member of the American Culinary Federation and continues to hone her pastry skills thru their PreGel 5-Star pastry series program.

Jennifer was voted by brides as a top wedding cake professional in the Knot’s ‘Best of Weddings’, her Cake Designs have been featured in bridal magazines, and she was a pastry chef competitor on Food Network’s ‘Sweet Genius’. 

Brenda L. Jenkins

Hello everyone, I have been working in the culinary world for almost twenty years, and have a degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. Before beginning culinary school at the New York Restaurant School in January of 1999 I had a career in the fashion industry as a sales and marketing executive. I earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising at a small trade school called the Hill Institute. It is extremely gratifying to know that I am fortunate enough to use both of my degrees each and every day. After graduating Culinary School in October of 2000, I went to work in restaurants in order to get reinforcement for the foundation I received in school. Fortunately, I was part of the opening team for some really great restaurants, OTTO and Artisanal, and to have worked with some amazing Chefs. The experiences and knowledge I gained along the way, support me every day. After my restaurant exposure, I decided to gain some continuing education at FCI, now ICC in their catering department. I then moved on to the catering world, where I continue to thrive. I have been a freelance catering chef for more than a decade, and it is here that I am truly content. The pace and ever changing environment keeps me current and humble in the industry. My passion for food is something that has been with me since I was a little girl growing up in Northwest New Jersey. I always loved Julia Child and the Galloping Gourmet and on Saturdays, instead of going out to play, I would choose a recipe from my Betty Crocker Junior Cookbook. Cooking was fun for me then, and it is still fun for me now. Connecting to people through food is a wonderful experience. Hopefully, one day, we can share this experience together. As for down time, whenever I have it, I enjoy concert experiences, museums, shopping and going to the gym. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and I am looking forward to seeing you out in the culinary world.

Roger Sitrin

For the past 20 years, Chef Roger Sitrin has been infusing love and care in everything he cooks.  As a Chef Instructor he gratefully shares his knowledge and experience with anyone who is willing and open to a new experience in the kitchen. Chef Roger graduated from The Institute of Culinary Education in New York city and worked in restaurants, catering companies and bakeries across both New York and New Jersey. 

Working alongside Abigail Hitchcock of Abigail’s Kitchen, Chef Roger taught students everything from how to roll sushi to how to select the best knife.  He has experience instructing students on a wide variety of cuisines such as Italian, French, Thai and Greek to name a few.  He also has a wonderful ability to bake and help others develop their baking acumen.  Most recently Chef Roger can be seen teaching live cooking classes, offering bespoke tea parties and baking the most delicious scones! 

 When asked who he is and why he does it; “Who am I? I'm just a guy who can change a moment and fill your day with smiles and comfort. I'm not out to change the world—I’m just here to make it more delicious and fun!”