Austin Chantos: Olive and Ivy

When we were in the Waldorff kitchen, I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was full of history; careers tied to the kitchen, state dinners served. There is a separate subway entrance for state dignitaries with direct accesses to the hotel.

Initially, what hooked you on baking and pastry?
I thought it was cool to come into work at 4:00 am (laugh) and leave by mid-afternoon, that's until I did it day after day! On cool winter days, there is a crisp, clear, snap to the air and you enter this room with warm ovens. Bakeries assault your senses, there is nothing like the aroma of freshly baked bread. Working with the dough, making everything from scratch-Danish, croissants, I love the artisan feel of working with dough.

Carol Blonder

Fresh Pita Bread

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Carol Blonder

Fresh Croissant

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The tools and equipment in the bakery tell a story. My favorite piece of equipment here is a Boos Block baker's table. It has history; it could tell a story, imagine listening to it. I think it adds character to our breads and pitas.

What is your favorite dessert?
Dobos Tort, I first learned to make it the Fairmont. It's thin layer upon layer of French style sponge, and each layer is covered in caramel butter cream. The top is a hard cracked caramel. It takes care to make and not squeeze out the butter cream as you stack the layers and finish the top with a torch.

How do you spend your time off?
I am definitely a homebody, home with the windows open. I read industry magazines, lately I started watching Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and I like the travel- food shows.
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On weekends I might make a trip to Show Low, Prescott, or Flagstaff. Northern Arizona reminds me of Illinois. I interact with the public all day, so I like to keep it low key when I'm off.

Advice for aspiring pastry chefs and bakers?
School represents the ideal; it is a perfect but sterile environment, not the real world of a working kitchen. Working in the industry is the best education. Don't expect to start at the top, respect the chefs you work with, especially the boss; they earned their position by working hard. Learn and absorb information from everyone you work with.

You have to start somewhere when you begin in a professional kitchen, don't limit yourself, try and learn to do many things well. Professionalism is important, how you present yourself and your work ethic.

What chefs would you like to have dinner with?
Absolutely Thomas Keller (French Laundry), he is a pacesetter.
Deborah Racicot, Gotham Bar and Grill and John Doherty, The Waldorff Astoria. I respect the intellect, the hard work, commitment, and the discipline of these chefs.

Check in tomorrow, Austin shares a recipe for Sicilian Tiramisu