I’ve been a part of Bravo Fine Catering since 2017. Owner Jimmy Nadell hired me as an executive sous chef, serving elite catering and personal chef clients in Aspen, Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley. Now, I am Bravo’s Chief Pâtissier, crafting wedding and specialty cakes, desserts, and confections for palates that expect the highest quality.
My love for baking started with Grandma Butters. Yes, my grandmother’s last name was Butters. Growing up in Maine, I was always in her kitchen. I learned a lot from her as she made confections and wedding cakes to sell to friends and families in the neighborhood.
Her passion for baking became mine and by my teen years, I was making desserts for local restaurants. I did this for years until I became head chef on a large private yacht stationed in Maine. Even though my kitchen was on the water, I was able to source fresh, locally-grown ingredients. I shopped at organic markets, local farms, and vegetable stands. It was gratifying working with yacht guests to design and personalize unforgettable dining experiences.
I met the man of my dreams in 2002. We married and moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where I opened Lena B’s Roaring Fork Bakery. Customers lined up for our French pastries, gluten-free cakes, gelatos, and other sweets. We made desserts and bread for local restaurants and acquired a great reputation for our wedding cakes and birthday cakes. But all the work was tiring and I was missing out on time with my son. After five years of 70-hour weeks, I decided to sell my bakery and advance my skills in 5-star kitchens. Over the next decade, I mastered the art of cake and pastry design in elite Aspen establishments such as The Hotel Jerome and The Little Nell.
Today, as chief patisserie for Bravo Fine Catering, I offer the highest level of culinary experience, skill, and technique. And yet I continue to learn. I love talking to clients about their favorite desserts, that even bring back their happiest childhood memories. It’s always easy to talk about food! The culinary arts are my passion. When I’m not baking sweets, I love to prepare Italian pasta dishes.
I am so blessed to do what I love and love what I do. I can’t describe the joy I receive from crafting fine personalized wedding cakes, birthday cakes, special occasion cakes, and other desserts for Bravo Fine Catering. Or my pride when I meet the vision and expectations of the client.
Bon appétit!