Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Pastry Chef Takes On World Championship, Bringing New Meaning To Sweet Victory

From chocolate sculptures to modern cakes, the team has been hard at work as they prepare for their upcoming competition
September 6, 2019,
Jackson Hole, U.S.A.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole Executive Pastry Chef Rhonda Ashton will be competing in the World Trophy of Pastry Ice Cream and Chocolate FIPGC in Milan, Italy on October 21, 2019. Ashton will be joined by three other team members representing Team USA in competition for the title of Pastry World Champions for 2019.

Participation in the World Championship of Pastry Ice Cream and Chocolate FIPGC, organised by the Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate Federation, is open to every country in the world. Only the first 16 teams enrolled will have access to the championships. Each team will be composed of one coach (captain of the team) and three competitors who will have professional competence in the field of Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate. This year Ashton’s team members will consist of Chef Praveen Kumar from Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City; Oscar Ortega, master chocolatier and owner of Jackson Hole’s Ortega Chocolates; and Chef Ramon Ramos from Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando Florida, who will serve as judge. Together the team brings more than 50 years of combined pastry experience from all over the world.

The theme of the World Championship FIPGC 2019 for each team will be “National Art and Tradition” (referring to its home country).  The program for the 2019 edition will be seven hours, comprised of the following categories: chocolate sculpture and praline; sugar sculpture and modern cake; pastillage sculpture and single-portion ice cream. While Ashton and team are keeping their practice pieces a well-kept secret, there has been no shortage of diligence with weekly creations. To date they’ve created more than eight final pieces and expect to create at least five more before the big day.

Rhonda Ashton brings with her a wealth of knowledge and more than 32 years of experience.  Her career started with a four-year apprenticeship with Sheraton hotels becoming a journeyman pastry cook by the age of 21. Her career has taken her all over the globe and has landed her in Jackson Hole for the last four years, where she continues to excel and push her skills to new limits.

“It’s not about the win (although who doesn’t want to win!), it’s about pushing yourself, learning, growing and being part of the whole experience,” says Chef Rhonda Ashton.

Coverage of the competition will be shared on The Resort’s Instagram and Facebook channels @FSJacksonhole and @pastryteamusa_official. For those visiting the area, be sure to stop by Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole and Atellier Ortega for some for a taste of sweet excellence.



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