Vanessa Tristan, CEPC, a former pantry cook turned Executive Pastry Chef of The Club at Carlton Woods (The Woodlands, Texas), is a culinary virtuoso with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her culinary journey began in childhood, watching her mother prepare meals, and evolved into a formal education in culinary arts. At Carlton Woods, she started as a pantry cook and, driven by an insatiable passion for pastry, returned to culinary school to hone her skills while balancing a demanding full-time job.
Tristan’s transformation into an innovative chef was marked by her willingness to push culinary boundaries and experiment with French techniques. Under her guidance, the club’s pastry program flourished, with signature items like artisan bread and bonbons becoming menu staples. Her dedication to perfection, backed by the support of her family and supervisors, drove her success. Now, as the Executive Pastry Chef, Tristan is committed to ongoing learning and aims to attain the prestigious ACF’s pastry chef of the year award, all while creating delectable desserts for Carlton Woods’ members and cherishing moments with her favorite treat, homemade flan.
