Desserts International was established over two decades ago by Chef Gunther Heiland. One of just a few certified master pastry chefs in the country, Chef Heiland has held executive positions in Iran, Portugal, Germany, and the United States, and competed on three consecutive Culinary Olympic teams, winning gold medals for all of his entries in the 1976, 1980, and 1984 games. Desserts International, his 6000 sq-foot wholesale business, thrived for over twenty years, shipping to some of the country's finest hotels, restaurants and casinos from Las Vegas to New York City. Luckily, when it came time to choose a successor, Chef Heiland had dozens of rising-star and established chefs to choose from, all of which have interned under his watchful eye and relentless instruction.Having stood out as a natural, yet hardworking, talent years ago, it was no surprise to Heiland that Chad Durkin had raised so quickly through the ranks, acting as Executive Pastry Chef at two of Philadelphia's reigning restaurants, Susanna Foo Chinese Cuisine and The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, before even turning twenty-five. Durkin, also an award-winning Olympian in 2004, has made a name for himself among the country's finest pastry chefs. And now, Durkin has been entrusted with taking over Desserts International.After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Pastry Arts and becoming a Certified Pastry Chef, Chef Chad took a position at Philadelphia's acclaimed Susanna Foo Chinese Cuisine. He quickly rose through the ranks and became Executive Pastry Chef there. In his typical fashion, Durkin managed to find time to share his expertise with local eateries, consulting on their seasonal menus. Always up for a challenge, Chef Durkin moved on to the Water Works, where he played a vital role in the restaurant's opening.Chad's outgoing personality and immense knowledge of ingredients have made him a popular guest on many television programs and culinary demonstrations. Chef Durkin's passion and commitment to his profession is evident to everyone he meets and can be tasted in every work of art. Today, he continues to earn praise in the culinary community, and has earned numerous awards and notable achievements:Placed first in best non-chocolate dessert category at Philadelphia Magazine's Philly Cooks Competition ( 2007 )Placed sixth overall for cake and showpiece at Paris Gourmet's Pastry Chef of the Year Competition ( 2007 )Invited to demonstrate at Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's National Resident-chef Annual Conference ( 2007 )Planned and executed Paris Gourmet Sweet Sensations Pastry Chef Exhibition to benefit Children's Home Society ; placed second overall ( 2007 )Assisted in Paris Gourmet's Pastry Chef of the Year Competition ; placed eight overall ( 2006 )Served as the American Culinary Federation's National Junior Olympic Team Pastry Chef in Erfurt, Germany ; received two gold and one bronze medal ; placed sixth in the world ( 2004 )Earned one gold and one silver medal in hot and cold food categories during the Junior World Association of Chefs Society Competitions ( 2004 )
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