As we delve deeper into pastry experiments for our next book, we thought it was time to introduce you to an integral member of our team. Meet Lesley Pettigrew, our Pastry Manager, who joined us last spring.
As we continue our work on the pastry project, Lesley will be overseeing our culinary team. Her role as Pastry Manager is instrumental in bringing Nathan’s vision for pastry experiments to life—guiding recipe development, managing research, and ensuring the highest standards in every pastry we create. An experienced pastry chef and instructor, Lesley brings her passion and expertise to drive the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, from experimentation to execution. She plays a vital role in pushing the boundaries of pastry innovation, constantly refining techniques and exploring new ideas. Over the past few months, we’ve explored everything from meringues and cakes to macarons and frostings—and there’s still so much more to discover!
One of the things we value about Lesley is her innovative approach to baking, especially her creative use of unique fruits and vegetables. She has a particular fondness for quince, medlar, and citrus fruits like yuzu. Lesley has an insatiable curiosity for pastry and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this space. We can’t wait to see (and taste!) what she creates next.
Though she grew up in Seattle, Lesley has also lived in Denmark, Japan, and San Diego. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, and spending time with her family.
We are beyond excited to have Lesley on board as we continue the pastry research for our next book.
Stay tuned for more updates—we are excited for what is to come!
