Chefs Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent have been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, having decided to pack their bags and learn from the greats of Europe. The couple, who are now married, met while working for Joël Robuchon, who was awarded the title “Chef of the Century” in 1989.
They’ve worked in restaurants in France, Switzerland, and Spain, to name a few places, and were selected to work in El Bulli and The Fat Duck, judged to be the number one and number two restaurants in the world during their tenure. Alen and Carolyn also strengthened their gastronomic foundations through invaluable classical French training at Pierre Hermé in Paris.
“We have been the recipients of priceless training by some of the best chefs of our time,” said Nugent. “We are expressing that knowledge at Poulette Bakeshop, offering delicious food, made with care by a team of passionate people, led by experienced chefs.”
After returning to the United States from Europe, the pair spearheaded the bread and pastry programs at L2o in Chicago, under the mentorship of Laurent Gras, which was subsequently awarded three Michelin stars. They then built the French Patisserie program at Bottega Louie in Los Angeles and went on to assist Thomas Keller with Bouchon Bakery in Beverly Hills. Next, Alen and Carolyn were part of the team that facilitated Quince in San Francisco going from a two Michelin star rating to three stars. The couple’s reputation earned them a Research & Development position at the iconic Tartine Bakery in San Francisco where they pushed fresh milled flours and heritage grains to the forefront of artisanal baking. Finally, working under Chefs Jacquy Pfeiffer and Sebastien Canonne as a chef-instructor at The French Pastry School, the nation’s top educational facility for baking and pastry education, finalized their love of education and classical French pastry.
In 2020, Nugent was honored to have been selected and cast as Chef Assistant to world-renowned Chef and Chocolatier Amaury Guichon, for his debut television show, School of Chocolate, now streaming internationally on Netflix.
“Our many years of education allowed us the opportunity to create Michelin-star-style pastry and confections in a large-scale environment,” said Alen. “The techniques we use at Poulette Bakeshop have been a specialty of the French patisserie for hundreds of years and are difficult to master. We can’t wait to bring European- and American-style pastries, treats, loaves of bread, and tasty food made from locally sourced ingredients to Parker.”
“We believe in the tradition of our craft,” said Carolyn. “Alen and I have driven the concepts of other great chefs throughout our careers, but feel that now is our time to make our dream a reality.”
Their artisanal pastries and baked goods can be found at Poulette Bakeshop in Parker, Colorado, every Wednesday to Saturday from 8am-2pm.
