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PLATED DESSERT COURSES

Four Hands Plated Desserts

October 21-23, 2025 - 3 days

Gonzo Jiménez

North America Corporate Pastry Chef, República del Cacao

@chef.gonzo

Mitzi Reyes

Executive Pastry Chef, Curtis Stone, República del Cacao Pilot

@mitfher
$ 1570 $ 1099
30% discount off all classes for north american cercle v members
Interested in participating in the class Have questions ? Email ecolebrooklyn@valrhona.com

Join us for an exciting and hands-on class where expert chefs Gonzo Jimenez and Mitzi Reyes will guide you through the art of crafting modern plated desserts. Using only the finest chocolates and the freshest ingredients, you'll learn how to tell compelling stories through pastry. Explore Latin American-inspired flavors, bold textures, and innovative presentations that elevate every dish. Perfect for those looking to bring fresh, creative techniques into their kitchen, this class offers a unique opportunity to create desserts that leave a lasting impression and help define the identity of restaurants and menus. 

This class is designed for pastry professionals of all levels, including beginners, intermediate, and advanced pastry chefs, as well as savory chefs with pastry experience. A solid foundation in culinary techniques is required, as the class will be covering essential skills such as chocolate tempering, pastry techniques, ice cream making, and more. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or expand your knowledge, this hands-on class will provide valuable insights and practical experience.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Learn chocolate work and understand the science behind chocolate, emulsions, and pastry techniques.
  • Explore ice cream-making techniques tailored for restaurant operations, with a focus on the science behind the process.
  • Understand the principles of flavor combinations, structure, and aroma to enhance dessert design.
  • Learn to unleash your creativity in plated desserts, utilizing basic equipment to create visually stunning and innovative presentations. 

Schedule:

8:30am-9:00am: Arrival & light breakfast 

9:00am – 12:30pm: Class 

12:30-1:30pm: Lunch 

1:30-5:00pm: Class

These times are approximations and may vary.  Please note that class may go over the allotted time to cover all the class material. As a result, we do not recommend booking travel that will require you to leave class at 5pm or earlier. Please keep this in mind when arranging your travel.  

What’s included in the class?

  • A recipe book with all recipes and relevant methods or techniques (varies based on class theme). 
  • A diploma that certifies you have successfully completed the course. 
  • Light breakfast and catered lunch each day. 
  • Cocktail hour after first day of class. 

Chef Referral Program

Refer a friend for a l’École Valrhona Brooklyn 2025 professional class and receive a $200 credit to use towards a 2025 class, your friend will also receive a $200 credit to use towards the class they sign up for!

Learn More

Biography

Chef Gonzo Jiménez was born in Northern Argentina, raised in a Spanish household surrounded by good food and long family meals. At the age of 17, he started working in restaurants and fell in love with the culinary world. He enrolled in pastry and culinary school in Buenos Aires. After completing his studies, he traveled around the country working for 5 star hotels and celebrity chefs. ​

 From 2009 to 2013, Chef Gonzo worked for large hotels in the United States including the St. Julien in Boulder, CO and The Hyatt Corporation in New Orleans and New York. Most notable amongst his various accomplishments throughout this period was the launch of his personal line of chocolates, providing different hotels throughout Manhattan, NY with high end confections. ​

 In 2013, he moved back to South America to work at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Santiago de Chile. Soon after he accepted a highly coveted position with Barry Callebaut as a Corporate Chef for the South American Region and Director of the Chocolate Academy in Chile. ​

Current Netflix show Bakesquad has launched Chef Gonzo’s career into a different dimension, showcasing his chocolate art skills globally and turning him into a celebrity chef. ​

Chef Gonzo is República del Cacao’s Corporate Pastry Chef for the United States and North America. He travels North America representing the brand by teaching classes, giving demos, and providing technical assistance to all its customers. ​

Executive Pastry Chef Mitzi Reyes' culinary journey is deeply rooted in her family's rich history. Growing up in Mexico, where her grandfather was a chef, Mitzi was inspired by his artistry before immigrating to the United States at the age of 14. A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, Mitzi brings a playful, imaginative approach to her desserts, blending unexpected elements and storytelling into every creation. Her impressive career includes stints in renowned kitchens, including The Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel, Dominique Ansel's pastry empire, and Somni, a two Michelin-starred restaurant under Aitor Zabala. Most recently, Mitzi served as Executive Pastry Chef at the West Hollywood EDITION, before collaborating with Curtis Stone on desserts for the Michelin-starred Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant, Maude, and The Pie Room by Curtis Stone. Mitzi will also be showcasing her skills on Harry Potter Wizards of Baking this fall on the Food Network.

If you cancel 45 days or more prior to the first day of class, you will be completely refunded. If you cancel within 45 days you will receive a 50% refund or 100% class credit to be used within a year of the cancellation date. If you cancel within one week of the class you will receive a 50% class credit to be used within one year of the cancelation date. 

We do our best to avoid canceling or rescheduling classes, however, please be aware that classes are subject to change due to conflicts, instructor illness, travel issues, etc. We will contact you immediately in case of any date changes or course cancellations. In the case a class is rescheduled or canceled we offer you the choice of a full refund or a class credit to be used within one year of the cancelation date. 

As Valrhona is not responsible for your accommodations we recommend booking refundable forms of transportation and accommodations, so if an unforeseen change occurs you will not be charged. 

*Offer cannot be combined with any additional discounts. Only eligible for classes taught in the United States.*

Contact us at ecolebrooklyn@valrhona.com for more details!

See available discounts here.