Gabriel embarked on a formal culinary education
Gabriel’s passion for pastry ignited during his final year of a technical diploma in hotel and restaurant management, where he undertook an extraordinary internship at the Michelin-starred Carré des Feuillants with renowned Chef Laurent Bouveret in Paris. Inspired by the world of fine pastry, Gabriel embarked on a formal culinary education, earning a vocational certificate (BEP) at the esteemed Delmontel bakery-pastry shop.
He continued with an advanced pastry training course under Stéphane Glacier, then spent two years mastering his skills through vocational training (BTM) with celebrated pastry chef Arnaud Larher in Paris.
Un Dimanche à Paris & Valrhona School
His career took a pivotal turn at Un Dimanche à Paris, where he worked alongside acclaimed chefs Quentin Bailly and Johan Martin, who were then preparing for the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie. This experience was formative, with Bailly and Martin becoming lifelong inspirations.
Gabriel’s journey continued at the Valrhona School, where he served as an assistant, describing it as “an incredible experience, learning from some of the best chefs who shared Valrhona’s rich expertise in chocolate and pastry.”
Working with such talented chefs profoundly influenced my approach to pastry
Next, Gabriel honed his craft at the luxury Peninsula Hotel with Chef Julien Alvarez, and later at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, working under the mentorship of Lilian Bonnefoi, Etienne Leroy, and Paul Occhipinti.
Reflecting on this period, Gabriel says, “Working with such talented chefs profoundly influenced my approach to pastry; their passion and expertise were truly inspiring.”
Meilleur Ouvrier de France
After a two-year tenure as a pastry chef in England, Gabriel returned to Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, driven by a singular ambition: to achieve the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) title in pastry.
After more than three years of intense preparation under the watchful eye of Paul Occhipinti, alongside the support of Lilian Bonnefoi, Monika Veleva, his family, and friends, Gabriel earned the distinguished MOF title in 2023.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, he shares, “This achievement represents years of dedication, training, and a personal milestone. I am deeply grateful to all who supported me on this journey.”
