Meet Soleil

Chocolatier - Chef de Partie

Chez Christophe Burnaby

Soleil is a talented chocolatier chef de partie at Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie in Burnaby, BC. She's been a proud member of our team since 2021.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised here in Burnaby. 

When did you know you wanted to work in pastry? Why? 

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in pastry in high school. I looked at all my options and baking was the one career that I saw myself loving for a long time. 

Did you go to school for this? 

Yes, I attended the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts for Baking and Pastry Arts.

First thing you ever remember cooking/baking?

I remember always helping my mom or dad bake cookies when I was younger, and eventually started making them on my own and discovering new recipes to try out.

What’s your favourite pastry or dessert to make? Why? 

I love making bonbons, especially the ones with hand painted or fun designs. It's always rewarding when you unmold your bonbons and they come out perfectly shiny.

What inspires your creativity in the kitchen?

I like to look through different pastry/chocolate books for new flavour pairings or design inspiration.

Who is your culinary role model?

I wouldn’t say he’s a role model necessarily, but watching Amaury Guichon create such big and realistic-looking chocolate pieces reminds me that there’s so much more to learn and master with chocolate. The possibilities really are endless.

Do you have a favourite pastry or dessert memory from childhood? 

I grew up in an “ingredients household” and was always told that if I wanted cookies (or other sweet treats), I could make them myself. Whenever I was bored at home, I’d bake something simple or try something new. Seeing my family’s reactions and how quickly the pastries disappeared encouraged me to keep baking and putting smiles on my family’s faces.

How do you approach designing new pastries or chocolate showpieces?

Usually I’ll think about what people associate with the holiday/season and build off of that. If it’s a character, it’s easy to come up with a story or theme for them and give them a prop or activity that helps convey the emotion/story.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the pastry world?

Make sure you really love what you do. Some days can be difficult, but at the end of the day, if you really love and are passionate about it, it’s rewarding work. Keep going!