FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Executive Pastry Chef Jamie Caudy Hits the Sweet Spot at The Peninsula Chicago

by Kimberly Inlander

Dec 20, 2022

PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA CHICAGO

December 2022

PHOTO: © THE PENINSULA CHICAGO

A sweet job, indeed! Executive Pastry Chef Jamie Caudy brings classic technique and modern interpretation to all the pastry operations for The Peninsula Chicago, including desserts for the hotel’s restaurants, banquet items, retail items in Pierrot Gourmet, specialty cakes and bakery items.

Her journey to The Peninsula began at Le Cordon Bleu before immersing herself in the Minneapolis dining scene at spots like Wolfgang Puck’s 20.21 restaurant, Walker Arts Center, Chambers Kitchen by Jean- Georges Vongerichten and more. In following roles, Caudy oversaw dessert production for large-scale events like the World Series. After a position at Horseshoe Hammond Casino and The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, Caudy made her way east to Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut. In 2020 she made the return to Chicago and found her home at The Peninsula Chicago.

WHICH FOOD IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? AND ON THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SPECTRUM, WHAT IS ONE INGREDIENT OR FOOD YOU HATE TO USE? Being from Wisconsin, I love cheese curds — the best ones are hand-breaded. I try to avoid using overly processed foods, preferring to incorporate pure ingredients into my recipes for health and flavor reasons.

WHAT DISHES WOULD YOU SERVE AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY?
I would serve everything in miniature sizes. I’m drawn to dainty and tiny items as I love the reaction I’ve witnessed when presenting items in miniature form (both in professional and personal settings) — the response is one of sheer delight. People gravitate to bite-sized items. Creating food items on a small scale is both a challenge and a joy to see the finished product and reaction.

I love presenting both savory and sweet items in this way as it brings genuine pleasure from guests as well as giving them “permission” to try everything without any guilt!

WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEAL YOU EVER PREPARED ON YOUR OWN?
My sister and I cooked a lot together when we were young. We loved preparing elaborate dinners for our parents. One time we made a roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and squash. We left the squash in the oven extra-long by mistake, and it remains a distinctive flavor memory I still dream about to this day. Since then, cooking has really been about the challenge to create something memorable I am excited to share with others.

IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN ONE DISH, WHICH DISH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Probably a pavlova, a crunchy meringue. The pavlova is a technical dessert with a hard exterior and a soft interior, served with berries and a light sauce. It’s light, girly, crunchy and colorful. Texture is important to me. I always make sure there is a crunch because I hate mushy foods. Pavlova can take on so many different forms, and that is what I love about it. It can be molded into tuiles or simply piped before it is dried into that crispy, delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

WHICH CULINARY TREND WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISAP- PEAR?
I believe plant-based foods offer a healthy alternative; however, this trend, in some cases, has been taken to the extreme. As a chef I feel it is important to eat whole foods in their purest form versus processed ones whenever possible.

THE PENINSULA CHICAGO
108 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
tel 312 337 2888
peninsula.com/chicago

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Trendy Delano Miami Beach Hotel Reopens This Year

Ennismore and partner Cain International are expecting to reopen the well-known Delano Miami Beach hotel in 2025 after completing a full renovation.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series

Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok

More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.

Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet

Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March

Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Have a Galentine’s to Remember at Holston House Nashville

Available for stays Feb. 13–17, Holston House Nashville’s Galentine’s offer is sure to elevate your girls’ trip to the next level. This offer starts at just $50 above the hotel’s standard room rate and comes with:

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).