This time, Lavonne, the patisserie in Domlur, is in news, not just for its mouth-watering goodies and bakes, but for the effort of the people behind the show. Started by Chef Avin Thaliath and Vinesh Johny along with Lijo Eapen, it recently won the prestigious food award for the best patisserie. And, 27 year-old Vinesh is the only Bangalorean and the second Indian who has made it to the inaugural Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in the arts category.
The young baker goes down memory lane and talks about the genesis of his love for baking.
“The dream was to make a destination for people to come in just for pastries and also provide a platform for others to take up baking as a career,” starts Vinesh, who gives complete credit to his partners and says, “Chef Avin was my teacher and taught me the nuances of baking, and Lijo has always been there to help, guide and support me.”
Vinesh then talks about how they started the baking academy at Lavonne. “We started with just three students. Now we are planning to shift the academy from Domlur to a larger area so we can accommodate the large number of students that enrol with us,” beams the young baker.
Vinesh recalls how he was “fascinated with the very idea of working in the F&B section. My chef friends always had interesting stories to narrate about their work. Even though my parents were apprehensive, I chose hotel management and then decided to become a baker.”
Vinesh is described as an all-rounder and is known for putting out his signature desserts and training people. “Our teaching methods are different and a lot of research goes into it. They are also exposed to skills needed in every area of baking. We have students who work in standalone units and in bakeries across the US and Europe.
“They are not taught to copy a recipe or a design, but have to tap into their creativity and create their own flavours and the look for each dessert. The idea is to teach them to depict their personality on their pastries. That way each dessert looks like a work of an art,” explains Vinesh.
Lavonne also organises a fundraiser by the trainees. “From budget to sales and marketing, the students have to do it all by themselves. We also have bakers from abroad come and teach at Lavonne. This year in June, French dessert queen, Nina Tarasova will be here to conduct classes,” he adds.
(For more details log on to lavonne.in)
