URBAN BITES :: Creators of fine chocolates, petit fours, preserves and nougat

Urban Bites Philosophy on Food

“After working overseas for several years and researching trends in patisseries and chocolate shop establishments, I found that while the dark, cosy establishments and rich, cream layered and highly decorated pastries and cakes suited the colder climates, I wanted my products to express the lightness and freshness of Queensland food and the superior quality of much of our local or Australian produce.

Urban Bites’ products reflect this approach. My products are not heavily decorated or artificially flavoured, allowing the true flavour of the ingredients to feature. My point of difference is smaller, often bite sized products to be sold packaged for the take away market, or as an eat-in menu item, to be enjoyed in our café along with a range of boutique style beverages.

Cassy Baker
Executive Pastry Chef and Chocolatier
Urban Bites

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More than just a coffee shop...

With a background of working for some of the best patisseries in London, multi gold medal and award winning pastry chef and chocolatier Cassandra Baker brings to her own establishment, Urban Bites at 83A Kedron Brook Road, Wilston (Brisbane) a range of delicious nougat, chocolates, petit fours and gourmet products to delight the discerning foodie. All Urban Bites products are hand-made at our commercial kitchen using the highest quality ingredients (local or Australian where possible).

By combining her award winning skills and experience with her understanding that using the freshest ingredients makes a far superior product, Cassandra has now been able to experiment with innovative combinations of ingredients and is currently producing a variety of gourmet products including world class nougat. Urban Bites nougat was awarded a quality endorsement (March 2005-2007) by the Queensland branch of Les Toques Blanches, an international association of executive chefs dedicated to promoting high quality products.

Using her considerable skills as a chocolatier, Cassandra also hand produces exquisite chocolates using only the best couverture and rather than relying on artificial embellishments and decorations, her minimalist designs allows the true chocolate flavour to feature.

Urban Bites’ point of difference is producing smaller, often bite sized products – sweet and savoury – to be sold packaged for the take-away market, or as an eat-in menu item to be enjoyed in our café/courtyard along with a range of boutique style beverages such as the award winning Zentveld coffee, gourmet teas, hot chocolate (made from 60% couverture chocolate ) or milk shakes made with real flavourings such as vanilla, hand made caramel, raspberries, couverture chocolate and espresso coffee. A small range of premium Elmstock teas are also available.

Cassandra’s philosophy is to constantly experiment with new ingredients and to deliver small batches of her ever-increasing range of gourmet goodies thus tempting the discerning customer who appreciates premium produce that is unique in its taste and innovative in its range and packaging. Urban Bites retail concept store and café is allowing Cassandra to put this philosophy into practice.

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FACT SHEET – Cassandra Baker

ENDORSEMENTS:

Les Toques Blanches – Urban Bites Nougat was awarded a quality endorsement by Les Toques Blanches Queensland, an international chefs association, in March 2005-March 2007

SCHOLARSHIPS:

National Winner Australian Baking Industry Scholarship 2003
(Open Category)

Prize of study trip to Singapore Food Expo
Visited Bakery Trade Fair & several gourmet bakers
$1,000 cash
Only person to date to win both the 18-24 yr and open categories

Australian National baking Industry Awards – Regional Winner 2003

Prize of 4 day study trip to Sydney

Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarship Winner 1998

Prize of return airfare and living support whilst working overseas to gain experience for Queensland

National Winner Australian Baking Industry Scholarship 1996
(18-24 Category)

Prize of study trip to Chicago and Los Angeles
Visited Bakery Trade Fair & several gourmet bakers
$1,000 cash

Australian National baking Industry Awards – Regional Winner 1996

Prize of 3 day study trip to Adelaide

Winner Apprentice Skill Off Competition 1996

Prize of 3 day study trip to Sydney & $500

COMPETITIONS:

Harrods Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate – Honours 2000
Winner Australian Bakeskills Competition 1998
Runner up Australian Bakeskills Competition 1997
Queensland Training Awards – State Finalist 1997
Apprentice of the Year (Brisbane) – Queensland Training Awards 1997
Salon Culinare Competitions 1993 – 1996
- 5 gold medals
- 5 silver medals for desserts & petit fours

NOMINATIONS:

Nominated by the General Manager of the Heritage Hotel for
The Young Australian of the Year – career achievement category 1997

Nominated 1997 for Outstanding Woman of the Year – non traditional trades student category

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

Urban Bites – Owner/Pastry Chef
(Specialising in nougat, petit-fours, chocolates and fine pastries) May 2003

Jocelyn’s Provisions Brisbane - Head Pastry Chef 2001 - 2002

Harrods London - Chef de Partie
Began as demi chef in flan & cheesecake section for patisserie counter
After 5 months promoted to chef de partie and ran the flan section
Within 7 months moved to restaurant section in charge of a la carte desserts for the Georgian restaurant, Harrods premier restaurant 1999 –2000

Godiva Chocolatier London 1999

La Gavroche London – Commis Pastry Chef
Creation of traditional French desserts for two Michelin star restaurant 1999

College of Tourism & Hospitality – Pastry & Bakery Tutor 1998

Heritage Hotel Brisbane – Commis Pastry Chef 1997

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre – pastry kitchen hand
1996 – 1997

Hilton Hotel Brisbane – Apprentice Pastry Chef 1992 - 1996