Meet Tinotenda Sadziwa, the Zimbabwean culinary star who traded in her sociology degree for a life of flour and frosting! From her early days baking with her mom, Tinotenda, or Tino as her friends call her, knew she was destined for something sweet. And now, she's mixing up a storm in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, turning her pastry dreams into reality.
Tino's journey from studying sociology to becoming a pastry chef started when she realised her true passion was in the kitchen. “I knew cooking was my real calling,” she says. “So, I decided to level up my skills and enrolled in a culinary school to dive deep into all the fancy techniques.”
Her culinary adventure began at the President Hotel as a Pastry Commis Chef. But the real excitement came when she landed a position as Pastry Chef at Winslow’s Tavern in Cape Cod — a renowned spot famous for its delicious seafood and a touch of South African charm, thanks to co-owner and head chef Phillip Hunt.
“Travelling to Cape Cod felt like stepping into an American movie!” Tino laughed. “From the airport accents to the fast trains, it was quite the adventure. Arriving at Winslow’s Tavern and seeing such a pristine, well-organised kitchen was like a dream come true.”
At Winslow’s Tavern, Tino is busy creating and executing dessert menus that are as stunning as they are scrumptious. Her day kicks off early at 6:30am with a morning ritual of devotion and a soothing cup of green tea with lemon. She’s at work by 9 am, preps until lunchtime, takes a well-deserved break in the park, and then dives back in for dinner service. After a day of culinary creations, she enjoys a bit of downtime before heading to bed.
On her days off, Tino balances chores, meal prep, and catching up on food trends. It’s all about recharging and getting ready for the next tasty challenge.
Looking ahead, Tino’s got big dreams. “In the next five years, I want to travel the world, explore different cuisines, and eventually open my own bakery before 2030,” she shares with a smile.
Before heading off to her next baking adventure, Tino answered a few fun questions:
1.What are five things that are always in your fridge or pantry?
Corn, fruits, vegetables, white wine, and various meats.
2.What would be your last meal?
Rice, beef stew, and coleslaw.
3.Is there anything you don’t eat?
Pawpaw and pasta.
4.If you could cook dinner for five famous people, who would they be and what would you serve?
“I’d invite Andy Allen, Michelle Obama, Steve Harvey, Priscilla Shirer, and Jamie Oliver. I’d prepare a three-course feast with a charcuterie board to start, followed by grilled salmon with roasted veggies, beef tenderloin medallions, and a range of delicious sides. For dessert, baked cheesecake with raspberry gel and chocolate lava cakes with vanilla ice cream.”
5.Do you have a favourite celebrity chef?
“Clare Smyth. She’s an amazing inspiration and the first British female chef to earn three Michelin stars. I hope to follow her path and become an African female chef with a Michelin star.”
6.Tinotenda Sadziwa’s journey from sociology student to pastry chef is a delicious reminder to follow your dreams. With her creativity, passion, and talent, she's sure to keep delighting taste buds and making a big splash in the culinary world!
IOL Lifestyle