Pastry Chef Lauren GencoBrings her Talents to Polytech

Some of Lauren Genco’s favorite childhood memories are those of her cooking with her mother and grandmother, so it makes sense that she took those early experiences and turned them into a successful career that shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest adventure in her culinary journey brings her to Polytech as the high school instructor of the Baking and Pastry course.

From Marlboro, New Jersey, Lauren attended Freehold High School’s culinary program and got her first taste of competitive baking at NJ’s SkillsUSA competitions. Upon graduating high school, Lauren was determined to pursue a career in the field, which led to her attending the Culinary Institute of America. It was during her time there that she discovered her passion for teaching and helping others in the kitchen. “I was always helping my peers during culinary school, and my instructors took note of that. They recommended I become a Teaching Assistant at the café on campus, and that’s when I realized how much I wanted to teach,” says Lauren.

Before committing to the classroom, Lauren understood the importance of gaining experience in the industry, and that has led to a very impressive résumé. Lauren worked as the Pastry Chef for all three of Chef Michael White’s New Jersey restaurants. White is the Head Chef and Owner of the Altamarea Group, which operates 16 restaurants in 3 countries. In addition, Lauren helped open “Just Restaurant” in Old Bridge, and worked for “Confetti Cakes” in

Manhattan, where she sculpted specialty cakes for clients. She has also contributed to the cookbook “Frozen Desserts”, which she worked on with Francisco Migoya, and appeared on “Last Cake Standing” on the Food Network.

When discussing how her experience helps her as a teacher, Lauren says, “I’ve worked in a lot of different situations with a lot of different personalities, and I believe working in those environments has prepared me to lead a classroom and reach my students on a personal level.”

Lauren is excited for the challenges this next part of her life will bring, and she is approaching it with the same mindset and passion she has carried with her throughout her career. She says, “Teaching has always been on my mind, and the opportunity to educate high school students is something I am thankful for. I know this experience will help me grow as a person and will be just as rewarding—personally and professionally—as all my past experiences have been.”

To contact Lauren and discuss the Baking and Pastry program, call (908) 284-1444 x 2117. Also, visit us at www.hcpolytech.org in order to learn more about programs being offered.