Nik Pugmire

Experience

Nik Pugmire is a food writer and professional pastry chef with over 15 years of baking and pastry experience. Specialties and expertise include recipe and menu development, wedding cake design, specialty cake decorating, and creating unique, seasonal desserts for restaurant and catering events. Nik works as the executive pastry chef of the Port of Des Moines Event Group and Doré Bakery, located in Des Moines, Iowa. His expertise in desserts and baked items include a wide range from casual, grab-and-go style to elaborate plated desserts, as well as wedding and celebration cakes within the Des Moines Metro area. He constantly creates and customizes new recipes based on the seasonality of ingredients, current culinary trends, and special dietary needs. Nik has also worked in pastry kitchens for major hotels, including The Four Seasons Chicago. He acquired experience in curating dessert items and menus for on-site restaurants, room service, weddings, and special events hosted by the hotel. He also designed banquet and wedding desserts, including custom wedding cakes, based on personal consultations with clients.