Vanessa’s Fine Chocolates opened in Dunedin, Florida, in September, 1995 under the name Diadre’ Fine Chocolates By Design. Founder Renee’ Basagic and Vanessa Wilks began their careers together in 1982. Due to Renee’s retirement in 2003 Vanessa Wilks is now the sole owner.
Vanessa first studied under founder Renee’ Basagic a 25 year veteran Master Chocolatier. Vanessa furthered her studies in Chocolate Confections, Chocolate Art and Design and Sugar Art and Design attending Notter International School of Confectionery Art. She is constantly honing her skills learning new techniques, flavors, trends and ideas by attending professional and artisan classes taught by world renowned chefs: |
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- Chef Ewald Notter – Notter International School of Confectionery Art – Chef Ewald Notter team was the 1999 & 2000 winner of the National Pastry competion, 1990 World Pastry Chef of the Year, 2001 Gold Metal winner in World competition in Lyon France
- Chef Laurent Branlard – Executive Pastry Chef Walt Disney World Swan Dolphin Hotel, 2002 Team USA World Pastry Championship, Named one of the ten best Pastry Chefs in America
- Chef Thomas Haas - Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates of North Vancouver, BC, named one of the top ten Pastry Chefs of the year.
- Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer – The French Pastry School, Chicago, IL, winner of the 2004 World Pastry Chef of the Year.
- Chef Ralf Wellauer – Ralf Wellauer Confections, Germany
- 2004 National Pastry, Chocolate and Sugar competition student - Las Vegas, Nevada
- Retail Confectioners International Association Member – continuing education classes.
In addition to confectionery education Vanessa has a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.
Kutos…Vanessa’s Fine Chocolates has been the winner of Tampa Bay Magazine Best Chocolate Award since 1998. In March of 2004 St. Petersburg Times restaurant critic Chris Sherman named it Best Artisan Chocolate in the Tampa Bay area.
4022 Tampa Road - Suite 4
Oldsmar, Florida 34677
Tel: (813) 891-9111
Toll Free: (866) 733-0812
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