Hollin Hall Pastry

Mel Meadows, Pastry Chef has been serving his sweet creations to the Washington, DC metropolitan region for almost three decades.

Self-taught, in the art of European-style pastry, Chef Meadows began his rewarding career in 1981 when he joined the employ at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, our area's most prestigious country club.

Three years later, Meadows signed-on with Design Cuisine Caterers, one of Washingtons premiere caterers at the time. During this tenure with Design Cuisine, Chef Meadows was internationally recognized for his innovative style, clean lines and tempting presentations to such dignitaries as: President & Mrs. Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Kennedy/Coumo Wedding Cake, and a special ceremonial cake for President George Herbert Walker Bush, to name a few.

Chef Meadows opened his first pastry shop in Alexandria, Virginia in 1988. The shop was an immediate success delighted local residents with freshly made delicious French pastries, luscious cakes and tarts, and other fine delectable.

Washington's most tasty secret, tucked in Alexandria's most charming neighborhood.

Feeling an urge to move on and to expand his career, Meadows set his sights on a vacant bank spot in the Mount Vernon community of Alexandria, Virginia. The Hollin Hall Pastry Shop came to life in August of 2000. Despite some drastic setbacks like the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the shop always kept its best foot forward and the chin-up!

Chef Meadows was personally asked to produce and deliver the for the Washington, DC Convention Center Grand Opening in March 2003 (18ft X 7.5ft X 4.5ft). Meadows went on to receive two distinct *Business of the Year* awards in one year, 2004. Those were from the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce and The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, respectively.

Additionally, to add to his accolades, Meadows strong desire towards giving through good deeds and acts, with community service is unparalleled. It is no surprise that Virginia State Delegate (44th District) Kris Amundson would personally nominate Meadows and the shop for