Baking up a dream

By Ashley Simpson special To The fauquier Times

As professional chef April Franqueza approached her Kettle Run High School graduation in 2010, she wasn’t like her classmates who were preparing for their next four years at a college or university. She didn’t know what she wanted to do – or what colleges she was interested in – so she took a year-long break to plot her next move.

Then, that summer, her dad passed away following a battle with cancer. But he left his daughter with some enlightening words.

“One of the last things my dad said before he passed away was, ‘You should go to the Culinary Institute of America,’ and that led me to apply and go there,” Franqueza, 30, said in a recent interview. “And that ended up really being my place.”

It all makes sense when Franqueza looks back at her childhood, when many of her favorite memories involved cooking and baking. Still, she said she didn’t seriously consider becoming a chef until her dad’s words sunk in.

“Going through a parent’s death at such a young age really changes your perspective in life,” she said. “My younger brother was 14 at the time, and I didn’t want to leave him. I stayed at home for a year and worked at a local pastry shop.”

That experience helped Franqueza qualify for admission to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, which set her future course.

Now, she is the executive pastry chef at High Hampton Inn, a renowned and luxury historical estate in Jackson County, North Carolina, and a participant on the current season of The Food Network’s reality show, “Spring Baking Championship.”

As viewers of “Spring Baking Championship” might hear April say on the show, her life would likely have been totally different had her father not encouraged her to pursue a dream along a competitive, difficult path.

“Otherwise, I would have gone to a normal college,” she said. “But one day, my dad came home with all these papers about the Culinary Institute, and then a year later it all worked out. … Look where it got me. It drew the course of my life.”

“I oversee the entire pastry function, helping make anything we serve,” Franqueza said of her job at High Hampton Inn. “We do all of our baking – all bread, pastries, cookies, you name it – in house. We make everything. I write the menus and the recipes. It’s a lot, but it’s seriously my dream job. I still get to do baked goods, but I also do plated desserts and get to experience restaurant life.”

Franqueza’s husband, Scott, whom she met at the CIA, also works at the inn as a chef.

Franqueza comes up with every dessert menu, which always consists of four different options and rotates every three days. She said she loves the opportunity to be innovative and creative and has a running list of ideas and ingredients on her cell phone for whenever an idea for a new dessert combination or concept comes to mind.

While Franqueza loves cooking all kinds of dishes, she said she has always been drawn to pastries – from pies to cakes to croissants.

“I do love cooking savory food, but pastry is my first love,” Franqueza said. “Our days at High Hampton Inn are 11 to 12 hours, and every day is fun. The act of making something that you know someone is not going to eat every day is so satisfying. I make sure nothing goes into production unless it’s the best it can be, and I love that these desserts and baked goods can be so special to people. When people tell me the fresh bread reminds me of their grandmother’s, it touches my soul.”

Franqueza’s desserts have clearly touched a lot of people. She and Scott have been invited to bake and cook on “The Today Show” twice over the last two years.

“The first time, ‘The Today Show’ was looking for chefs for a New Year’s segment last year, and Scott’s and my anniversary is New Year’s, so it was special timing,” Franqueza said. “The producers asked if we would do a special demo. I made a s’mores dessert for New Year’s Eve and then cinnamon rolls for New Year’s brunch. Then, they asked us to come back for a similar segment for Valentine’s Day this year.”

So, Franqueza was no stranger to television when The Food Network sent a message to her on Instagram about participating on Season 9 of “Spring Baking Championship.”

“This wasn’t the first time they had asked me to participate, but it was the first time that my schedule allowed me to be away for long enough to film, which takes four weeks,” she explained. “There were 12 competitors, and each season lasts 10 episodes. When I arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee, to film, I didn’t know anything about my fellow competitors, so from the beginning, I was a big ball of nerves.”

Throughout the competition, the bakers had a set amount of time to prepare desserts that adhered to the theme: Love. This was all too appropriate, considering the host was Jesse Palmer, the host of “The Bachelor.”

“There were three judges and eliminations for each episode,” Franqueza said. “What’s really hard is, let’s say you have 90 minutes to do something, and you forget to do something or make one small mistake when rushing. Then, while you wait to be judged, all you can do is think back on what you did and why you aren’t proud of it – how you could have done it better. And then you have to sit through the judging process, which can just be brutal when you know you didn’t deliver the best you could.”

Being a part of the competition meant withstanding a lot of pressure, but Franqueza said she was glad she got the experience.

“It definitely made me recognize which areas I need to work on,” she said. “I definitely found myself saying multiple times, ‘Wow, I haven’t made this in 10 years.”

Franqueza said her advice to people who have the urge to pursue dreams outside the norm is to be their own biggest cheerleader and to surround themselves with others who cheer for their success.

“I really think that believing in yourself – and understanding that anything is possible – is key to realizing even the craziest of dreams,” she said. “At the same time, you have to expect that things are going to be hard – but not impossible – especially when you have a great team in your corner.

“If you had told me when I was 18 that I’d be going to the CIA, going to France and Spain to cook and study culinary culture, and then eventually be on The Food Network, I wouldn’t have believed it,” she added. “And, that all happened by the time I turned 30. I can’t even fathom what can happen in the next 10 years.”

Upcoming Prince William Events March 23 To 29

Ongoing Events

ARTfactory to Feature 20 Artists in Upcoming “ARTfactory Instructors Exhibit”: Exhibit dates: March 28 to April 25. ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St., Manassas.

ARTfactory is proud to present the ARTfactory Instructors Exhibit, an exhibition showcasing the talent of 20 past, present, and future instructors. All of ARTfactory’s instructors have a wide range of skills, and many of them work in various media. The displayed artwork represents a variety of media and applications, including digital photography, drawing, painting, mixed media, illustration, fiber art, costume design, printmaking, animation and digital media. For more information, contact Jordan Exum at 703-330-2787 or email jexum@VirginiaARTfactory.org.

Veterans Lunch Bunch: Every Second Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Are you a local veteran?

Join us for lunch. RSVP to Virginia Hendrix at 703-494-3817. Potomac Place Assisted Living and Memory Care, 2133 Montgomery Ave., Woodbridge.

First Responder Fridays:

Woodbridge area First Responders (police, EMS, healthcare staff, firefighters and active-duty military) are invited to grab a free breakfastto-go at Potomac Place on the first Friday of each month from 7 to 9 a.m. Potomac Place, 2133 Montgomery

Ave., Woodbridge.

Thursday, March 23 Yoga for Cancer: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Classes are taught by Pat Fitzsimmons. Dress comfortably and bring a mat and water. Registration required; call 1-800-SENTARA.

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.

Prince William County Historic

Preservation Lecture Series-Rise of a Region-A Developmental History of Northern Virginia: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn how the built environment of Northern Virginia developed into places we live, work and entertain.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas. Free, $5 suggested donation.

Books on Tap at Tucked Away: 7 to 8:30 p.m. For adults. Come for books and beer and discuss contemporary fiction titles. Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas.

AARP Tax Aide: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additional dates: Saturday, March 25, Tuesday, March 28; same times. Speak to AARP tax experts and get free tax help. Appointments required; call 571-316-0493. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge. Free.

Volunteer for AARP: 2 to 4 p.m. Tea and Talk designed to give you a “taste” of volunteering with AARP in Haymarket and Gainesville. Sip tea, meet the team of volunteers and see what is available. RSVP is required; call 1-877-926-8300. Dominion Valley Country Club, Waverly Ballroom, 15200 Arnold Palmer Drive, Haymarket.

Spring Job Fair: 2 to 5 p.m.

Additional dates: Friday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 29; same times. Learn about 2 Silos and chat with the management team. 2 Silos Brewing, 9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

Brains and Beer Trivia Night: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring a team of up to six players. Food trucks on site. Tin Cannon Brewing Company, 7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville.

Thursday Night Team Trivia: 7 to 9 p.m. Cedar Run Brewery, 12801 Hazelwood Drive, Nokesville. Bingo Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Prizes for all

See CALENDAR , page 12 winners. Food truck on site. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas.

Live Music: 5 to 9 p.m. Featuring Ryan Jewel. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

Friday, March 24

Friday Conservation Corps: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed; flexible schedule. All are welcome; volunteers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Register at: www.leopoldspreserve.com/ calendar. Leopold’s Preserve, 16290 Thoroughfare Road, Broad Run. Homeschooling with PWPL: 1 to 2:30 p.m. For adults. Learn about free tools and tips to help make homeschool planning easier. Montclair Library, 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries.

English Conversation: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Speakers of all languages are welcome. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Potomac Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.

Friday Night Karaoke: 7 to 10 p.m. Brew Republic Bierwerks, 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge.

Live Music: 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring Brisk. Sinistral Brewing Company, 9419 Main St., Manassas.

Bingo Night: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Family friendly event; prizes suitable for kids and teens. Tin Cannon Brewing Company, 7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville.

Live Music: 6 p.m. Featuring Form of Expression. Heritage Brewing Company, 9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas.

Open Mic Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Share your talent. House PA system provided but singers are encouraged to bring their own microphones.

Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas.

Live Music: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Featuring Blair’s West. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

Live Music: 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring Alex Parez. Water’s End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge.

Live Music: 9 p.m. to midnight.

Featuring Troll Tribe. Three Monkeys Pub, 9329 Main St., Manassas.

Live Music: 7 p.m. Featuring Kylie Brown. CraftWorx Taproom, 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville.

Saturday, March 25

Winter Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local crafters and vendors. No pets allowed. Prince William Street Commuter Lot, 9024 Prince William St., Manassas.

8th annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium-Historic Communities of Change: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited and advanced registration is required; call 703-499-9812. Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Ave., Manassas. $10 per person.

AARP Tax Services: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional dates: Monday, March 27, and Wednesday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For adults. Speak to AARP tax experts and get free tax help first come, first served. No appointments required. Bull Run Library, 8051 Ashton Ave., Manassas.

Colonial Games: 11 a.m. to noon. Discover the games children used to play during the colonial time era. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.

Game On: 6 p.m. Family friendly ballet set in virtual reality with audience participation. For tickets and information, call 703-993-7550.

Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. Adults $28, 22; senior, youth and military $26, $20.

Rippon Lodge Garden Day Prep: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers welcome, ages 13 and older. Learn how to plant a historic garden. Tools provided; bring gloves and hand tools encouraged. Advance registration required; call 703-895-6106. Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge. Free.

Scrambled Egg Hunts: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Time limit of 30 minutes for each egg hunt. Advanced registration is required; call 703-365-7895.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow. $30 per egg hunt.

Managing Money-A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning. Registration required; call 703-4943817. Potomac Place Assisted Living, 2133 Montgomery Ave., Woodbridge. Lansing High School Band

Performance: All day. The Lansing High School Band will perform outside the museum. National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle. Furs, Feathers, Skulls … Oh, My: 1 to 2 p.m. Join Park Rangers to learn more about the animals that call Leesylvania State Park their home. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig, Drive, Woodbridge.

Parking fee.

Ornery Crawfish Boil: Noon to 5 p.m. All you can eat. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ ornery-crawfish-boil-2023-bristowtickets-523914561557. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas. $59 per person.

Live Music: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Featuring Summer and Eric. The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville.

Live Music: 2 p.m. Featuring Blue Bottleneck Band. Heritage Brewing Company, 9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas.

Acoustic Country Show: 3 to 6 p.m. Tucked Away Brewing Company, 8420 Kao Circle, Manassas.

Live Music: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Featuring Chesapeake Sons. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

Live Music: 6 to 9 p.m. Featuring Matty D. Water’s End Brewery, 12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge.

Live Music: 8 p.m. Featuring Kid Sister Band. CraftWorx Taproom, 5615 Wellington Road, Gainesville.

Sunday, March 26

Dale City Winter Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dale City Farmers Market, 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City. Children’s Discovery Hike: 11 a.m. to noon. Family event. Binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug catching tools and more gear will be available for children to use. The trail is stroller friendly. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes; bring water. Leashed pets are welcome on the trails but are not allowed in the visitor center. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge. Parking fee.

Live Music: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Featuring Sons of Pirates. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

Monday, March 27

English Conversation: 6 to 7 p.m.

For adults. Speakers of all languages are welcome. Montclair Library, 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries.

Citizenship Class: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. For adults. The class will help participants get ready to apply for citizenship. Registration required; call 703-792-4800. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.

Monday Trivia: 7 to 9 p.m. Teams are welcome and encouraged. Brew Republic Bierwerks, 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge.

Tuesday, March 28

English Conversation: 6 to 7:30 p.m. For adults. Speakers of all languages are welcome. Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket. Free.

Teen Action Group: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. For ages 13 and up. Make a difference in the community and share ideas, earn community hours and meet new friends. Manassas City Library, 10104 Dumfries Road, Manassas.

Tuesday Team Trivia: 8 t0 9:30 p.m. Test knowledge and win prizes. Three Monkeys Pub, 9329 Main St., Manassas.

Wednesday, March 29

Breast Cancer Support Group: 6:15 to 8:25 p.m. Connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, exchange ideas and use knowledge to help others. Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Hylton Education Center, Rooms CG. 2300 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge.

Valor Awards: 2 to 4:30 p.m. The annual event recognizes police, fire and rescue workers for their courageous and life-saving actions. Register at: https://www. princewilliamchamberofcommerce. growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/ Register/4rkYNqzP. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas. Free and open to the community.

English Conversation: 6 to 7 p.m. For adults. Speakers of all languages are welcome. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.

Spanish Conversation: 1 to 2 p.m. For adults. For speakers of all languages. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Chinn Park Library, 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge.

Trivia Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Come, play and test knowledge. Food truck on site. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8088 Flannery Court, Manassas.

Live Music: 5 to 9 p.m. Featuring Sharif. Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas.

It’s a Hop-A-Demic Trivia Night: 7 to 9 p.m. Sinistral Brewing Company, 9419 Main St., Manassas. Music Bingo at Brew Republic: 7 to 10 p.m. Brew Republic Bierwerks, 15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge.

March’s Musical Acts Open Mic Night: 7 to 9:30 p.m. An open mic night specifically for musical acts (musicians and singers only). Musicians must bring their own instrument, PA provided. Tin Cannon Brewing Company, 7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville.