The man behind the masterpiece.
Donuts have been at the center of the story for DKMV Pastries Founder and Chef Keven Ngauv. His inspiration for DKMV (Donut Kill My Vibe) was born in his parents donut shop in Lafayette, California. Keven grew up watching his parents' donut shop emerge as a staple in their community. The family business provided an environment for members of the community to catch up with friends, for parents rushing to grab their kids breakfast before school, and for family time on Saturday mornings. While the donut shop was an inspiring goal for Keven at a young age, his parents envisioned a different life for him. Their wish was for him to pursue the traditional path of going to college and earn a degree in order for Keven to have better opportunities than they had.
Although he was able to fulfill his parents' wishes, Keven still felt that nagging feeling of unfulfilled purpose. After much reflection and soul-searching, Keven realized that culinary school was his calling and the beginning of his next adventure.
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Graduating culinary school provided Keven with the opportunity to work at a Michelin star restaurant. During his time there, he realized that he wanted high-end desserts found exclusively at fine dining establishments to be accessible and affordable to the masses. He wanted to create something as his parents did -- desserts that satisfy every sweet tooth. He still had much to learn and the best teacher for Keven during this period of his life was traveling.
Traveling the world not only expanded his worldview as a human being but also in his craft. Keven gravitated towards dishes in his travels that took a conventional recipe and gave it new life for the modern palette. Using his arsenal of skills and techniques he acquired in culinary school, he learned from other cultures to play around with different combinations and twists on desserts that one doesn't generally expect to go well together. The outcome is a thoughtfully curated and dynamic menu of creative desserts made using French culinary techniques that incorporate the flavors of Asia, America, and others.
Food is an experience that’s best shared. The goal for DKMV Pastries is to bring people together through their love of desserts. Not only does Keven want to put a smile on people’s faces once they taste his desserts, but he also wants everyone to celebrate the small moments. Take a breath from the busy life and enjoy the moment with one of his many desserts. No moment is too big or too small to say, “Donut Kill My Vibe.”