When you begin to learn about the culinary arts, dessert and chocolate creation, chances are the historical topics will focus primarily on the famous pastry chefs that are men. But make no mistake, while they have made significant contributions the women should not be disregarded. Like many other professions, there is a difference between genders – with women typically having to work harder and earning less. But after learning about these famous female pastry chefs, you will not only realize the importance of their contributions but also how they overcame any possible obstacles to become successful in their career.
Elizabeth Faulkner
One of the most famous female pastry chefs of today is Elizabeth Faulkner. But don’t let her successes fool you into thinking this was how she intended her career to begin. Graduating from the San Francisco Art Institute, she intended to become a professional in the film industry. After attending several restaurant events, she realized her passion was in the culinary arts – or more specifically the pastry arts. In 1997 she founded her own business and became executive pastry chef at Citizen Cake in San Francisco. Today, she still holds the same career path, but has also become the co-founder and executive pastry chef at the Orson as well.
Nancy Silverton
Many of the famous pastry chefs today are known for their signature creations, restaurant and pastry shop openings, publications and teaching roles. But few are known by the number and types of awards they have won. And even fewer female pastry chefs have accumulated the number of awards won by Nancy Silverton. She became the first woman to win the James Beard award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 1991 – and there have been very few female award winners since this accomplishment.
After this first award, she has received other titles and nominations including:
- James Beard Awards – Best Pastry Chef of the Year (1990), Who’s Who in American Cooking (1990), Nominee Best Cookbook of the Year (1997), Outstanding Service (2001, 2002)
- Chocolatier Magazine Pastry Chef of the Year (1995)
- WCR Golden Bowl Award, recognizes excellence in baking and pastry arts (2005)
But keep in mind these are only a few of Nancy Silverton’s accomplishments, she has also won a number of awards in the culinary arts, restaurant service and other related topics.
Gale Gand
One of the quieter success stories in this culinary arts niche, pastry chef Gale Gand proves what hard work and passion for this career path can accomplish. In 2001 she was awarded the recognition of Outstanding Pastry Chef by the James Beard Foundation, and Pastry Chef of the Year by Bon Appetite magazine. Today, she is a partner and executive pastry chef at Tru – working alongside business partners Rick Tramonto and Rich Melman.
In addition to these accomplishments, she was host of Sweet Dreams (produced by the Food Network) and The Answered Chef. (The latter program is an online cooking series at AnswersTV.com.) Also, she has made appearances on Iron Chef America, the Today Show, Martha Stewart, Baking with Julia Child and Top Chef (2008).
Elizabeth Faulkner, Nancy Silverton and Gale Gand are only three of the many famous pastry chefs that can be found in the United States. Their achievements can show anyone interested in this niche of the culinary arts is possible if you are willing to put in the hard work, time and dedication.
