Do you picture yourself opening a patisserie or chocolate shop one day in the near future? Or do you need some inspiration before you decide to become a pastry chef? Regardless if your heart is set on this career path or if you are a bit on the fence, why not look to some famous pastry chefs for inspiration! There are hundreds of individuals who have achieved different levels of status and recognition in this field, and some have even become world famous because of their baking and decorating skills. In 2011, two of the most recognizable names in the United States and the world are Faulkner and Torres. Featured in popular magazines, television shows and winners of multiple awards, they demonstrate what you can achieve when you reach the top of this career path.
Elizabeth Faulkner
One of the most recognizable names in the pastry industry today is Elizabeth Faulkner. The level of fame she has achieved may lead you to believe she always pursued this career path, but this is not the case! Her education began in the field of fine arts at the San Francisco Art Institute, with a planned career in film. However, after attending several events at renowned restaurants such as Masa’s, Rubicon and Elka, she decided to apply her artistry to creating delectable sweets, deserts and confectionary delights.
One of her most well known achievements is the creation of her bakery, Citizen Cake. Founded in 1997 in South of Market, it relocated and expanded into a restaurant and patisserie in Hayes Valley in 2000. As of 2011, it has relocated and expanded again on Filmore Street in Pacific Heights and was renamed Elizabeth Faulkner’s Citizen Cake and Ice Cream Parlor.
But this top pastry chef’s achievements are not limited to the successful establishment of a patisserie and dessert shop. She is known by her unique creations that are not only delectable, but considered works of art. Her cakes and creations are covered in sugar spirals and architectural details that have been featured in publications including Art Culinaire, Pastry Art & Design, and led to her being named Pastry Chef of the Year by San Francisco magazine.
Jacques Torres
Considered one of the great pastry chefs in the world, Jacques Torres is known for his delectable dessert creations that are the focus of the entire dining experience. Owner and creator of a Brooklyn factory founded in 2000, chocolates are the heart of his creations. In fact, they steal the spotlight at Jacques Torres Chocolate which has since expanded into a second location on Hudson Street in downtown New York City.
Starting his career with an apprenticeship in Bandol in Providence at age 15, he was able to complete all his coursework and meet all the set requirements for completion in two years time – and graduated first in his class! This early jumpstart launched his pastry career, where he eventually earned the distinction of being the youngest chef to earn the Meillur Ouvrier de France medal (1986) and completed his study to become a Master Pastry Chef (1983).
Today, Jacques Torres holds a position at The French Culinary Institute in New York as the Dean of Pastry Arts. While his work does not hold as much public media attention as other top pastry chefs, he is a regular participant at popular culinary events, and makes occasional guest appearances on well known television shows such as Top Chef: Just Desserts.
The accomplishments of these two pastry chefs are both motivational and inspirational. For those pursuing a career in this field, they show the potential and level you can achieve if you are willing to put in the time and education. But even if you don’t reach their level of expertise, they are great examples of all the possibilities that are open to you as a master or executive pastry chef.
