candies from pastry chef awards reception

Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America

Monday marked the celebration of the 21st annual Dessert Professional magazine "Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America" awards. From a reigning M.O.F. pâtissier (Meilleur Ouvrier de France–one of the most prestigious awards in the pastry realm) to the first female Executive Pastry Chef to grace the kitchens of Restaurant Daniel, the 2014 award winners represented an incredible range of technical skill and artistry. 

From left: A celebratory dessert by Rudi Weider, Master Pastry Chef, Hilton San Diego Bayfront; The Cherry Tart by Ghaya Oliveira, Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Daniel; white chocolate "Crottin" with Surinam cherry preserve by Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago.
From left: A celebratory dessert by Rudi Weider, Master Pastry Chef, Hilton San Diego Bayfront; The Cherry Tart by Ghaya Oliveira, Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Daniel; white chocolate "Crottin" with Surinam cherry preserve by Della Gossett, Executive Pastry Chef at Spago.

 Each year, ICE's own culinary and pastry students have the opportunity to work alongside these nationally recognized chefs—an incredible honor and learning experience. From eclairs and layered cakes to earthy free-form plates, the wide range of desserts represented the promising future of pastry in America. 

ICE culinary student Elio Lapaix assists Chef/MOF Georges Berger of Miami's Chocolate Fashion. 
ICE culinary student Elio Lapaix assists Chef/MOF Georges Berger of Miami's Chocolate Fashion. 
Chef Jennifer Yee's modern spin on French eclairs.
Chef Jennifer Yee's modern spin on French eclairs.

The full list of 2014 winners:

  • Georges Berger, MOF — Owner, Chocolate Fashion
  • Ebow Dadzie — Pastry Chef, NY Marriott Marquis
  • Della Gossett — Executive Pastry Chef, Spago
  • Katzie Guy-Hamilton — F&B Director/Corporate Pastry Chef, Max Brenner
  • Cher Harris — Executive Pastry Chef, The Hotel Hershey
  • Joshua Johnson — Executive Pastry Chef, Vanille Patisserie
  • Ghaya Oliveira — Executive Pastry Chef, Restaurant Daniel
  • Derek Poirier — Ecole du Grand Chocolate Pastry Chef, Valrhona USA
  • Rudi Weider — Master Pastry Chef, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
  • Jennifer Yee — Executive Pastry Chef, Lafayette

Pastry Chef Award winners