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Tag: Tiara Bennett

  • 8 Black Pastry Chefs for National Dessert Day

    Got a sweet tooth? Then mark your calendars for October 14th – it’s National Dessert Day! This is the perfect excuse to indulge in all things sweet. To celebrate, we’re shining a spotlight on eight incredibly talented Black pastry chefs who are whipping up delicious treats and making a significant mark in the culinary world. Get ready to be inspired (and maybe a little hungry!).

    Meet the Sweetest Creators

    1. **1. Camari Mick:** Influenced by her Jamaican roots, Camari Mick, a renowned pastry chef in New York City, infuses Afro-Caribbean flavors into her creations, like jerk ice cream and rum cake. She’s transitioning from her roles at Musket Room and Raf’s to launch L’Atelier Ébène, focusing on savory dishes with a Caribbean twist.
    2. **2. Jocelyn Delk Adams:** Through her “Grandbaby Cakes,” Jocelyn Delk Adams honors her grandmother’s legacy by modernizing family recipes. Her comforting and visually appealing desserts, like Butter Pecan Butter Swim Biscuits and No Bake Kool Aid Pie, bring a sweet touch to tradition.
    3. **3. Vallery Lomas:** A winner of “The Great American Baking Show,” Vallery Lomas is the first Black winner of the competition. Her food blog and Instagram showcase innovative takes on traditional dishes, including a unique Hummingbird Cake and Cranberry Cornbread.
    4. **4. Jatee Kearsley:** Owner of Je T’aime Patisserie in Brooklyn, Jatee Kearsley specializes in Parisian-style pastries made with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Inspired by a trip to Paris, she offers delights like fruit danishes and pineapple rhumm baba.
    5. **5. Benjamina Ebuehi:** After reaching the quarter-finals of “The Great British Bake Off,” Benjamina Ebuehi has become a respected food stylist and cookbook author. She uses her baking passion to support Luminary Bakery, empowering women facing hardship.
    6. **6. Bree:** Known for her vibrant cake pop art on Instagram’s “Bree Bakes,” Bree creates themed mini desserts that are as fun as they are delicious. Her creativity shines through seasonal designs and cakes molded into unique shapes.
    7. **7. Daphane DeLone:** Working as a pastry chef at Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood, Daphane DeLone is famous for her in-house made whoopee pies. Her current menu features a delightful Lemon and Lavender Whoopie Pie with buttercream filling.
    8. **8. Tiara Bennett:** During the pandemic, Tiara Bennett started The Pastry Box to bring joy to her neighbors. This initiative blossomed into a bakery in 2023, making her the first Black-owned restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village in 25 years.

    These eight chefs represent just a fraction of the incredible talent within the Black culinary community. Their dedication, creativity, and passion for pastry are truly inspiring, especially as we celebrate National Dessert Day. Each one brings a unique flavor and story to their craft, making their creations not just delicious but also meaningful.

    Which of these talented pastry chefs are you most excited to try? Have you tasted any of their creations? Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

  • First Black-Owned Bakery in East Village in 25 Years

    Get ready for some sweet news! Chef Tiara Bennett, a Brooklyn native, has officially opened The Pastry Box in Manhattan’s East Village, marking a significant milestone: it’s the first Black-owned bakery to open in the neighborhood in 25 years. Bennett’s journey from a childhood passion to a brick-and-mortar reality is truly inspiring.

    From Passion to Pastry Box

    Bennett discovered her love for pastry, a field that beautifully blends food, art, and science, with significant inspiration from her grandmother. Spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother was a cherished joy, fueling her lifelong dream of opening her own bakery. After graduating with honors from culinary school in 2018, Bennett launched her first pop-up on Juneteenth, sharing her sweet creations with her community.

    She honed her skills working in high-end New York City restaurants, even managing a pastry program near Central Park. Her former boss recognized her potential and supported her aspirations for a physical storefront. Fast forward to 2023, and The Pastry Box became a reality in the vibrant East Village.

    Making History and Building Community

    Opening in the East Village presented unique challenges, as Bennett recalls being the first Black person to open a business on her block in decades. However, she feels right at home, especially after a feature from Eater about her chocolate chip cookies dramatically boosted sales, helping the business become profitable. This success underscores the power of representation and community support.

    Bennett understands the importance of her presence in the neighborhood. “The representation is really important,” she shared. “I didn’t choose the East Village. The East Village chose me, and I’m glad it did. And then we’re here to stay now.”

    Plans for Youth Programs

    Looking ahead, Tiara Bennett has ambitious plans to give back to the community. She aims to launch youth programs focused on entrepreneurship, kitchen etiquette, and baking techniques. This initiative reflects her desire to inspire and mentor the next generation, sharing the skills and passion that have driven her own success.

    Have you visited The Pastry Box yet? What are your favorite treats? Let us know in the comments below!