NEW: Gracie’s Pastry Chef in Running for Food & Wine Award
Friday, February 10, 2012
The many fans of Gracie’s Restaurant in Providence already know the delicious creations of pastry chef Melissa Denmark. Now, though, Denmark is in the running for a national award from Food & Wine magazine.
And Rhode Island voters can get her to the top.
Denmark is has been chosen by Food & Wine as one of the 50 best new pastry chefs in the country, naming her as a nominee for the first-ever THE PEOPLE’S BEST NEW PASTRY CHEF award.
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Beginning today, fans of Denmark’s pastry creations can bolster her chance of earning the award by casting a vote for her online right here from a list of 50 nominees in three regions: East, West and Central. Fans can even join the conversation and promote Melissa as their favorite pastry chef on Twitter using #peoplespastry. The online competition celebrates young, new and innovative pastry chefs from all over the United States. Voting is open to the public from today through midnight on February 14. There will be one finalist from each of the three regions; the chef with the most votes will become THE PEOPLE’S BEST NEW PASTRY CHEF.
Local girl made good
“We are so proud of Melissa and her nomination,” said Ellen Gracyalny, owner of Gracie’s. “It’s exciting to see Food & Wine recognize the excellence that we see each and every day through Melissa’s special craft. Her creations tie our menu together beautifully; from the bread starters to that last delicious bite of dessert. We encourage anyone who has indulged in Melissa’s breads and desserts to support her work by voting for her.”
Denmark, a 2010 Johnson and Wales graduate, embodies the innovation and creativity that earned her a spot in the running. Her ability to infuse “flavor memories” into her creations makes every dining experience at Gracie’s unique to each patron. Denmark draws inspiration from diverse sources and her great attention to detail turns an ordinary dining experience into an extraordinary one. “It’s an honor to be selected to participate in this competition,” says Denmark of her nomination. “I’m truly lucky to work in a restaurant such as Gracie’s, where I’m constantly inspired to grow and develop as a pastry chef.”
The competition
Food & Wine editors determined the 50 THE PEOPLE’S BEST NEW PASTRY CHEF nominees with help from their national network of journalists, chefs and other trusted sources. Only professionals who have run a restaurant pastry kitchen for five years or fewer are eligible.
“There is so much innovation in the pastry world right now, and we are excited to have the chance to celebrate it,” said Food & Wine Editor in Chief Dana Cowin. “Our new pastry awards allow us to spotlight cooking pros who don’t generally get the same recognition as the executive chefs for whom they work.”
The finalists and the winner of THE PEOPLE’S BEST NEW PASTRY CHEF award will be announced on foodandwine.com on February 15. The winner will be profiled in the “Hungry Crowd” column of the May issue of Food & Wine – on newsstands April 13 – and will attend the 30th anniversary of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, June 15-17, 2012, where they will share their treats as co-host of Godiva’s activation in the Food & Wine Grand Tasting Pavilion.
To vote for Rhode Island's own Melissa Denmark, go here.
And for more Food coverage, don't miss GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.
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