Florian Bellanger facts for kids
Bellanger in 2010
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| Born | 20 April 1968 |
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Florian Bellanger (born on April 20, 1968) is a famous French pastry chef. He used to be the head pastry chef at Fauchon, a very well-known pastry and candy shop in Paris. Many people know him as a judge on the Food Network TV show Cupcake Wars. He has appeared in over 135 episodes of the show.
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Becoming a Pastry Chef
Florian Bellanger grew up in Paris, France. When he was young, he loved to bake for his family in the afternoons. It might sound strange for a pastry chef, but he actually had a chocolate allergy for six years! This made it hard for him to enjoy sweets for a while.
When he was 15, Florian wanted to go to a special pastry school in Paris. He was a bit too young at first, but he later got in. By 1986, he had finished school. He became an expert in pastry cooking, especially with chocolate and ice cream. Today, he says chocolate is his favorite ingredient because it's so fun and can be used in many ways.
Working at Famous Places
Before starting his own business, Florian worked at some very famous places. He was the head pastry chef at Fauchon in New York City. There, he led 24 other pastry chefs. Fauchon is known for its amazing cakes, cookies, and sorbets.
Florian became known for making new and exciting flavor combinations. He created éclairs with orange zest, passion fruit, or coconut. He also made raspberry marshmallow cake and even raspberry-chili pepper sorbet!
From 1991 to 1994, he worked with another famous French pastry chef, Pierre Hermé. He also worked for Fauchon in Qatar from 1994 to 1996.
Later, from 1996 to 2001, Florian was the pastry chef at Le Bernardin. This restaurant has three Michelin stars, which means it's one of the best in the world! A food critic from The New York Times described his desserts as "light and dreamy."
Florian's Own Business
Today, Florian Bellanger is the chef and owner of Mad Mac Macarons. This company makes delicious French Macarons and Madeleines. He helped start Mad Mac in 2006. The company sells its treats to stores, restaurants, and hotels. It is known for making high-quality and creative macarons.
Florian also helps out in other ways. He is part of City Harvest's Food Council, which helps feed people in need. He is also a guest chef at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, New York. In his free time, he supports charities like C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) and the Wolfgang Puck Charity.
Awards and Recognition
Florian Bellanger has received many awards for his amazing pastry skills:
- In 2003 and 2004, Pastry Art & Design magazine named him one of the 10 Best Pastry Chefs in America.
- The James Beard Foundation nominated him for "Outstanding Pastry Chef" in 2000 and 2001. This is a very big honor in the food world!
- He is also the head judge for the US Pastry Competition, which happens every February in New York City.
- In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the US Pastry Competition.
- He was also added to the Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional Magazine in 2013.
- The French Government honored him with the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole. This is like being knighted for his contributions to agriculture and food!
Florian has been on many TV networks, including CNN, NBC, and Food Network. His beautiful cakes and pastries have also been shown in many magazines like House Beautiful, Forbes, People, and The New York Times.
Awards
- James Beard Foundation "Outstanding Pastry Chef of the Year" Nomination 2000 and 2001
- 10 Best Pastry Chefs of America 2003 and 2004 (Pastry Art and Design magazine)
- Lifetime Achievement Award - 2013 US Pastry Competition
- Hall of Fame Inductee - Dessert Professional Magazine 2013
- Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite Agricole (French Government)
