Florian Bellanger facts for kids
Bellanger in 2010
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| Born | 20 April 1968 |
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Florian Bellanger (born 20 April 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. You might know him best as a judge on the Food Network's fun competition show, Cupcake Wars. He has appeared in more than 135 episodes!
Becoming a Pastry Chef
Florian Bellanger grew up in Paris, France. When he was young, he loved spending his free time baking for his family. But for six years, he had a chocolate allergy. This meant he couldn't enjoy sweets, which made baking a bit tricky for a while!
When he was 15, Florian wanted to go to a famous pastry school in Paris. It was called the "Paris school of table skills." He was too young at first, but he got in later. By 1986, he graduated with special skills in pastry, chocolate, and ice cream. Today, chocolate is his favorite ingredient. He thinks it's "fun" and very versatile.
Working at Famous Places
Before starting his own business, Bellanger worked at Fauchon. This was a legendary French food store. He was the head pastry chef at their main store in New York City. He led a team of 24 other pastry chefs.
Florian became known for making exciting new flavor combinations. He would mix flavors that weren't usually found together. For example, he made éclairs with orange zest, passion fruit, or coconut. He also created raspberry marshmallow cake and even raspberry-chili pepper sorbet!
From 1991 to 1994, he worked under the famous French pastry chef Pierre Hermé. He also worked for Fauchon's main store in Qatar from 1994 to 1996.
From 1996 to 2001, Bellanger was the pastry chef at Le Bernardin. This restaurant is world-famous and has three Michelin stars. A food critic from The New York Times described his desserts as "light and dreamy."
Current Work
Today, Florian Bellanger is the chef and owner of Mad Mac Macarons. This company makes "Authentic French Macarons and Madeleines." He helped start the company in 2006. Mad Mac sells its delicious cookies and pastries to stores, restaurants, and hotels. They are known for their high quality and new ideas in the Macaron world.
Florian also helps out in the community. He is a member of City Harvest's Food Council. He is also a guest chef at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, New York. In his free time, he gives to charities. These include C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) and the Jean-Louis Palladin Foundation.
Awards and Recognition
Florian Bellanger has received many awards for his amazing work.
- 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.
- He is the head judge for the US Pastry Competition. This big event happens every February in New York City.
- He has been on many TV networks like CNN, NBC, Food Network, and Martha Stewart Living.
- His cakes and pastries have been featured in many magazines. These include House Beautiful, Forbes, People, and The New York Times.
- In 2013, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the US Pastry Competition.
- He was also inducted into 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 means "Knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit."
