Johnny Iuzzini facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Iuzzini
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Iuzzini in 2014
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| Born | August 31, 1974 |
| Occupation | Pastry chef, cookbook author, TV celebrity |
| Years active | 1994–present |
Johnny Iuzzini (born August 31, 1974) is a famous American pastry chef. He lives in New York City. Johnny is also a well-known television personality and has written several cookbooks.
He worked as the head pastry chef at famous restaurants. These included Daniel from 2001 to 2002 and Jean Georges from 2002 to 2011. Johnny Iuzzini has written two cookbooks. He was also a judge on the first three seasons of The Great American Baking Show.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps
Johnny Iuzzini was born on August 31, 1974. He grew up in the Catskill Mountains area of New York. His father worked with plumbing and heating. His mother helped animals as a veterinarian assistant and wildlife rehabilitator.
Johnny's first job was washing dishes at a local golf club. This was after school. He was also studying cooking in his high school's program. He won his first cooking award by placing second in a New York City competition.
At age seventeen, Johnny started working in New York City. He began helping Pastry Chef Eric Gouteyron. Soon, he decided to focus on making desserts full-time. This started his career as a pastry chef. He later attended The Culinary Institute of America. He earned a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts in 1994.
Becoming a Top Pastry Chef
Learning from the Best
During his studies, Johnny worked with pastry chef Lincoln Carson. They later worked together for Francois Payard. For over three years, Johnny managed all dessert stations at Daniel. He became Payard's close helper.
In 1997, Payard opened his own place, Payard Pâtisserie and Bistro. Johnny was chosen as the sous chef there. He also kept working at Daniel. In 1998, Johnny traveled to learn more about pastry. He visited many top bakeries around the world.
After eight months, he came back to New York. He started working for Daniel Boulud. Johnny helped open Café Boulud and the new Daniel restaurant. In 2001, Boulud made 26-year-old Johnny the Executive Pastry Chef.
Earning Sweet Awards
In May 2002, Jean-Georges Vongerichten chose Johnny as his Executive Pastry Chef. This was for Restaurant Jean Georges. Johnny quickly gained recognition. In 2002, New York Magazine named him “Best Pastry Chef.”
He was nominated for “Outstanding Pastry Chef of the Year” in 2003. This was by the James Beard Foundation. Pastry Art and Design Magazine also named him one of the “Ten Best Pastry Chefs in America” in 2003 and 2004. In 2006, Johnny won the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef of the Year. In 2007, Forbes magazine called him one of the “10 Most Influential Chefs in America.”
Sharing His Sweet Skills
In 2011, Johnny Iuzzini started his own company called Sugar Fueled, Inc. This company offers advice on pastry and cooking. He also gives live demonstrations, showing his amazing pastry techniques. In 2014, he began working with Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts.
On Television
In September 2010, Johnny became a head judge. This was for two seasons of Top Chef: Just Desserts. It was a cooking competition show on the Bravo TV channel. In 2011, the show was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. On October 23, 2014, he appeared on Cutthroat Kitchen. He competed in their "Superstar Sabotage" tournament.
Writing Sweet Cookbooks
Johnny Iuzzini has written two cookbooks. His first book is called Dessert Fourplay. It shares recipes for the special dessert quartets he made at Jean Georges. His second cookbook is named Sugar Rush. This book was created for people who enjoy baking at home.
