Top chef: Just desserts judge
Quick, how many famous US born pastry chefs can you name (and The Cake Boss doesn’t count)? If you could come up with more than three names give yourself a gold Twinkie. Sadly, there are only a few with true name brand recognition and Johnny Iuzzini is one of them. Iuzzini has directed and worked in some the best pastry kitchens in New York including: Daniel (4 stars from the New York Times), Payard Bistro, Cafe Boulud and finally Jean Georges (3 Michelin stars). He is also a colorful character.
Johnny Iuzzini new Top Chef: Just desserts head honcho eating Michelle's Gluten-free trio
Obviously, Johnny has serious credibility as a pastry chef but that’s not the only reason Bravo booked him as head judge for Top Chef: Just desserts. He was also named New York’s Sexiest Chef back in 2007. There are some great photos of Johnny’s desserts on the blog Culinography. And here’s a Dessertbuzz video of Johnny tasting the desserts of Michelle Tampakis at the Top 10 Pastry Chefs of 2010 Awards:
New York Magazine did a really nice piece on Johnny Iuzzini.
Johnny’s website is here.
More Top Chef: Just Desserts coverage on DessertBuzz:
Go here for an interview with contestant Eric Wolitzky from New York’s Baked bakery.
Go here for the DessertBuzz Top Chef: Just Desserts preview page.
Go here for a closer look at Judge Danielle Kyrillos.
Official Bravo Bios for the judges:
Johnny Iuzzuni – Executive Pastry Chef Jean Georges
Hubert Keller – Owner/Chef Fleur De Lys
Gail Simmons – Food and Wine Magazine
Dannielle Kyrillos – Daily Candy
[...] Zabar's takes on Pinkberry with their "Zaberry". See the side-by-side nutrition comparison « Top Chef: Just Desserts head judge: Johnny Iuzzini [...]
Left by dessertbuzz » Blog Archive » Top Chef: Just Desserts episode 2 recap – Elizabeth Falkner/meltdowns on September 27th, 2010