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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.

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