Jacquy Pfeiffer (born 1961)Judy Hevrdejs, "Perfecting pastry," Chicago Tribune, December 11, 2013. is a French master pastry chef and teacher. He co-founded the French Pastry School in Chicago, and co-authored The Art of French Pastry cookbook. He is the primary subject of the 2010 documentary Kings of Pastry.
Early life and education Pfeiffer was born and raised in the small village of Marlenheim in the Alsace region in France.Todd A. Price, "Renowned pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer visits New Orleans," The Times-Picayune, January 28, 2014. He learned to bake in his father's bakery.Betty Hallock, "'The Art of French Pastry': Going deep in pastry making," Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2013. At 15, Pfeiffer became an apprentice at Jean Clauss Pâtisserie in Strasbourg, France.Jacquy Pfeiffer with Martha Rose Shulman, The Art of French Pastry, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013, p. xi. He studied food technology at Baldung Grien College in France, where he was named Best ApprenticeLori Fredrich, "A chat with world famous pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer," OnMilwaukee.com, November 27, 2013. and received a degree in pastry science."An Interview with Pastry Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer," Cooking Schools. Accessed May 10, 2016.
Career Personal pastry chef, hotels and restaurants Pfeiffer spent a year as a pastry chef on an oil tanker in the French Navy,"Jacquy Pfeiffer and The French Pastry School," Great Chefs. Accessed May 10, 2016. and worked in several pastry shops in Alsace, including Chocolaterie Egli and Pâtisserie Naegel. He then served as executive pastry chef for the Sultan of Brunei, who was at the time the richest man in the world; for the Royal Family in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong.Linda Avery, "The Art of French Pastry," WITF-FM, April 30, 2014. He moved to the United States in 1991 and became executive pastry chef at the Sheraton Hotel and then the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago."Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer," frenchpastryschool.com, August 27, 2014.
In 2010, Pfeiffer received the Bretzel d'Or from the Institute of Arts and Popular Traditions of Alsace, recognizing Alsatians who preserve the arts and traditions of Alsace."Kings of Pastry," PBS, June 21, 2011. He was inducted into the Pastry Hall of Fame by Dessert Professional magazine in 2011. Pfeiffer is a co-owner of Pierre Zimmerman's French bakery La Fournette, which opened in 2012."La Fournette, a Bakery from a Fourth-Generation French Baker, to Open in July in Old Town," Chicago, June 13, 2012.“La Fournette times two: second café coming to Lincoln Park,” Crain's Chicago Business, July 17, 2013.
French Pastry School
The French Pastry School was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1995 by Pfeiffer and fellow master pastry chef Sébastien Canonne. The vocational secondary school was founded to teach traditional French pastry-making.Ben Goldberger, "New Chef Will Help Pastry Level to Rise," New York Times, February 6, 2010. It is the only school in the United States dedicated entirely to teaching pastry. Pfeiffer serves as dean of student affairs and is also a pastry instructor at the school.Joe Gray, "Jacquy Pfeiffer nominated for James Beard award," Chicago Tribune, March 18, 2014.
Kings of Pastry The 2010 documentary film Kings of Pastry focuses on Pfeiffer as he pursues the coveted Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, the highest artisanal accolade in France, in a competition held once every three or four years in Lyon, France. The film was directed by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.Ella Taylor, "'Top Chef' Meets 'Ratatouille' In 'Kings of Pastry'," NPR, September 16, 2010.Kristin Hohenadel, "Rigor Required, Cream Puffs Need Not Apply," New York Times, September 1, 2010. In the San Francisco Chronicle review, Pfeiffer was singled out as "a wonderful lead character… understated, warm and intelligent."Peter Hartlaub, "'Kings of Pastry' review: No hell in this kitchen," San Francisco Chronicle, November 19, 2010.
The Art of French Pastry Pfeiffer and New York Times food columnist Martha Rose Shulman co-authored the 2013 cookbook The Art of French Pastry, which presents recipes and a detailed look at classic French pastries. It includes anecdotes from Pfeiffer about growing up in a bakery family, and lessons learned in his years as an apprentice.
The book won the 2014 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Best Cookbook in the Baking and Dessert category,Whitney Filloon, "Winners: 2014 James Beard Foundation Broadcast & Journalism Awards," Eater.com, May 3, 2014. and the 2014 International Association of Culinary Professionals Award for Best Cookbook in the Baking category."Cookbook Awards - 2014," IACP, 2014.
Personal life Pfeiffer lives in Chicago and has one daughter.Kristine M. Kierzek, "French chef Jacquy Pfeiffer teaches baking as fine art," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 3, 2013.
Bibliography The Art of French Pastry - with Martha Rose Shulman (Alfred A. Knopf, 2013)
References
External links Biography at French Pastry School