Another Tucsonan is getting a chance to show their skills on national television.
Local baker and executive pastry chef at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Aaron Manuyag, will be battling it out in Food Network’s new season of “Best Baker in America.”
Manuyag, who went to a French pastry school in Chicago and harnessed a few gigs in the city — Floriole Cafe & Bakery being one of them — sees the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“You know, you don’t really get an opportunity as a pastry chef to work with other bakers and other pastry chefs,” said Manuyag. “You’re kind of always in your kitchen for so long, so to be able to get to work alongside such talented people is a pleasure.”
The show, which includes 10 bakers from around the world and is hosted by Food Network’s Carla Hall, is premiering on Monday, May 3. Each episode allows the bakers to show off their essential baking techniques and knowledge on working with specific flavors and ingredients.
“For a competition like this, it’s a great atmosphere to work in,” said Manuyag. “Of course, you know, we’re used to working to meet deadlines and getting things ready, but you’re in a foreign kitchen without your equipment and your ingredients. That’s a whole different experience.”
Each episode creates situations where each baker has to create elegant and tasty baked goods from different states across the country. When it comes to Manuyag’s favorite treats, it’s gotta be sweet.
“I enjoy making plated desserts the most,” said Manuyag. “Not specifically one thing but I love the world of plated desserts. I do make a lot of doughnuts, though, and I love making ice cream. I’m a big fan of ice cream.”
For more information, visit foodnetwork.com.
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Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
