From 23 to August 25, Atlanta hosted a new edition of Pastry Live where young chefs and veterans showed their talent and skills in any of the six competitions that gather every year in this successful event. What is most notable of these competitions is the variety of their themes such as the plated dessert, artistic pieces, dessert cups and confectionery.

Two of the events that aroused most interest were Chocolatier of the Year, which awarded first and second place to Brittany Mateika and Molly Rothermel respectively, both from Norman Love Confections. In the case of the prestigious National Showpiece Championship, Kengo Akabame and Toshinori Akishiro (Imperial Tokyo &) won Most Excellent / Best Overall, Sponsors Choice, Audience Choice, and Best Chocolate; the prize for Best Sugar Showpiece was given to Cori Schlemmer and Rachel Young (L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles); the Competitors’ Choice went to Julie Eslinger and Mariana Ramirez (Colorado Convention Center), and Best Artistry to Lionel Touya (Jean-Marie Auboine Chocolates) and Christophe Rull (MGM Grand).

Regarding the other competitions, Signature Plated Dessert and The Dessert Cup proclaimed Nicolas Blouin (Rosewood Mansion) the winner. The Art of Cake went to Johanna Wyss (Joliet Junior College) in the sculpted cakes category and Joseph Cumm (EDENJOESCAKERY) in the Tiered Cakes section.

The event did not forget the younger competitors. The Student Chocolate Challenge was awarded to Emily Holtz (Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts).

Photo credits:
Beatrice – Chicago Mold School
Kricket Kirkpatrick
Franziska – Amoretti