Dionne Himmelfarb of Canlis is Poppy's New Pastry Chef

James Beard-winning, Top Chef Masters-appearing chef Jerry Traunfeld reports that he has a new pastry chef at Poppy. Her name is Dionne Himmelfarb and she's coming over from Canlis to put her own spin on a dessert program established by her well-regarded predecessor Dana Cree.

At Canlis, Himmelfarb's role was baker and pastry sous chef. According to Traunfeld, she was born in Indonesia and attended college in Singapore. Himmelfarb also graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle's culinary program and was previously the lead baker at The Four Seasons. Oh, and she worked in real estate.

As for Poppy's original pastry chef, Cree left the restaurant about a year ago to stage at megawatt restaurants like Chicago's Alinea, and Noma in Copenhagen. Her pastry assistant, Beth Golay, stepped into the role, but wants to take a break from restaurant work, says Traunfeld. Recent reports say Cree is still working in Denmark (not at Noma).

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