We’ve come to the finale of this season of Top Chef Just Desserts. In keeping with tradition, Michael Laiskonis, Executive Pastry Chef at Le Bernardin, helps us navigate the sweet and lowdown. Is the restaurant pastry chef the underdog here? I think there is some truth to that- it depends on how well-rounded a pastry chef’s [...]
Michael Laiskonis
Top Chef Just Desserts Season 2 Episode 8: Laiskonis on Payard, Pie + Ceramic Pigs
This week’s coverage of Top Chef Just Desserts was a bit delayed by a faulty DVR (mine). It didn’t record the first time out, and my second effort came up a half hour short (the first half hour). Thankfully, Michael Laiskonis, Executive Pastry Chef at Le Bernardin, has a more reliable DVR than I do, [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts Season 2 Episode 7: Doughnuts + Double Eliminations
Episode 7 of Top Chef Just Desserts season 2 touched on at least one subject very near and dear to my heart — doughnuts! Le Bernardin‘s Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis is back to discuss doughy treats and chocolate showpieces! I play in a band called Hot Doughnuts (founded many years before they became trendy), named [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts Season 2, Episode 4: Laiskonis + the Chocolate Factory
Episode 4 of the newest season of Top Chef Just Desserts brought with it the promise of revisiting the sublime Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (and not the abomination that was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!) and biding adieu to two cheftestants. Le Bernardin‘s Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis shares his thoughts. Michael, I’m [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts: Chef Michael Laiskonis Looks Back and Ahead
Would Chef Laiskonis ever participate in Top Chef Just Desserts Masters? We’ll ask him next week! Le Bernardin‘s Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis will be joining OpenTable to report on the second season of Top Chef Just Desserts. He’s out of town for the premiere, but will be with us next week until the finale. [...]
On Our Plate This Week: Your First OpenTable Reservation; Houston Restaurant Weeks, Miami Spice + COOLINARY Kick Off; Michael Laiskonis + TCJD Return
Happenings on and around OpenTable this week… * We’re wondering what your very first restaurant reservation on OpenTable was. Share your answer on Twitter or Facebook. * We’re still celebrating the release of our 2011 Diners’ Choice Awards for Top 50 Scenic View Restaurants. Peep the winners here. * Restaurant Weeks happening this week include Howard [...]
Chefs + Restaurateurs Share Sexy Recipes for Romance on Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, OpenTable diners. In honor of Cupid and his bow, we polled chefs and restaurateurs about their picks for the most sensual dishes they would serve to put diners in the mood on this most romantic day. Check out our exclusive video with advice from Manhattan’s Zac Young (Flex Mussels), Derek Koch (MPD), [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts Episode 9: Michael Laiskonis on Cold Spray, Payard + More
It’s down to the wire on Top Chef Just Desserts and Le Bernardin Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis was along for the nail-biter of a ride we took last night. His expert answers helped shed light on Francois Payard’s impeccable reputation, Yigit’s spray can, and what it really takes to make a chocolate truffle. Thanks [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts Episode 8: Michael Laiskonis’s Take on the Tea Party…
No, not that tea party. But, there was a tea party this week on Top Chef Just Desserts and, as with certain politicians around the U.S., it proved to be more than a few folks’ undoing. Le Bernardin Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis walks us through the minefield that was episode 8. Shinmin Li is [...]
Top Chef Just Desserts Episode 7: War of the Roses Leads to Demise of Team Diva
As the herd thins on Top Chef Just Desserts, the action does not. Le Bernardin Executive Pastry Chef Michael Laiskonis notes, “The show is becoming more about the food and techniques, which I love!” Chef Laiskonis offers up his expert insights into what went right and wrong in last night’s episode. The QFC is based [...]