Tess Levin
Baking competition shows are all the rage right now. So, when a self-taught, Arizona-born baker wins the top prize on a streaming series (the show in question is Hulu’s “Baker’s Dozen” series), you naturally take notice. That’s the story for Tess Levin—a Valley native who grew up in Scottsdale, competed on the hit Hulu series, and went on to win a $5,000 cash prize, along with the coveted golden rolling, after impressing the show’s judges (including former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses).
While her win and the understandable social media fame that’s since followed signals massive success, Chef Levin insists that she’s really just getting started. And her gourmet desserts company, Fluff Cups, is giving her the platform to take her pastry chef talents to new heights (and show them off on TikTok too, no less).
Your favorite pastry to make and why? I love making macarons. I like it because it totally tests my patience and I have none [LAUGHS]. I love that you have to be meticulous in each step of the process but also can then decorate or shape them how you want. They are more intricate than a cupcake or cake and taste so much better when you are done and can appreciate all the hard work that went into it.
What advice would you offer someone who’s trying to navigate work in Arizona’s food scene? Us culinary individuals are introverts (mostly, I would say) but I would suggest that everyone network! You can learn so much from fellow bakers/chefs and knowing your peers can only help you grow more.
A baker or culinary figure who inspires you and why? Christina Tosi! I absolutely love her. She built an empire on the things she loves and is one bad ass lady boss! I aspire to be as successful and happy as her!
For more information on Chef Levin and the Fluff Cups brand, visit www.fluffcups.net.