The Chef of the Moment column is a reoccurring feature highlighting the latest culinary superstar we’re obsessed with, as spotted along the Philadelphia Main Line.
THE CHEF OF THE MOMENT: Gee Laisuwan, Pastry Chef
WHERE YOU FIND HIM: Gracefully holed up within his pastry station, situated behind the scenes at Azie on Main. Also, spy his playful creations at Azie Restaurant.
WHY WE LOVE HIM: He combines classic pastry techniques with modernist touches to parlay eye-catching, elegant desserts that brilliantly incorporate Asian-inspired ingredients, like matcha. He never lets our sweet-loving hearts down with his unforgettable creations—all of which are memorable for their imaginative, unique twists. An extra perk of his sweets menu is that it’s constantly updated to incorporate seasonal ingredients, with new creations always introduced into the sugary mix.
HOW HE GOT HIS START: After securing his first bachelor degree in economics, he headed back to school to pursue his love of food (which he uncovered while working during his first stint in college). Since he believes “all food is art,” being a pastry chef allows him to explore his artistic creativity, as seen nightly through his striking culinary displays (one look at any of his from-scratch desserts and you’ll know he’s rocking sharp skill sets).
HIS SIGNATURE: 11 Layer Carrot Cake. The intricate concoction arrives tabletop, crafted with paper sheet-thin slices of carrot sponge cake, all which are cushioned amongst pillows of breezy cream cheese. The finishing touches of apricot glaze and chocolate shavings seal this dessert’s deal.
WE CAN’T RESIST HIS: Green Tea Tiramisu. Gee’s Japanese-accented creation gives the traditional Italian layered cake a run-for-the-money facelift. It’s constructed with precision, with fluffy layers of coffee syrup-dipped ladyfingers nestled aside air-light levels of mascarpone cheese and finished with a powdery crown of green tea powder.
HIS CRAFT AS AN EYE-CATCHING ART FORM: “Since you eat with your eyes first, I want to leave a great first impression with my desserts,” shared Gee.
ON SPECIAL FOR VALENTINE’S DAY: 11 Layer Red Velvet Carrot Cake, coupling two of the finest desserts into one sophisticated beauty. You didn’t think he’d hold back for next week’s dessert-heavy holiday, did you?
Visit Chef Gee at Azie on Main at 789 E Lancaster Ave. in Villanova. More information is available at azieonmain.com.
Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.
