After receiving a graduate certificate in baking at the California Culinary Academy, Maura moved back to her hometown of Boston to work for many of the city's top chefs, including Lydia Shire, Moncef Medeb, Rene Michelena, and Ana Sortun. She opened two bakeries to great acclaim: High-Rise Bread Company and High-Rise Pie Company. In 2001, she reunited with Sortun to develop the concept for Oleana, and it was then that she began to fall in love with the exotic flavors and spices for which she is now renowned. As a result of her extensive research, experimentation, travel, and "homework," Maura has been graced with flawless reviews by local and national press, distinguishing herself as a premier pastry chef and earning the title of Boston's Best Pastry Chef from Boston Magazine in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2011. Sofra Bakery, which opened in August 2008, was awarded Boston's Best Bakery in 2009 by Boston Magazine. At Oleana, Maura's desserts are the perfect complement to James Beard award-winning chef Sortun's Eastern Mediterranean food. Alison Arnett of the Boston Globe writes, "Maura Kilpatrick's creations are dazzling, and often reflect the origins of the dishes on the savory side." At Sofra, Maura's sweet and savory pastries include everything from künefe and baklava to bakery classics like molasses cookies and seasonal fruit tarts.Maura's Restaurants:Sofra Bakery (Cambridge, MA)Oleana (Cambridge, MA) Maura's Book:Soframiz (2016)
Four Chopped Champions are asked back to the kitchen via personal invitation from legendary judge Scott Conant and will face off to see who is most worthy of returning to represent Scott in the finale. On the line: a $25,000 cash prize, $25,000 for charity and legendary status. All of the ingredients are selected by Scott himself, and a certain notorious vegetable is a true test in the appetizer basket. In the second round, one champion hits a major hurdle when an ingredient falls to the floor. Will there be enough time to pull a great plate together? And a simple pantry staple is part of the basket inspiration in the dessert round. The winner will get to cook with Scott as their sous chef in the finale fight!