Rory Macdonald is a pastry chef at Patisserie Chanson in New York City.

Rory Macdonald

Chef

“Respect the old, but embrace the new. If you can master the classics, then the possibilities are endless."

Biography

Rory Macdonald spent his childhood in South London and began his culinary career apprenticing at a historic, countryside property in Surrey, followed by a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid.

Chef Rory continued to develop hospitality and gastronomy experience at renowned restaurants in London and San Sebastian, Spain, before traveling to New York to work with Gordon Ramsey at The London hotel, where the new restaurant earned two Michelin stars. 

In 2012, Chef Rory helped open Hakkasan's flagship New York City location and went on to lead the pastry programs at four additional locations in the U.S. After years of travel, Chef Rory debuted his first solo concept: Patisserie Chanson + Dessert Bar.

Today, Chef Rory is known for his six-course, omakase-style, dessert tasting menus that have earned extensive acclaim. His first cookbook, "Bake," was released in spring 2019, around the time he began working with the 51³Ô¹Ï. He's excited to research and innovate at ICE's New York campus.

Education

  • Cookery and Advanced Cookery, Brooklands College
  • National Diploma in Hotel Operations, East Surrey College

Work History

  • Executive Pastry Chef, Patisserie Chanson and Dessert Bar, 2016 to present
  • Executive Pastry Chef, Hakkasan Group, 2012-2016
  • Executive Sous Chef, Gordon Ramsay at The London NYC, 2007-2009
  • Stagier, Arzak, San Sebastian, 2007
  • Senior Chef de Partie, Pearl Restaurant, London, 2005-2007
  • Chef de Partie, El Cenador de Salvador, 2003-2005

Specialties/Areas of Interest

  • Molecular gastronomy
  • Chocolate
  • Fine dining
  • Menu development
  • Hotel restaurants

Rory Macdonald on the Blog