Florian Bellanger Complete Bio & Career
Growing up in Paris, Bellanger knew from an early age that his career would take a culinary path. Not only did he indulge in decadent cakes and pastries as a child, but he often spent his free afternoons in the kitchen, baking them for his family. A childhood allergy to chocolate ironically prevented him from relishing such treats for nearly six years, but luckily he outgrew it. At the age of fifteen, Bellanger applied to Paris's prestigious pastry school, L'Ecole de Paris des Métiers de la Table.
Boldly inventive Bellanger was named one of the "10 Best Pastry Chefs in America" in 2004 and 2003 by Pastry Art & Design magazine. In 2002 and 2001, the James Beard Foundation recognized Bellanger's accomplishments with a nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef. He and his pastries have been featured on Epicurious TV, Forbes, Bride's, Modern Bride, The New York Times, Pastry Art & Design, Food Arts, Chocolatier, PastryScoop.com, Delta Sky and New York Magazine.
Florian Bellanger is the chef and co-owner of Mad Mac, "The Authentic French Macarons and Madeleines," serving retail, food service and the hospitality industries. Mad Mac was founded in 2006 and has been quickly recognized as a leader in quality and innovation on the macaron market. Mad Mac will soon open a retail store dedicated to macarons, cakes, chocolates and ice cream in Miami’s Bal Harbour shops.
Bellanger is a member of City Harvest's Food Council and a guest chef faculty member at the French Culinary Institute. He also donates his time to charities such as the Anthony Spinazzola Foundation and the Jean-Louis Palladin Foundation.
