MEET THE CHEF
Martin Howard / Chocolatina Q Dessert
Pastry has been a life-long passion for Martin. Growing up in Columbia, Maryland with a mother who always baked homemade cookies and cakes, he couldn’t help but join in the fun. Going from Mom’s helper to EasyBake experimenter to Wilton cake decorating enthusiast created the building blocks for a budding pastry chef.
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America and igniting his love for cooking, pastry ultimately became his true calling. Martin has established himself as one of the country’s top pastry chefs, and his divinely decadent and whimsical desserts not only taste remarkable but also have extraordinary eye appeal.
Career Highlights
Rainbow Room, NY - Executive Pastry Chef
Brasserie, Brasserie 8 1/2, NY - Pastry Chef
Pier House Inn and Beach Club, Key West - Pastry Chef
Award Highlights
Named Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America
(Chocolatier/Pastry Art and Design magazines 1997 & 1998)
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James Beard Foundation baking competition winner and People’s Choice Award honoree
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Recipient of many national pastry competition awards!
Star baker. showstopper. scene-stealer.
From national TV to the pages of New York Magazine, The Pie Queen has earned praise from press, pastry lovers, and pie-thusiasts alike.
“a fantasy”
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“Award-winning pastry with cabaret energy.”
“his desserts tend toward the spectacular”
“elegant yet humorous”
From NYC Icon to Denver's Dessert Darling
In 2009, Martin stepped away from the restaurant world to focus on his drag persona, Chocolatina, Queen of the Dessert—becoming the very first drag performer crowned Miss Stonewall.
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Now based in Denver after 25+ years in NYC, Martin works as a Pastry Chef at Epicurean Group, one of the top catering companies in the country.
When he’s not making pies or singing Broadway showtunes, The Pie Queen enjoys volleyball, skiing, Jeopardy, The Game Show Network… and, of course, a few stiff cocktails. Because even icons need a hobby.