Utah residents can find hyper-realistic fruit desserts and specialized artisanal pastries at local bakeries as social media trends drive interest in high-end confectionery. Establishments such as Fillings & Emulsions and Forty Three Bakery are catering to local demand for unique pastry items and community-focused dining experiences.
Culinary Leadership at Fillings & Emulsions
Fillings & Emulsions, a Salt Lake City establishment, features a specialized culinary team focused on high-end pastry work. The bakery's leadership includes Executive Chef and Co-Owner Adalberto Diaz, known as "Chef Al," and Co-Owner Katie R. Ray. Ray, who currently manages the bakery's future location in Provo, joined the company early in its development and serves as a majority owner.
Specialized Pastry Team
The pastry team at Fillings & Emulsions includes several specialized roles. Executive Pastry Chef and Co-Owner Brian Maas, who recently became a shareholder and welcomed a daughter, is the creator of the bakery's blackberry cheesecake. Head Pastry Chef Kallie Crisp, a UVU graduate, has been with the company for two and a half years and recently served as an assistant to a candidate for National Pastry Chef of the Year.
Experienced Kitchen Staff
The Fillings & Emulsions kitchen staff also includes Chef de Cuisine Maria Manzano, who has worked with Chef Al for over 14 years, and Front of House Manager Kayla Pham. Other key staff members include Assistant Pastry Chef Martha Rodriguez, who joined the cookie team over two years ago, and Head Macaron Chef Michael Woods, who specializes in precision macaron production.
Artisanal Focus at Forty Three Bakery
Forty Three Bakery, located in Salt Lake City, operates as an artisanal bakery and farm-to-table brunch destination. Founded by award-winning chef Andrew Corrao, the bakery's name is a reference to Salt Lake City's elevation of approximately 4,300 feet. Corrao established the bakery to celebrate Utah through local ingredients and community-focused creativity.
Weekly Specialties and Hours
Forty Three Bakery offers a variety of specialized items, including croissant donuts that are fried every Wednesday. These limited-quantity items are available in Cinnamon Sugar and Vanilla Bean Glazed flavors and can be purchased in-store or via pre-order. The bakery is open Wednesday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is closed on Tuesdays.
Bakery Services and Amenities
While both bakeries offer high-end pastry options, they maintain different service models. Forty Three Bakery provides brunch services and offers catering for large orders, grazing tables, and full event spreads. The bakery also allows friendly dogs on its patio and provides a dedicated parking lot for customers.
Dietary and Ordering Information
Dietary considerations vary by location. Forty Three Bakery offers occasional gluten-free or vegan options on its brunch and pastry menus, though the kitchen is not certified as gluten-free or vegan. The bakery also offers gift cards for local residents and allows for online pre-orders for pick-up.
