Elizabeth Hata Watanabe | Watanabe Makes a Solid Decision To Learn Flaky Pastry

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe puts all her energy into everything she does – her family, business ventures, volunteer and charity work. And now, her baking!

Food has always been a passion for Watanabe. But, when she began having children, she found herself baking cookies and making other delectable sweet treats. That peaked her interest and she began experimenting with different cookie and cake recipes. She received excellent feedback from friends all anxious to try her latest offerings and that led to her decision to pursue her latest interest - baking.

When Watanabe decides to do something, she really commits. After all, why waste the energy if you’re not going to give your all? In conversations with her friend and Chef Ernesto Limcaco, from her latest food establishment, Burgers and Things in Pauoa Valley, she decided to embark on a new adventure.

Chef Ernesto told her about the San Francisco Baking Institute. Consequently, in July, she and her family will head to San Francisco. She’ll spend two months at the institute, which is touted as a world-renowned leader in Artisan bread and pastry education.

Watanabe will be there to strengthen her skills as a pastry chef. The San Francisco Baking Institute, or SFBI, as it’s called, is also the only school in the United States dedicated to Artisan baking.

The Institute features the latest baking equipment and technology and emphasizes a mixture of hands-on learning and “real world” experience. Now that’s a recipe for success! And just imagine what Watanabe will whip up for friends, family and customers (at Burgers and Things), after spending two months at the SFBI? We’re all drooling with anticipation to taste her success!