Claire Saffitz, the charming and talented chef, food writer, and YouTube personality, rose to fame with her hit series “Gourmet Makes” on Bon Appétit. Her unique blend of culinary expertise, creativity, and wit captivated audiences worldwide, making her a household name among foodies and fans of the popular YouTube channel. However, in 2020, Claire Saffitz announced her departure from Bon Appétit, leaving many wondering what’s next for this talented chef. In this article, we’ll delve into Claire’s journey, exploring her life before and after Bon Appétit, and what she’s been up to lately.
A Brief Background: Claire Saffitz’s Early Life and Career
Born on September 16, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, Claire Saffitz developed a passion for cooking at a young age. She grew up in a family that valued good food and cooking, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the culinary arts. After completing her undergraduate degree in history from Harvard University, Claire pursued a career in food, attending the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
Claire’s early career in food involved working as a line cook, a pastry chef, and a food writer. She contributed to several publications, including The New York Times, Lucky Peach, and Gourmet, honing her writing skills and developing her unique voice. In 2015, Claire joined the Bon Appétit team as a contributing editor, where she quickly became a fan favorite with her engaging articles and recipes.
Rise to Fame: Claire Saffitz’s Time at Bon Appétit
Claire’s big break came in 2017 when she launched her YouTube series “Gourmet Makes,” where she recreated gourmet versions of popular snack foods, such as Doritos, Cheetos, and Froot Loops. The show’s unique concept, combined with Claire’s charming on-screen presence, witty commentary, and impressive culinary skills, made it an instant hit. “Gourmet Makes” quickly became one of Bon Appétit’s most popular series, with millions of views and a dedicated fan base.
During her time at Bon Appétit, Claire also appeared in other popular series, including “Binging with Babish” and “It’s Alive with Brad.” She became known for her signature style, which blended humor, creativity, and a deep respect for the culinary arts. Claire’s success on YouTube and her contributions to Bon Appétit’s print magazine helped establish her as a leading voice in the food world.
The Departure: Why Claire Saffitz Left Bon Appétit
In August 2020, Claire Saffitz announced her departure from Bon Appétit, citing a desire to focus on her own projects and pursue new opportunities. The news came as a shock to fans, who had grown to love Claire’s content and personality. While Claire didn’t publicly disclose the reasons behind her departure, it was rumored that she had been seeking more creative control and better compensation for her work.
Claire’s departure from Bon Appétit was followed by several other high-profile exits, including those of Priya Krishna, Sohla El-Waylly, and Rick Martinez. The departures sparked a wider conversation about the treatment of employees in the food media industry, with many calling for greater transparency, diversity, and inclusivity.
What’s Next for Claire Saffitz?
Since leaving Bon Appétit, Claire Saffitz has been busy pursuing new projects and collaborations. In 2020, she launched her own YouTube channel, where she continues to create engaging food content, including recipe videos, cooking challenges, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her kitchen.
Claire has also been working on her first cookbook, “Dessert Person,” which was released in November 2020 to critical acclaim. The book features a collection of Claire’s favorite dessert recipes, along with stories and anecdotes from her time in the kitchen.
In addition to her YouTube channel and cookbook, Claire has been collaborating with other food brands and personalities. She has appeared on podcasts, such as “The Dave Chang Show” and “How I Eat,” and has worked with companies like KitchenAid and Le Creuset on sponsored content and product collaborations.
Claire Saffitz’s Personal Life and Interests
When she’s not in the kitchen, Claire Saffitz enjoys exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and practicing yoga. She’s also an avid reader and has a deep love for literature and history. Claire has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, using her platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues.
Claire is married to her husband, Harris Mayer-Selinger, a freelance writer and editor. The couple lives in New York City, where they enjoy cooking and entertaining together.
Claire Saffitz’s Legacy and Impact
Claire Saffitz’s impact on the food world cannot be overstated. Her unique voice, creative approach to cooking, and dedication to her craft have inspired a new generation of home cooks and food enthusiasts. Through her work on “Gourmet Makes” and other series, Claire has shown that cooking can be fun, accessible, and creative, even for those who don’t consider themselves “foodies.”
Claire’s departure from Bon Appétit may have been a loss for the brand, but it has also given her the opportunity to pursue new projects and collaborations. As she continues to build her brand and create engaging content, Claire Saffitz remains one of the most exciting and influential voices in the food world.
What’s Next for Claire Saffitz’s Fans?
For fans of Claire Saffitz, there’s plenty to look forward to. With her new YouTube channel, cookbook, and collaborations, Claire is continuing to create engaging content and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Claire’s work, there’s never been a better time to join the conversation and see what this talented chef and food personality has in store.
In conclusion, Claire Saffitz’s journey from Bon Appétit to her current projects is a testament to her talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft. As she continues to inspire and delight audiences with her cooking, writing, and personality, Claire remains one of the most exciting and influential voices in the food world.
What is Claire Saffitz doing now after leaving Bon Appétit?
Claire Saffitz, the beloved chef and YouTube personality, has been quite busy since her departure from Bon Appétit. She has been focusing on her personal projects, including her popular YouTube channel, “Dessert Person,” where she shares her favorite recipes and cooking techniques. Saffitz has also been working on her second cookbook, which is expected to be released soon.
In addition to her culinary pursuits, Saffitz has been open about her experiences and challenges since leaving Bon Appétit. She has spoken publicly about the importance of prioritizing her mental health and well-being, and has used her platform to raise awareness about social justice issues. Saffitz’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to using her platform for good have endeared her to fans and earned her a reputation as a talented and thoughtful chef.
What was Claire Saffitz’s role at Bon Appétit?
Claire Saffitz was a contributing editor at Bon Appétit, where she worked on the magazine’s test kitchen team. During her time at Bon Appétit, Saffitz developed and tested recipes, wrote articles, and appeared in videos on the magazine’s popular YouTube channel. She was known for her expertise in desserts and her ability to break down complex recipes into easy-to-follow instructions.
Saffitz’s work at Bon Appétit helped establish her as a rising star in the culinary world. Her recipes and videos were widely popular, and she became a fan favorite among Bon Appétit readers and viewers. Saffitz’s success at Bon Appétit also led to opportunities outside of the magazine, including cookbook deals and appearances on TV shows.
Why did Claire Saffitz leave Bon Appétit?
Claire Saffitz left Bon Appétit in 2020, citing a desire to focus on her own projects and pursue new opportunities. At the time, Saffitz stated that she was grateful for her experience at Bon Appétit, but felt that it was time for her to move on and explore new creative avenues.
Saffitz’s departure from Bon Appétit was also marked by controversy, as she was one of several high-profile employees to leave the magazine amid allegations of racism and a toxic work environment. Saffitz has spoken publicly about her experiences at Bon Appétit, stating that she faced challenges and biases during her time at the magazine.
What is Claire Saffitz’s YouTube channel about?
Claire Saffitz’s YouTube channel, “Dessert Person,” is a culinary channel focused on desserts and baking. On the channel, Saffitz shares her favorite recipes, cooking techniques, and tips for making delicious desserts at home. From classic cakes and cookies to elaborate pastries and show-stopping desserts, Saffitz’s channel covers a wide range of topics and is geared towards bakers of all skill levels.
Saffitz’s YouTube channel has gained a large following since its launch, with fans praising her clear instructions, beautiful photography, and engaging personality. The channel has also become a platform for Saffitz to share her thoughts on food, culture, and social justice, and to connect with her audience in a more personal way.
Has Claire Saffitz written any cookbooks?
Yes, Claire Saffitz has written a cookbook called “Dessert Person: Recipes and Guidance for Baking with Confidence.” The book, which was released in 2020, features a collection of Saffitz’s favorite dessert recipes, along with tips and techniques for making delicious baked goods at home.
Saffitz’s cookbook has received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising her clear instructions, beautiful photography, and creative recipes. The book has also become a bestseller, and has helped establish Saffitz as a leading voice in the culinary world.
Is Claire Saffitz active on social media?
Yes, Claire Saffitz is active on social media, where she connects with her fans and shares updates about her work. Saffitz has a large following on Instagram, where she posts photos and videos of her recipes, cooking experiments, and personal life. She is also active on Twitter, where she shares her thoughts on food, culture, and social justice.
Saffitz’s social media presence has been an important part of her career, allowing her to build a community of fans and share her work with a wider audience. Her social media accounts are also a great way for fans to stay up-to-date on her latest projects and endeavors.
What’s next for Claire Saffitz?
Claire Saffitz has several projects in the works, including a second cookbook and new content for her YouTube channel. She has also been exploring opportunities in TV and film, and has expressed interest in hosting her own cooking show. Saffitz has stated that she is excited to continue sharing her passion for food and cooking with her audience, and is looking forward to exploring new creative avenues.
Saffitz’s future plans also include a focus on social justice and advocacy, as she continues to use her platform to raise awareness about important issues. With her talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft, Saffitz is sure to remain a leading voice in the culinary world for years to come.