Meet Samantha Thompson | Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what inspires you?
I am inspired by this AMAZING city that I call home! Houston is so rich in food culture, it is like no other. From Asian cultures that influence our ube and coconut cream pie, Latin Cultures that inspire our passion fruit alfajore, Southern food that spark our smoked bourbon pecan pie and Middle Eastern cultures that provoke our salted tahini alfajore. Seasonality is also a beautiful thing. Basil and strawberry ice cream in the spring to caramel apple Linzer tarts in the fall. Inspiration strikes me everywhere and it’s one big reason why I love my city!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Rise Bake Lab is about showing the world what I have to offer as a pastry chef. I make gourmet pastries ranging from cookies to bars, sweet and pepper jams and nitro ice cream. Everything is made with care using high quality ingredients utilizing chef driven flavors. I want to set my products apart! A portion of the menu is staple but the other part is completely spontaneous. That is what makes this concept so special to me, being able to make whatever i want by whatever inspiration has delivered. I started my career in culinary school followed by pastry school. Working in the industry for 20 years now, a lot of obstacles have come and gone, but hard work- determination and grit have gotten me to where I am. But I would also be no where if I didn’t have people that took me under their wing, that believed in me, taught me and let me become the best chef I can be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Uchi is my favorite restaurant hands down! It’s always on the top of my list to show newcomers. China town is also where we would spend a lot of time. There’s just so much amazing food there. Our museums are also next level and our parks are beautiful.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bloom foods! This duo is amazing! Their motto is “food with intention”. I freaking love that! These guys are hustling their hearts out to share their vision with our city with their plant based kitchen. They source locally whenever possible and their vibe is unmatched!

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