Karen Demasco

Executive Pastry Chef

Karen began her illustrious pastry career over 20 years ago right here at Gramercy Tavern, working under celebrated Pastry Chef Claudia Fleming. She furthered her skills in some of the country’s most beloved kitchens, including Chanterelle in Downtown Manhattan and Fore Street in Portland, Maine, before returning to Gramercy Tavern in 2000. Karen then joined the opening team at Craft, working alongside Chef Tom Colicchio, later expanding her role to oversee the pastry departments at Craftbar and ‘wichcraft, from 2001 to 2008. During that time, Karen won the James Beard Award for “Outstanding Pastry Chef,” recognized for her simple, elegant, and seasonally driven desserts.

Since then, Karen has helmed pastry programs at award-winning restaurants across New York City, including Locanda Verde and Hearth, and served as the Director of Kitchen Operations at Ovenly. Most recently, Karen served as the executive pastry chef of Jean-Georges ABC Kitchen, ABC Cocina, and ABCV. She is also the author of the 2009 cookbook, The Craft of Baking: Cakes, Cookies, & Other Sweets.