Creative Living Series: Leigh Omilinsky

Leigh Omilinsky
Beyond the Butter and Sugar: A Pastry Chef’s Passion, Perseverance, and Persistence
Omilinsky, a 2025 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Baker/Pastry Chef and executive pastry chef and partner at Chicago’s Daisies, shares the sources of her prodigious passion. By day, she stocks her Logan Square café with sought-after treats that marry nostalgic flavors rooted in her own childhood experiences and Midwest traditions. Come evening, her career in legendary kitchens like TRU, Nico Osteria, and three Michelin-starred L20 are on display with desserts that mirror works of art. A dedicated mentor and educator, she advocates for the advancement of women and working mothers in the industry, championing the balance between a thriving career and a fulfilling home life.