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    James Beard Award winner

    Renae Connolly

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    James Beard Award winner
    Portrait of Renae Connolly

    Portrait of Renae Connolly

    i. Biography

    Coming Up

    Pastry training for Renae Connolly started at California Culinary Academy of San Francisco, then moved through a sequence of production and leadership roles that build the discipline of the station. She first worked as pastry chef at The Chef’s Table in Fresno, California, then as assistant pastry chef at Clio in Boston, Massachusetts, and later as pastry chef at Clio in Boston, Massachusetts. In New York City, New York, she worked for David Burke Group (2011–2013), served as sous chef at Marea in New York City, New York (2011–2013), and as consultant at Patroon in New York City, New York (2011–2013), before taking on her role as pastry chef at Cafe ArtScience in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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    Where They Are Now

    Moëca is where Connolly currently works as pastry chef, continuing a career shaped by pastry, savory crossover, and consulting across multiple kitchens.

    In Their Words “I spent my first few years in the industry baking bread back in Fresno on the overnight shift.” “I decided to move to Boston to pursue my pastry training.”

    ii

    FAQ

    Asked of Renae

    • What is Renae Connolly's current role?

      As of 2026, Renae Connolly is pastry chef.

    • Where did Renae Connolly train or study?

      Renae Connolly trained at California Culinary Academy of San Francisco.

    • What recognition has Renae Connolly received?

      Best Pastry Chef (2023).

    The Sunday email

    Get new Made By stories every Sunday.

    Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.

    See a sample of the Sunday email

    Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.