Itwas a night baked to perfection as Food52 hosted a mouthwatering and utterly unforgettable launch event for its brand-new original docu-series, The Pastry Box: Tiara’s Story. Held at their stunning Brooklyn Navy Yard HQ on July 23, the evening was as warm, gooey, and feel-good as Tiara Bennett’s famous cookies—and trust us, we tried both kinds.
Celeb Secrets‘ very own Juliet Schroder and Jozie Schroder were on-site to soak in the sweet vibes, sample Tiara’s gluten-free creations, and toast to this monumental moment in food, culture, and storytelling.
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Let’s start with the obvious: the cookies were EVERYTHING.
To kick things off, guests were invited to take part in a blind taste test pitting Tiara’s iconic chocolate chip cookie (which was just ranked the #2 cookie in NYC by The Infatuation) against her brand-new gluten-free version. Spoiler alert: most of us couldn’t tell the difference—and that’s exactly the point.
Tiara’s mission is clear: dessert should be for everyone. Whether you’re team classic or gluten-free, there’s no skimping on flavor, texture, or indulgence.
As the sugar rush settled, guests gathered for an exclusive first look at The Pastry Box: Tiara’s Story, a short-form docu-series that follows Tiara’s inspiring journey from selling cookies on her Bed-Stuy stoop during the pandemic to opening her wildly successful bakery in Manhattan’s East Village — the first Black-owned storefront to launch in the neighborhood in 25 years.
The screening was emotional, uplifting, and unapologetically real—just like Tiara herself. Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52, delivered heartfelt remarks post-screening, sharing why creators like Tiara are at the core of Food52‘s mission.
“Tiara is exactly the kind of creator we champion at Food52 — original, passionate, and rooted in purpose,” said Ayers Badan, who personally celebrated alongside guests and Tiara during a casual and cozy meet-and-greet after the viewing.
Then came the pièce de résistance: a live baking demo in Food52’s dreamy test kitchen with the cookie queen herself.
Tiara walked guests through one of her signature recipes, sprinkling in tips, personal stories, and the kind of behind-the-scenes tricks that make her desserts so crave-worthy. From her buttery mixing technique to how she gets that signature gooey center, attendees (and their TikToks) were eating it up.
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The event was as fashionable as it was flavorful, bringing together some of NYC’s top tastemakers and foodie faves. Notable guests included model/DJ Victoria Brito; culinary creative and “Sauce Boss” P.J. Monte; content queen Sophia Pauline; beloved Italian food personality Rossella Rago; food and culture creator Adeola Adeosun; models and certified cookie monsters Cale Millen, David Grinsfelder, and Lex Dexter, who just so happens to be the inspo behind Tiara’s newest gluten-free treat.
The energy? High. The outfits? Impeccable. The content? Pure gold.
In just a few short years, The Pastry Box has evolved from a grassroots pop-up to one of NYC’s most buzzed-about dessert destinations. But it’s more than a bakery — it’s a love letter to community, culture, and creating your own seat at the table.
With Food52 backing her story in such an intentional, celebratory way, Tiara Bennett isn’t just serving cookies — she’s dishing out representation, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.
You can now watch the first episode of The Pastry Box: Tiara’s Story on Instagram and YouTube — but be warned: you will get hungry.
And if you’re in NYC, don’t walk— run —to the East Village and experience the magic of Tiara’s cookie empire IRL. Just don’t forget to grab a gluten-free one… because now, you know.
