8 Inspiring Women Elevating the NYC Food Industry
This #InternationalWomensDay we wanted to celebrate eight local ladies in the NYC food industry that we are constantly inspired by. Their badassery knows no bounds, especially after the year that we’ve had.
Here are 8 inspiring NYC women in food that we’re excited about:
Bilena Settepani
Creative for Settepani Bakery & Ristorante
Why We Love Her: Watch out, Food Network! Bilena has the spunk and skill to become the next TV food personality (and she’s well on her way to doing so). Her family has owned Settepani since the 90’s, and Bilena is the heir to the throne bringing a modern twist to the brand with collaborations like the Porchetta Cornetto with @mind_machine, and their new TikTok account. Don’t miss the Princess of Panettone and her father compete in bake-offs against each other on social media!
Follow Bilena
Follow Settepani Bakery Williamsburg
Follow Settepani Ristorante Harlem
Missy Robbins
Chef + Owner of Misi, Lilia, and MP Specialities
Why We Love Her: Anyone who’s anyone knows both Lilia and Misi in Brooklyn (and if you don’t know, add them to your Must-Eats on 8it ASAP). Missy Robbins is a legend. To back it all up, she’s taken home plenty of awards, but most recently she’s been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as Best New Chef and honored as Esquire’s Chef of the Year for her culinary genius at Lilia. We dream of Lilia’s Sheeps Milk Cheese Filled Agnolotti at least once a week and to say we admire her is an understatement.
Follow Missy
Buy her Pasta
Make a reservation at Lilia
Make a reservation at Misi
Ariel Arce
Owner of Tokyo Record Bar, Air’s Champagne Parlor, Niche Niche, Special Club and Founder of Caviair
Why We Love Her: She’s a go-getter, in every sense of the word. She currently owns four restaurants (Niche Niche, Tokyo Record Bar, Special Club, and Air’s Champagne Parlor) AND is founder of the first Direct-to-Consumer caviar brand, Caviair. The New York Times has dubbed her “The Champagne Empress of Greenwich Village”, and Vogue has named her a “Champagne Mogul”. She even wrote a book about bubbles. Oh yeah, and her Frenchie is a superstar too.
Follow Ariel
Buy her book “Better with Bubbles”
Buy her 🔥caviar
Follow her pup
Leslie Polizzotto
Co-Founder and Owner of The Doughnut Project
Why We Love Her: We met Leslie when she offered to donate donuts for Chef Carl’s memorial fundraiser #RuizingForACause and we’ve been huge fans ever since. She’s a lawyer turned co-owner to one of NYC’s hottest doughnut brands. The Doughnut Project specializes in uniquely flavored doughnuts along with weekend specials and limited edition collaborations with local NYC restaurants (trust us, they’re great). We’ve no doubt that The Doughnut Project will continue to grow and because of Leslie’s passion & perseverance. Leslie is known for her hard work — the grind don’t stop. Follow her on IG to see the behind-the-scenes doughnut hustle in action.
Follow Leslie
Order The Doughtnut Project
Check out our favorite Ricotta Filled Beet Glazed Doughnut
Kelly Miao
Co-Founder of Kemi Dessert Bar
Why We Love Her: Four Words… Thai. Tea. Custard. Buns. Obviously not only that, but Kemi Dessert Bar’s ever-changing 3-week menu sells out constantly! With a background in pastry Kelly takes flavors from her childhood and travels, and transforms them into unique incredible desserts. Kemi Dessert Bar debuted last year after a rebrand and has taken off.
Hallie Meyer
Owner of Caffè Panna
Why We Love Her: A POWERHOUSE. Following her time in Rome, Hallie has had no problem making a name for herself within the NYC food industry. She started selling her ice cream at a pop-up in the South Bronx called Tripla Panna before turning her focus to opening Caffè Panna. Caffè Panna has gone completely viral within the year and a half that it’s been open. Her affogato sundaes have stolen the hearts of New York food-lovers. Not in NYC? Don’t sweat, it’s also available on Goldbelly so you can satisfy your sweet tooth no matter where you are. PS. they’ve been doing special pasta night pop-ups. Stay tuned to find out when the next one is!
Follow Hallie
Order Caffè Panna on Goldbelly
Check out the affogato on 8it
Christine Yi
Food Entrepreneur
Why We Love Her: Christine embodies the true meaning of “foodie” by her dedication to supporting the restaurant industry and empowering her community. She’s built an impressive following and continues to create authentic restaurant & recipe content. That’s not it though, she also sells her own homemade Mala Chili Oil that just recently was featured in Eater. A true food-loving hustler.
Judith Norell
Owner of Silver Moon Bakery
Why We Love Her: Nothing can stop Judith! She’s been full steam ahead keeping her business, Silver Moon Bakery, afloat for over 20 years (9/11 included), and this pandemic wasn’t going to bring her down. She’s a true O.G. making sure Silvery Moon Bakery did not close ONCE since the pandemic started, and continues to bring hope and a sense of togetherness to her Upper West Side community with wonderful baked goods. Go check out Silver Moon ASAP, just look for the line out front (don’t worry it goes quick!).
To all eight women featured here,
Thank you for paving the way and inspiring future generations with your talent, hard work, and passion for what you do. Today, and every day, we celebrate you. The future of food is female and we’re here for it.
- Kyra 8it
