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S. Fla. Pastry Chef Up For "Oscar Of Food"

MIAMI (CBS4) – South Florida's acclaimed pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith will find out soon whether or not she is the recipient of the prestigious "James Beard Award" for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

Goldsmith is the executive pastry chef for the Genuine Hospitality Group and she's the only Miami chef left in the "James Beard" finals, to be awarded on May 7th.

She's famous for her bold yet whimsical desserts at Michael Schwartz's Miami restaurants "Harry's Pizzeria" and "Michael's Genuine Food & Drink."

CBS4'S Lisa Petrillo recently caught up with the pint sized pastry chef who has been wowing guests with her sweet and savory creations for decades.

"I went into this business because I love people. When people are happy, there's nothing like ending a meal with something incredibly delicious and a smile on people's faces. That's honestly what makes me happy," said Hedy.

Every day, Hedy creates her delicious desserts in the kitchen at Michael's Genuine than walks to Harry's Pizzeria, Michael's second spot in the Miami Design District, where she delivers her delicacies by hand.

"It's all about the street, connecting the two and its all day long and it's great fun," said Hedy

Hedy delivered delicious hand-made Anise Biscotti the day Petrillo paid a visit. But she also whips up an amazing Italian Zeppole, which is a deep fried dough dessert that's light, airy and so delicious. There's also a yummy chocolate chip cookie and a heavenly butterscotch pana cotta.

The James Beard Foundation Awards, for which Hedy is a finalist, are often called "The Oscars of Food."

"I have so already won, laughed Hedy. "I'm so honored and so psyched about it. I just have to decide what to wear!"

The James Beard Awards will be handed out in New York city on May 7.

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