FEAST

Best Pastry Chef: St.Louis

Nathaniel Reid Bakery might be tucked into an unassuming strip mall in Kirkwood, Missouri, but the shop is turning out some of the most beautiful pastries in the St. Louis area. Chef-owner Nathaniel Reid is using his background in science to elevate everyday items into true works of art - without the huge price tag. His bakery excels at both savory and sweet, from flaky croissant sandwiches to a rainbow of French macarons to his signature Amber tart with pecan caramel, sablé breton, caramel mousse and caramelized pecans. Reid is one of the country's most acclaimed pastry chefs, and we're lucky that he chose to bring his world-class talents back home.