
Reviews Write New Review
Location
Booking Fee
Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
Virtual Fee: $##,###Get Pricing
[email protected]
Mindy Segal specializes in contemporary American cuisine, placing a modern twist on traditional classics. What makes her one of the best pastry chefs in America is her mastery of temperature, texture and taste. In a word, balance. Chef Segal refined her craft as pastry chef in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the country, with early professional positions stationing her at Spago, Gordon, Charlie Trotter’s, Ambria and MK.
Segal’s subtle combinations of hot and cold, crispy and smooth, salty and sweet raise her desserts to the level of perfection. But her desserts don’t come off as meticulous, manufactured or precious, but rather as heartfelt dishes of pure craftsmanship—a craftsmanship that is rooted in Midwestern wholesomeness and more importantly comfort. Eating one of Mindy’s desserts can transport you back to a fond childhood memory of sweetness that has been taken apart and somehow reassembled into something better.
Mindy’s restaurant, HotChocolate is the culmination of 25+ years of dedication to her craft and the passion she has for the entire culinary experience. The urban café is a marriage of contemporary sweet and savory food, inspired by seasonal, local ingredients. It features an innovative, ever-evolving menu presented with gracious, polished first-class service in a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
Segal was awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in the Country in 2012, and was nominated for this category five times prior in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. She captured the Jean Banchet award for Best Celebrity Pastry Chef in Chicago and was named Pastry Chef of the Year by Chicago Magazine. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 she was recognized for her commitment to sustainability as guest chef for Outstanding in the Field. Segal was named Share Our Strength’s 2009 Chef of the Year for her dedication to Taste of the Nation, the country's premier culinary benefit dedicated to ending childhood hunger with events in more than 45 cities across the U.S. and Canada. She served as a national spokesperson for Whole Foods Market in 2010, an ambassador for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and a spokesperson for the Idaho Potato Commission. Mindy has been called “Sugar Fiend of the Year” by Alan Richman of GQ and her Chicago restaurant, HotChocolate was named one of the best breakfast spots in the country in the William Sonoma Breakfasts Comforts Cookbook, as well as one of the best savory spots in the America by USA Today.
Most recently, Chef Segal appeared on The Today Show, The Martha Stewart Show, The Food Network, The Cooking Channel and First Look. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, GQ, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, CHOW.com, Bon Appétit, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.
News
Related Speakers View all
![]() |
Chloe Coscarelli
Vegan Chef; Winner of Food Network's "Cupcake Wars,"...
|
![]() |
Amy Thielen
Hostess of Heartland Table on Food Network
|
![]() |
Kelsey Nixon
Chef, Author, Podcast Host & Television Personality;...
|
![]() |
Katie Lee
Chef, Co-Host of Food Network's "The Kitchen" & Auth...
|
![]() |
Claire Robinson
Known for "5 Ingredient Fix" on Food Network
|
![]() |
Aida Mollenkamp
Chef, Author, Food Writer & Host of "FoodCrafters" o...
|
![]() |
Sandra Lee
Cancer Survivor, Activist, Author, Emmy Award-Winnin...
|
![]() |
Missy Chase Lapine
NYT Bestselling Author & Integrative Wellness Coach
|
![]() |
Stephanie Izard
James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Author, Winner of "T...
|
![]() |
Ingrid Hoffmann
Hosts "Simply Delicioso" on Food Network and "Delici...
|
![]() |
Zonya Foco
Celebrity Nutritionist & Cookbook Author
|
![]() |
Cat Cora
World-Renowned Chef, Author, Restaurateur, Contribut...
|
![]() |
Nikki Cascone
Chef/Owner Red Hook Hospitality, Contestant on Bravo...
|
![]() |
Jeni Britton Bauer
Founder & Owner of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams; US Cu...
|
![]() |
Vivian Howard
Chef, TV Host & Restaurateur Known for Chef & the Fa...
|
![]() |
Anjum Anand
Host of Cooking Channel's "Indian Food Made Easy"
|
![]() |
Aliya LeeKong
Culinary Creative Director/Chef at Junoon NYC; Profe...
|
![]() |
April Bloomfield
Chef & Partner at The Spotted Pig, The Breslin and J...
|
![]() |
Diane Kochilas
Chef, Cookbook Author & Host of "My Greek Table"; On...
|
|
Casey Thompson
Top Chef Season 3 Contestant
|