This Is TASTE 700: Elbow Bread's Zoë Kanan Makes the Case for the Knish
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Dec 12, 2025 Zoë Kanan, the baker-partner of Elbow Bread in NYC, shares her culinary journey from her Texas roots to running a Jewish-American bakery. She discusses her passion for reimagining the knish, focusing on flavor and texture while nodding to tradition. Grayson Samuels, a writer and baker, highlights his transition from theater to food writing and his fascination with regional cuisines, especially Florida's dining gems. Together, they explore the vibrant landscape of modern baking and its cultural significance.
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Breakfasts Shaped A Baker's Taste
- Zoë Kanan remembers early mornings driving to figure skating and eating kolaches and bagel sandwiches with her mom.
- Those on-the-go breakfasts shaped her soft spot for casual, comforting baked goods.
Hands-On Training Beats Conventional Paths
- Zoë skipped college and pursued culinary school then pastry work to learn practical kitchen skills.
- Early industry roles gave her technical grounding and shaped her later creative freedom.
Milk Bar As A Formative Playground
- Zoë interned and then worked at Milk Bar early in its life and later returned to develop wedding cakes and recipes.
- Her Milk Bar experience informed Elbow's approach and creative techniques.
