How I Built This with Guy Raz

Live Episode! Milk Bar: Christina Tosi (2019)

Oct 25, 2021

Christina Tosi, the founder of Milk Bar, shares her delightful journey from childhood baking to creating a beloved dessert empire. She candidly discusses the creative process behind iconic treats like confetti birthday cakes and cereal milk. Highlighting her unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, Tosi reveals how a serendipitous nod from Anderson Cooper transformed her business. With charming anecdotes and insights on overcoming culinary challenges, she embodies the sweet balance of hard work and whimsical creativity that defines her brand.

01:05:19

Episode guests

Christina Tosi

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Cornflake Marshmellow Chocolate

01:42

What's This About?

00:52

The Story of Chess Pie

02:52

Intro

3min

From Cookies to Culinary Career

19min

Navigating the Culinary Labyrinth

3min

A Journey of Sweet Discoveries

8min

Navigating Culinary Challenges and Innovation

12min

Building the Bakery: Inspirations and Opening Day

2min

A Whimsical Bakery Journey

9min

From Cravings to Commerce

13min

The Intersection of Opportunity and Hard Work in Building a Brand

4min

For Christina Tosi, baking wasn't just a delicious childhood hobby—it was a daily creative outlet and a way to blow off steam. After college, she went to culinary school and honed her pastry technique at high-end restaurants in NYC. But she also craved the opportunity to make unfussy, nostalgic desserts like the ones she grew up eating. So in 2008, Christina opened her first Milk Bar bakery in the East Village, with the help of her mentor, Momofuku chef David Chang. Soon, people from around the country were calling her up, begging for her gooey pies, confetti birthday cakes, and pretzel-potato-chip cookies. Today, Milk Bar has spread to 15 locations, and reportedly brings in tens of millions of dollars a year. This show was recorded live at The Town Hall in New York City. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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