Pastry Chef And Restaurateur Joanne Chang's Guide To Boston

According to Joanne Chang, the secret to a sweeter life is eating dessert first! We trust her advice — the Flour Bakery pastry chef creates delectable desserts that rank among the best in Boston. And as the co-owner of restaurant Myers + Chang — a fusion of Taiwanese soul food and Southeast Asian street food — she's also quite the expert on the city's booming restaurant scene.

Although she was dubbed a James Beard award winner for Outstanding Baker in 2016, Chang's commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. She's currently working on her fifth cookbook Pastry Love and often writes pastry articles for Fine Cooking magazine, while also teaching classes at both her bakery and local cooking schools.

Chang, who has called Boston home for almost 30 years, loves how the city combines the best qualities of a small town and a large city. There are plenty of museums, theaters, shopping and historic landmarks to visit. "But we are not so big that you can’t get to know your neighborhoods and walk around and make connections with people," she explains.

Whether she's grabbing a quick-yet-delicious lunch at Coppa or shopping at Viola Lovely in the South End, the busy restaurateur has some top-notch food and activity suggestions around Boston. Check them out, below:

---

---

What neighborhood do you live in? I live in the Leather District near Chinatown and South Station.

What’s your occupation? Pastry chef and restaurateur

Describe Boston in three words: Growing, historic, proud

What’s your favorite overall Boston restaurant? Other than Myers+Chang? I love Ostra.

Best sushi: Cafe Sushi

Best Italian food: Giulia

Best dessert: Oleana

Best pizza: Picco

Best spot for a quick lunch: Coppa

Best spot for a romantic date: Sorellina

Best glass of wine: Haley Henry Wine Bar

Best Sunday brunch: Mistral

Best cup of coffee or tea: Gracenote Coffee

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Viola Lovely in the South End

Favorite charity event or organization: Project Place

Favorite cultural institution: Institute of Contemporary Art

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Boston? I love the Boston Esplanade in the spring and fall.

The best aspect of Boston is: It combines the best of a small town and large city in one. You have museums and theater and ballet and symphony and shopping and historical sights and parks ... but we are not so big that you can’t get to know your neighborhoods and walk around and make connections with people.

---

Main Image Credit: Kristin Teig