Erika Chan, Chef

Pastry Chef Erika Chan's love for baking began close to home in New England. From a young age, she delighted in creating sweet treats for friends, family, and special occasions. Chan honed her baking skills at Mayfield Bakery in Palo Alto, interning during summer breaks while studying nutritional sciences and dietetics at the University of California, Berkeley. Graduating magna cum laude and becoming a registered dietitian, she soon returned to her true passion: pastries. Chan's culinary journey took her to esteemed establishments across the country, including The Publican in Chicago. Her talent flourished as she became the pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, where she was honored as one of California's Outstanding Pastry Chefs by the Michelin Guide in 2021. After leading the dessert program at Dunsmoor in Glassell Park, Chan has now brought her expertise to Nashville. She joins Chefs Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz as part of the sixth iteration chef team at The Catbird Seat, set to open in its new location later in 2024. Chan's style reflects the seasonal ethos of California cuisine, creating dishes that celebrate and highlight the natural flavors of the produce.