Shawn McKenzie stands as one of the region’s most respected bakers, earning the national finalist nod for the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Following the sunset of Café Cerés, on which she collaborated with longtime partner Daniel del Prado, McKenzie is dedicating her talents more fully to the role of executive pastry chef at Rustica Bakery, recently relaunched under new owner Jester Concepts. Celebrated for her distinctive and sophisticated Middle Eastern-infused pastries, like the acclaimed Turkish bagels and tahini cookies, McKenzie is poised to bring the heritage brand back into the spotlight as it opens a new location in Wayzata by the end of year.