‘Great’ cook you don’t know
though I won, no one knows I did. I was denied that platform.”
But as Lomas will tell you, she’s made life’s lemons into lemon curd. Though her “The Great American Baking Show” season remains unaired, with little chance of seeing the light of day, Lomas continues to build her brand of approachable home baking, on her own terms. These days the lawyer-by-trade is working on a book project while keeping up with her blog, Foodie in New York, and social media feeds of rustic hand pies, colorful macarons and drool-worthy ice cream sandwiches. She has also made appearances on TV around the country, including the now-canceled “The Chew.” (Cohost Mario Batali was removed from that show after allegations of his own sexual misconduct were revealed.)
“I can still inspire people just by being out here, hustling and staying resilient,” Lomas said.
In May, Lomas was tapped by the James Beard Foundation to present an award for, what else, outstanding baker, at the foundation’s annual awards gala.
The JBA theme, “I Rise,” directly mirrored Lomas’ own philosophy (“Even when you’re in the muck, it’s fertilizer for growth”), and her presentation was a galvanizing moment in the ceremony — she used her momentum to try to change the conversation around food, particularly with regard to representation and giving marginalized people a platform.
“Anything is possible with passion and determination,” she said at the ceremony. “I was a fulltime practicing attorney when I fulfilled my baking dreams and won ‘The Great American Baking Show.’ And while there a few things more important to me than a really flaky puff pastry, one is ensuring that diversity in our food community is represented in the media.
“I want the next generation of curly-haired, melanin-rich, thick-accented, queer and straight immigrant little girls and boys to see that there’s a place for them at the table too.”
The show was a good start, says Lomas, “but the work is just beginning.”