Chef
Tiffany MacIsaac
Culinary affiliations
Social
From Maui to Michelin-starred kitchens, Tiffany MacIsaac has built a nationally recognized pastry career defined by precision, leadership, and community impact.
Tiffany MacIsaac, born and raised on Maui, Hawaii, moved to New York City at 18 to pursue a career in pastry. She trained at the Institute of Culinary Education before beginning her career as a pastry assistant at Union Square Café and Ilo at the Bryant Park Hotel. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning pastry chef roles at Michelin-starred restaurants including CRU and Allen & Delancey.
In 2009, MacIsaac relocated to Washington, D.C. with her husband, Chef Kyle Bailey, to open Birch & Barley. The restaurant earned three stars from The Washington Post and helped establish her as one of the region’s leading pastry chefs, culminating in a RAMMY Award for Pastry Chef of the Year in 2010. During her time with Neighborhood Restaurant Group, she oversaw pastry operations across 14 properties, including Buzz Bakery and GBD.
In 2014, she launched Buttercream Bakeshop from her home kitchen, opening a retail storefront in 2016. The bakery quickly gained national recognition, earning her a second RAMMY Award for Pastry Chef of the Year in 2018. She has also been named a James Beard Award semifinalist multiple times and featured in publications including Food & Wine, The Local Palate, and Art Culinaire.
Beyond the kitchen, MacIsaac is deeply involved in mentorship and industry advocacy. She is a graduate of the James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program and has served as a mentor to emerging business owners. She sits on the boards of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, Educated Eats, and Regarding Her, and regularly supports organizations such as Safe Shores, No Kid Hungry, and Chance for Life.
She recently served as Director of the Academy program, delivering a 10-week business and mentorship initiative for women restaurant owners. Today, she works as a Business Development and Community Lead for Harmony Group, a boutique restaurant accounting firm serving clients nationwide, and is the co-founder of The Big Cake Exchange, a community-driven fundraising event celebrating pastry and connection.
