During the lockdowns, she started a smash-hit dessert box delivery service that recently evolved into a fully-fledged cake shop, Holy Sugar, in Northcote.
My name is Audrey Allard.
I work at Holy Sugar as the owner and pastry chef.
Before I started here, I worked at Scratch Patisserie in Mullumbimby, Harvest Newrybar in Byron Bay, Laura at Pt Leo Estate on the Mornington Peninsula and Lune Croissant in Fitzroy.
I’ve been cooking for seven years – five in Victoria.
And I’m passionate about the quality of my cakes and sweets – making sure everything looks and tastes perfect.
Which means I enjoy cooking things like lemon meringue tarts, Basque cheesecake, dulce almond pecan tarts with dusted and shaved pecans.
At 30 Under 30 I’ll be baking a persimmon custard tart.
The person I’m most looking forward to working with for 30 Under 30 is Giorgia McAllister Forte. We met during an event last year and it will be so nice to be able to see her and work with her again.
My favourite things to eat in Victoria right now are Basque cheesecakes and custard tarts when they’re still a little warm. They’re perfect in this cooler weather.
Finally, the big change I’d like to see in our food and drink scene in the next 30 years is more younger people starting their own businesses. It’s not as scary as it looks and anyone can do it!
Catch Audrey Allard at the 30 Under 30 Gala dinner on Thursday 28 July and at the 30 Under 30 dinner at Cutler & Co on Wednesday 3 August; follow Audrey at @holysugar_