This week, we’re flouring a clean surface with acclaimed pastry chef Sandra Holl, owner of the beloved Floriole Cafe & Bakery in Lincoln Park. Sandra shares her journey from growing up in Rockford, Illinois to unexpectedly falling in love with French pastries during a year studying abroad in France. She tells us about the process of opening Floriole, starting small with just a tent and a few pastries at local farmers markets, to establishing a flourishing cafe and bakery we know and love today. In a conversation that is both literally and figuratively sweet (she brought us a box of pastries), we talk: baking philosophy focused on the balance of quality ingredients and techniques, tips for enterprising home bakers, vying for the top of the class at culinary school, and so much more.