As Chef-Owner of one of the country’s finest couture cake studios, Ron Ben-Israel started his confectionery adventures after a fifteen-year career as a professional modern dancer. Upon retiring from performing with companies spanning three continents, he utilized his art schooling and ballet training to master the discipline of pastry arts.

After apprenticeships and engagements in Toronto, Canada and Lyon, France he was led to New York City. In 1996, his cakes were discovered while on display in the windows of Mikimoto on Fifth Avenue.

In 1999, Ron established his flagship design studio and bakery in Manhattan’s fashionable SoHo neighborhood. His cakes have been featured in destinations throughout the continental U.S. and abroad and continue to be a staple in the luxury industry.

Ron’s confectionary creations have been shown in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Town and Country, People, New York Post, New York Daily News, Martha Stewart Weddings, In Style, Modern Bride, Bridal Guide, Glamour, Cosmopolitan and Vogue.

Ron was named the "Best Baker" by Vogue Magazine and was declared Martha Stewart’s favorite cake maker. He continues to regularly contribute to Martha Stewart’s eponymous magazine and was highlighted in their 20th anniversary issue.

Many books have celebrated his cakes including Vera Wang on Weddings, Kate Manchester’s The Perfect Wedding Cake, Bette Matthews’ For Your Wedding – Cakes and Joan Hamburg’s City Weddings. Zagat has published glowing reviews on Ron’s confections for the past ten years.

In 2011, Ron became host and judge of the Food Network’s hit show Sweet Genius. After three seasons the show has been syndicated both domestically and abroad. Ron also has appeared as a guest and judge on a variety of Food Network shows including Chopped and Worst Cooks in America. In addition to the Food Network, Ron and his work have appeared on numerous television shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Bravo’s Top Chef: Just Desserts and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Since filming Sweet Genius, Ron has traveled across the U.S. and internationally as a teacher, lecturer and motivational speaker. He is a popular headliner and guest at culinary and pastry conventions as well as a featured speaker at fundraisers supporting a variety of causes from education to the arts. Ron also is the only Guest Master Pastry Chef at the renowned International Culinary Center in New York City where he shares his passion, techniques and secrets with the students through exclusive demos.

Ron is a proud member of City Harvest’s Food Council and its Advisory Board, which brings together over 60 of New York City’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food industry professionals to aid the organization in the fight against hunger. Ron also is an active supporter of Lambda Legal Defense and an advocate of same sex marriage.