It’s the most wonderful time of the year—holiday baking shows are hitting the air. This year, one of Charlottesville’s own chefs is making his TV debut. Charles Zimmerman works as assistant pastry chef at Farmington Country Club, where he whips up everything from delicately frosted wedding cakes to small-but-sweet seasonal bites. Zimmerman is currently showcasing his talents on Food Network’s “Holiday Wars,” where nine teams, including a cookie maker, cake artist, and a sugar artist, tackle a series of festive challenges. Zimmerman serves as the sugar artist for his team, The Sugar Bandits. Last week, his Margarita Rose creation earned him praise from all the judges. Tune in this Sunday at 9pm to see how Zimmerman and The Sugar Bandits fare. @chefcharleszimmerman
Name: Charles Zimmerman.
Age: 31.
Pronouns: He/him.
Hometown: Concord, California.
Job: Assistant pastry chef at Farmington Country Club.
What’s something about your job that people would be surprised to learn: There is SO much math involved in food—pastry specifically. Ratios to convert yields of recipes, percentages of fat and water in formulas, costing, inventory, etc.
Favorite dessert to eat: Strawberry shortcake—only in peak strawberry season.
Favorite dessert to make: Shelled bon bons. So challenging, yet so rewarding.
What was it like competing on “Holiday Wars”: It was a whirlwind. I have never done anything like it, and most of the other contestants had done some sort of television before, so I felt totally out of my element. But I have worked in stressful situations in many different jobs, so I think I handled the pressure well.
Was there anything surprising you encountered about filming a TV show: I can’t ruin any of the TV magic … but I will say: The set was extremely cold. It’s because of the many lights and equipment generating heat, and pastry is greatly affected by temperature, so it’s better to be too cold than too hot. I got hand warmers to keep in my pockets during judging because we had to stand still for sometimes hours on end.
Favorite local restaurant: Lampo or Alley Light.
Bodo’s order: Egg bagel with bacon and Swiss, or an everything bagel, add pesto.
What’s your comfort food: Ramen. Not instant, the legit stuff.
Who is your hero: My mentor and inspiration, Chef Mellisa Root.
Best advice you ever got: Listen to everyone and everything, but don’t let anyone know you’re listening.
Proudest accomplishment: Working at Per Se in NYC.
Describe a perfect day: Anything outdoors on a sunny 80-degree day, most likely with a cocktail.
If you could be reincarnated as a person or thing, what would you be: Maybe an eagle, if I can keep my human consciousness, because I think flying would be incredible.
Most embarrassing moment: That I can speak of? Probably falling asleep on a subway and getting woken up by commuters going to work at 6:30am in deep Brooklyn. I lived in Queens…
Do you have any pets: Nope.
Favorite movie and/or show: “Parks and Recreation.” And “Schitt’s Creek.”
Favorite book: Currently: Pastries by Pierre Hermé just for some inspiration. It’s been too long since I read a non-food book…
What are you listening to right now: Emotion by Carly Rae Jepsen.
Go-to karaoke song: “Born This Way,” Lady Gaga.
Best Halloween costume you’ve worn: I know, it’s so cliché, but David from “Schitt’s Creek.” I only really needed sunglasses and a few rings.
Who’d play you in a movie: Chris Evans. He’s an up-and-coming actor who I’ve been told I look like. Google him.
Celebrity crush: Milo Ventimiglia.
Most used app on your phone: Instagram.
Last text you sent: “Do you have a great pumpkin bread recipe?”
Most used emoji: Wink face.
Subject that causes you to rant: The American agriculture industry.
Best journey you ever went on: Studying abroad in Singapore and Malaysia.
Next journey: Trip to Hawaii for the first time in January with my family.
Favorite curse word: F**k.
Hottest take: I do like pineapple on my pizza, rules are meant to be broken.
What have you forgotten today: To call my parents, and will continue to forget until they text “are you alive?”