A local pastry chef is bringing the Emerald Coast to national television. Lasheeda Perry, chef and co-owner of Queen of Flavor in Fort Walton Beach, will compete against 15 of the nation’s top pastry chefs on Food Network’s brand-new series The Ultimate Baking Championship, premiering March 9 at 8 p.m. 

• The nine-episode series, hosted by Jesse Palmer with head judge Duff Goldman, tests competitors on the core techniques that outstanding pastry chefs must master, from laminated dough and pâte à choux to chocolate work and sugar artistry. 

The winner takes home $50,000 and the title of Ultimate Baking Champion.

For Perry, representing Fort Walton Beach on a national stage carries special significance.

“This is not my first rodeo with Food Network. I’ve represented many different cities,” Perry said. “But the fact that this is the city where I’ve had my first brick and mortar, it means a lot. It’s so amazing how the community has just wrapped their arms around me and they’re supporting me on this journey.”

• Perry opened Queen of Flavor two years ago. The business operates as a dessert tasting room that hosts dessert events, including baking classes, workshops and tastings, while also offering custom orders for birthday and wedding cakes.

Originally from Philadelphia, Perry relocated to Fort Walton Beach from the Los Angeles area three years ago to be closer to her twin sister, who was expecting her first child.

“I wanted to take that journey with her, especially since we don’t have family here,” Perry said.

Perry has spent more than 20 years in the pastry industry. She discovered her calling while studying at Johnson & Wales University, where she was double majoring in culinary arts.

• “When it was time to butcher those meats, I was like, I am out of here,” she recalled with a laugh. “I’d rather roll croissants than butcher any type of animal. That’s when I realized my calling was definitely pastry.”

Perry describes her signature style as “abstract, but approachable.”

“Either the presentation is going to be abstract or the flavor combination is going to be unexpected, but still approachable,” she explained. “Whether it’s a cheesecake or a cream puff, it’s going to be something you’ve had before — just with a different look or flavor profile.”

Among the techniques tested on the show, Perry counts chocolate among her strengths, though she notes she stepped away from sugar artistry years ago while living in Texas.

• “I poured more of my time and expertise into areas where the whole thing is edible,” she said. “Although sugar looks great, you rarely eat it.”

When asked about the level of competition, Perry didn’t mince words.

“Oh, it’s very steep,” she said. “These are pastry chefs who are in hotels, restaurants — they’re literally in action doing that day-to-day grind.”

The premier episode challenges bakers to create a dessert inspired by the roots of their baking journey. For Perry, that prompt brings a unique perspective. Unlike many pastry chefs who grew up with family bakers, Perry’s childhood memories center on simpler treats.

• “I didn’t grow up baking at all,” Perry said. “Philly is a huge melting pot — you see Italian desserts, Chinese desserts, a little bit of everything. But for me, my mom and my aunts mainly made sweet potato pies and biscuits. Beyond that, they didn’t really bake.”

Instead, Perry’s sweet memories revolve around store-bought treats — sharing a Chick-O-Stick or Snickers bar with family after dinner.

“I just don’t have that cookie-cutter story where, ‘Oh, my grandma was making chocolate chip cookies for us,’” she said. “No, we didn’t have that.”

Perry has been competing on Food Network shows since 2011, and her message to viewers remains consistent.

• “My stance has always been the same when I’m on television,” she said. “It’s inspiring our future culinary leaders, letting them know that if you want to be on television, you have the opportunity to do it. Competing doesn’t always have to be so stressful, it can be fun — just letting them know our industry has unlimited possibilities.”

As for what’s next, Perry has her sights set on an even bigger goal: hosting her own show.

“One day I want to be where Duff is,” she said. “I’ve done a lot for Food Network — competing, developing recipes. The next step is having my own show.”

The Ultimate Baking Championship premieres Monday, March 9 at 8 p.m. CST on Food Network, with episodes streaming the next day on Max and discovery+. The finale airs Monday, May 4. Viewers can follow Food Network on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and baking techniques from the judges.

Perry encouraged local supporters to tune in and said she may host a watch event at Queen of Flavor. For updates, follow Queen of Flavor on social media.

Perry is joined in the competition by 15 other elite pastry chefs from across the country, including a fellow Florida competitor, Julian Belon of Miami. Guest judges throughout the season include Bryan Ford, Amaury Guichon, Shinmin Li, Jacques Torres, Sherry Yard, Molly Yeh and Zac Young.