What began as a humble pop-up has blossomed into one of Seattle's most celebrated bakeries, and now Christina Wood, the visionary behind Temple Pastries, has earned a prestigious 2026 James Beard Award nomination in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Bakery category.
Wood opened Temple Pastries in the Central District in 2020, transforming a small space on Jackson Street into what local food writers have dubbed a 'cult of the croissant.' Her meticulous approach to pastry-making has earned her a devoted following of carbohydrate enthusiasts who line up on weekends for her signature creations.
The bakery's chocolate rye croissant has become legendary among Seattle foodies. The flaky, many-layered pastry features tangy, earthy notes from the rye flour that complement the rich chocolate in unexpected ways. Her cruffins—towering muffin-croissant hybrids dusted with sugar—showcase the technical mastery that has earned her national recognition.
But Wood hasn't stopped at pastries. In 2025, she published her first cookbook and launched Sacro Bosco, a Roman-style pizzeria that takes over the Temple Pastries space in the evenings. The dual-concept restaurant has become a neighborhood anchor, drawing crowds from across the city.
Her macarons, which come in complex flavors like black sesame yuzu and 'autumn leaves,' demonstrate her commitment to innovation while honoring classic techniques. Wood is known for her elaborate holiday specials, including limited-edition cookie tins that sell out within hours of being announced on social media.
The James Beard nomination places Wood among the nation's most talented pastry professionals. For Central District residents, it's validation of what they've known since 2020: their neighborhood bakery is world-class.
'Every croissant that comes out of her kitchen tells a story of dedication and craft,' says one regular customer. 'Christina has put the Central District on the culinary map.'