Latest news with #BigDumbLine
Eater
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
A Chicago Pastry Chef Opens Up on Limb Difference and New Motherhood
Before Kerrie Breuer opened Fat Peach Bakery in Bridgeport, she was an award-winning baker and cake decorator who blew the competition away in 2022 on Amazon Studios' Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge. Two years later, Breuer and her husband, David Castillo, brought what Saturday Night Live calls the Big Dumb Line, a phenomenon that tends to happen most often on the North Side, to Bridgeport. At Fat Peach, lines of eager pastry lovers convene on a stretch of Archer Avenue that was typically quiet and residential. Fat Peach has given Bridgeport a destination bakery, with a focus on beautifully laminated sweet and savory pastries. As she enjoyed success, Breuer has opened up about life as a person with a limb difference and as a mother of a newborn. The couple discovered Breuer was pregnant in August 2024, just before the business opened, and she gave birth in April. As parents of a new baby and first-time business owners, there are fresh challenges to face every day. 'Honestly, we're just taking everything day by day, because I try not to think too far into the future,' Breuer says. 'You know, things change pretty quickly. I will say that all of my time is accounted for. I definitely try to find balance where I can, but yeah, we're pretty busy.' Raised as an adoptee in Minot, North Dakota, Breuer learned how to deal with her difference in a world that doesn't always cater to those who are different. Breuer is without a left hand due to being born with amniotic band syndrome. She recounts how her mother found inspiration by reading an article about a woman living in Greece with a limb difference. 'Her mom treated her like everyone else and basically just told her that, you know, you can do whatever you want to do. It might look a little different, but you can do anything you set your mind to. And that's kind of the mindset that she had when she was raising me, and I think that without that sort of upbringing, I don't think I would be who I am today.' Breuer adds: 'There wasn't any social media, and I didn't really see anyone like me on TV, and I never really met anyone like me in person. I was very fortunate to get to have parents that took everything in stride.' Kerrie Breuer and David Castillo opened Fat Peach in 2024. Here, Breuer operates a stand mixer. Kerrie Breuer wants to be a role model for others. Practice has been a key to finding success for Breuer, knowing that she looks different while whisking ingredients in a bowl compared to someone with two hands. 'You know, I might hold things a little bit differently. If I'm stirring something in a really large bowl, I might hug it close to my body so that I actually have some stability, or I'll put like a rag underneath it. Other than that, I don't use adaptive tools. I was born without a hand, so I'm totally used to working without it.' Those experiences have taught her it's OK to fail, and Breuer wants others in the disabled community to understand they're not alone: 'The more you put yourselves in situations where you're learning something new, the more confident that you're going to be trying something later,' she says. Fat Peach Bakery replaced Bridgeport Bakery, a neighborhood staple for 50 years, which briefly reopened under new ownership and became Bridgeport Bakery 2.0 before closing in 2021. Both were best known for cookies and for paczkis, with long lines forming on Fat Tuesdays. Fat Peach Bakery chose a different approach, focusing on sourdough-based, fancy, flaky pastries with unexpected fillings, and a surprise approach to their ever-changing weekly menu. Castillo and Breuer were inspired by Mexican café culture and a desire to create a workplace that nurtured their employees as well as the neighborhood. 'We were both at a point in our careers where we felt like it was time to try to work for ourselves,' Breuer says. 'There was a ton of self-doubt, but we really love Bridgeport and we wanted to bring something special to the neighborhood.' So, how does it all work, being new parents and running a popular bakery? Fat Peach keeps a system in place that allows for flexibility and creativity. Castillo is a rare pastry chef with savory and sweet experience, and that gives him an advantage when he's not making the dough or involved with lamination. Breuer comes during weekend mornings to help them finish pastries. Their baby is growing up steeped in pastry and delicious smells, right there in the kitchen with them as they complete the offerings for the week. 'He sleeps in his carrier sometimes or I'll just like, baby wear him. And then I just work on projects that I can do while wearing a baby in the kitchen. It's a pretty close-knit team in a very small kitchen, so we're all very aware of him.' For now, Breuer's balancing motherhood and working a few days of the week, while Castillo takes on a heavier workload with baking and running the business. 'We kind of just pass off responsibilities as needed. Communication is key.' 'David works on the dough at the beginning of the week, and then I kind of do like the random little things that need to be done, like taking inventory and ordering things,' Breuer says. 'And then Cecilia does a lot of our fillings, and then I kind of help her out where I can.' A key hire was Cecilia Iwata, an expert pastry cook who is essential to their kitchen but also helps with customers and other front-facing tasks. Now, instead of just Castillo and Breuer, thanks to their immediate success, they've hired additional staff, including assistant bakers and a dishwasher. 'Cecilia is probably like, honestly… Cecilia is like my left hand,' says Breuer with a laugh. 'She's been with us since day one, so she kind of does a little bit of everything.' Having a limb difference has led Breuer to hold kitchen gear differently. Their growing crew includes a dishwasher, a few pastry cooks, and hopefully more to come in time as they expand their small business. Breuer relishes the prospect of building a healthy work environment where their staff can thrive and enjoy their creativity: 'I feel very lucky to have them. I don't think we could get it done without them,' she says. A Canadian chef ran a cheekily named YouTube channel, Stump Kitchen, producing videos sharing her journey. But there are few visible role models in the kitchen space who face the same challenges. Now, almost a year after opening, Breuer is seizing her own platform and wants people to know and understand more about finding success with limb differences. She doesn't want people to underestimate members of the community, especially youngsters. 'There have been a couple of kids that have come into our bakery, and I'm sure they don't really see as many people like them,' she says. 'So if I can sort of spread awareness about what people with limb differences can be capable of, yes. That can be a really positive thing.' She adds: 'Especially if you're a kid, try everything at least once and don't be worried if the process looks different than everyone else. Like, I might hold a bowl different while I'm whisking something than someone with two hands. Just don't be afraid to try something at least once.' Eater Chicago All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gianna & Jacqueline Toboni Launch Production Company Mother Media
EXCLUSIVE: Journalist and two-time Emmy-winning documentarian Gianna Toboni and her sister, actress and producer Jacqueline Toboni (The L Word: Generation Q), have announced the launch of Mother Media, a new bi-coastal production company dedicated to producing deeply personal, zeitgeist-defining content across both scripted and unscripted formats. With a slate that ranges from death row documentaries to celebrity biopics, Mother Media aims to explore the human condition through narratives that resonate on both an emotional and cultural level. More from Deadline 'SNL' Cast Unpacks Season 50 Including Miss Eggy, Chloe Fineman's Big Dumb Line, Straight Bowen Yang & Sarah Sherman Nearly Getting "Jacked" Octavia Spencer Returning For Blumhouse's 'Ma' Sequel Russell Simmons Hits HBO With $20M Defamation Suit Over 2020 Documentary Alleging Rape 'Our mission at Mother Media is to tell stories that feel both intensely personal and undeniably relevant,' said Gianna. 'Whether we're inside a prison cell or on a Hollywood set, we want to bring audiences closer to the truth of a person's experience—and by extension, the truth of our time.' Added Jacqueline: 'We've always been drawn to complex characters and stories that challenge the status quo. With Mother Media, we're creating a space where those stories can come to life in honor of our mother, the greatest storyteller we know.' Mother Media's debut project is a documentary titled Just Kids, which will premiere at the Tribeca Festival on Saturday. The film follows three families living in states that have banned gender-affirming care as they navigate the emotional, legal, and political stakes of their situation. As misinformation and fear dominate headlines, the film re-centers the human cost — and resilience— of those most impacted. The doc was just awarded a $25,000 grant from Subject Matter that will help support the filmmakers' impact, outreach, and distribution efforts. Mother Media is currently in production on a celebrity biopic, with several more scripted and unscripted projects in active development. A primary focus going forward will be to leverage unscripted IP for narrative adaptations. Gianna Toboni gained prominence as a senior correspondent and producer for Vice News, where she contributed to over 50 films that aired on platforms like HBO, Showtime, Hulu, and Vice. Her investigative work has taken her to more than 30 countries, including Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. She was among the first journalists to interview ISIS fighters on the frontlines in Iraq and has reported on issues such as cartel violence in Mexico, political corruption, and the plight of women escaping oppressive regimes. Before joining Vice, she worked as a correspondent for Al Jazeera and as a producer for ABC News. Jacquelin Toboni has been seen starring on shows like Doctor Odyssey, The L Word: Generation Q, Easy, and Grimm, with additional appearances in a number of indies. Mother Media is represented by CAA. Best of Deadline 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out? List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More
The Independent
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why Morgan Wallen was replaced by Joe Jonas in SNL sketch
Country music star Morgan Wallen reportedly declined to participate in a Saturday Night Live (SNL) musical sketch titled "Big Dumb Line," leading to his replacement by Joe Jonas. Wallen's "abrupt" exit from the live show, where he left the stage as the credits rolled instead of interacting with the cast, sparked controversy and confusion. SNL cast member Kenan Thompson expressed his bewilderment at Wallen's departure, describing it as a "spike in the norm." Wallen later posted an Instagram story with a picture of a private jet and the caption "Get me to God's country," which he subsequently used on merchandise. Sources close to Wallen claim there was no ill intent behind his actions, suggesting he might not have been aware of the cameras during his exit.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Morgan Wallen selling merch inspired by Saturday Night Live controversy
Morgan Wallen is now selling merchandise inspired by his controversial exit from Saturday Night Live at the weekend. The country music star sparked controversy when he walked off the SNL stage early as the credits rolled instead of sticking around for a couple of minutes to celebrate a successful show with the cast members and guest host Mikey Madison, as per tradition. Wallen's behaviour prompted viewers to wonder if he disliked his time as a musical guest on the sketch show. He fuelled the speculation further by posting a photo of a private jet on his Instagram Stories with the caption, "Get me to God's country." The Last Night hitmaker has now capitalised on the furore by selling a white T-shirt and two baseball caps featuring the now-viral quote. They are being sold for $45 (£35) each on his official website. He promoted the new additions to his shop on his Instagram Stories without additional comment. Earlier on Tuesday, it was reported that Wallen was offered a cameo in a pre-taped SNL sketch, Big Dumb Line, but he turned it down and was replaced by Joe Jonas. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, longtime SNL star Kenan Thompson discussed the singer's "abrupt" exit and questioned what he meant with his Instagram quote. "The 'God's country' of it all is strange because it's like, 'What are you trying to say?' (Are) you trying to say that we are not in God's country? We're not all in God's country? We're not all under God's umbrella? That's not necessarily my favourite," he stated. Wallen has yet to explain why he walked off the stage during the credits.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Neil Young Concerned Trump Will Bar Him From Returning to U.S. After European Tour
Neil Young has shared his concern that his vocal critique of President Donald Trump, combined with his Canadian heritage, could get him barred from reentering the United States after he returns from his upcoming European tour this summer. 'When I go to play music in Europe, if I talk about Donald J. Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminum blanket,' Young wrote on his website Tuesday, seeming to reference the Trump administration deporting student activists. More from The Hollywood Reporter Wet Leg Announce 'Moisturizer,' First Album in Three Years Morgan Wallen Was Asked to Perform Joe Jonas Part on 'SNL' Sketch 'Big Dumb Line' As Coachella 2025 Nears, Sites Are Offering Rare Deals On Weekend Passes as Prices Drop Young is slated to start his European dates for his upcoming tour in June, along with U.S. dates beginning in Charlotte in August. Young announced he'd officially become a U.S. citizen back in 2020, though clearly, he's still worried that wouldn't be enough to protect him. 'If I come back from Europe and am barred, can't play my USA tour, all of the folks who bought tickets will not be able to come to a concert by me,' Young wrote. 'That is happening all the time now. Countries have new advice for those returning to America. That's right folks, if you say anything bad about Trump or his administration, you may be barred from re-entering USA. If you are Canadian. If you are a dual citizen like me, who knows? We'll all find that out together.' Young is one of many musicians who've spoken out about Trump since he won reelection in November. Back in January, Selena Gomez posted a video in tears over the Trump administration's deportations of undocumented immigrants. The same month, Madonna slammed Trump, writing that his administration is 'slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for.' Billie Eilish spoke out during one of her concerts after the election, telling the audience that 'someone who hates women so, so deeply is about to be the president.' 'If the fact that I think Donald Trump is the worst president in the history of our great country could stop me from coming back, what does that say for freedom,' Young wrote. 'I love America and its people and its music and its culture.' 'By these latest actions of our US government, it seems that those who speak out freely with their own opinions are now vulnerable to a non-existent Trump law,' Young continued. He finished his letter by writing, 'One country, indivisible, with Liberty and Freedom for all. Remember that? I do.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
