Andrea Kirshtein Is IN as Pastry Chef at Empire State South

Andrea Kirshtein recently left her position as executive pastry chef at The Spence, and she's now on board in the same role at Hugh Acheson's Empire State South. Kirshtein confirmed the news to Eater Atlanta Thursday.

"I'm excited to be joining the extremely talented team of people at ESS," Kirshtein said. "I look forward to continuing on the tradition of excellence the restaurant has always been know for."

Empire State South chef Josh Hopkins told Eater Atlanta Kirshtein has been with the restaurant for about a week. Hopkins said she's a "great fit" because she's "incredibly talented and soft spoken, but also a really hard worker."

Brooke Lederman previously ran the pastry program at the restaurant before moving on to a new venture in Alabama. Between her departure and Kirshtein's arrival, sous chef Matt Harper filled the role on an interim basis, which played a part in his being named to Zagat's 30 Under 30 list for 2015. Harper will continue to work with Kirshtein at Empire State South, and Hopkins expects big things in the not-too-distant future for the young chef.

Kirshtein isn't the only one in her household who knows a thing or two about working in the kitchen. Her husband Eli is partner and chef at The Luminary in Krog Street Market.