From Lawyer to Baker Lindsay Haigh '95
Lindsay Haigh’s appearance on Fox Network’s MasterChef reality
Stephanie time to plan a
series in 2018 almost didn’t happen. Knowing of Lindsay’s prowess
new direction: They chose to
as an amateur cook, a friend tagged for her the upcoming auditions
purchase an existing business
on Facebook. “The auditions were that Saturday, and I happened to
that let them live closer to
be free,” Lindsay recalled. In the season’s first episode, Lindsay made
family. “This is our dream,”
the cut by impressing judges with her original Lobsterbake soup; she
Lindsay says. “We took the
was eliminated in the season’s ninth episode when a Salisbury steak
plunge, but we didn’t go into
dish didn’t hit the mark. Nonetheless, the experience was a pivotal
it blindly.” Lindsay sings
step toward launching a culinary dream.
the praises of Stephanie, whom she jokes was “not allowed in the kitchen previously” and has “really stepped it up” to be a huge part
At the time of the show, Lindsay was a trial attorney with her own
of the business. Village Hearth is open from 7:00 am - 3:00 pm, with
practice in Atlanta. Compared to fellow contestants who felt future
occasional night service for pizza. Lindsay envisions expanding at
careers might depend on the show’s outcome, Lindsay approached
some point, “but right now, I’m the only baker!”
the adventure with modest expectations. “I already had a good life,” she says. “I was recently married, with a house, dogs, and a solid career.” From that perspective, anything that happened on MasterChef was icing on the cake. Lindsay describes her time on the show as “amazing” and credits her courtroom experience—“it’s a performance because you’re trying to convince the jury of something”—with helping her feel comfortable being on camera.
Lindsay credits Cushing for being a “launching pad” in life by giving her a foundation of skills and confidence.
Despite her culinary ambitions being modest at the time of filming MasterChef, Lindsay and her wife, Stephanie, have since relocated to Jamestown, Rhode Island, leaving behind Lindsay’s law practice
Lindsay credits Cushing for being a “launching pad” in life by giving
and Stephanie’s career in corporate recruiting to become owners
her a foundation of skills and confidence. Growing up in nearby
of Village Hearth Bakery and Café. Lindsay learned a lot from her
Orange, Lindsay first learned of the Academy because her father had
MasterChef mentor, Aaron Sanchez. She also speaks highly of celebrity
coached with Wayne Sanborn. After playing basketball here, Lindsay
chef Gordon Ramsey, whom she describes as encouraging as well
attended St. Anselm’s College on a full basketball scholarship.
as demanding. “I appreciated watching Gordon close up when he is
Lindsay speaks in glowing terms of her experience as a day student.
cooking,” she says. “He operates with efficiency, executing his plan
She recalls driving to school with Dave Royal, longtime athletics
without being scattered or leaving a mess. Having a game plan is
equipment manager, at 5:30 am, and
important to me as I get up at 3 a.m. for the bakery.”
lingering in the library until classes began. She also fondly
This move was not an impulsive decision. Following MasterChef,
remembers math teacher David
Lindsay developed a side business of making custom cakes and
Walton making students sing
catering. Then, being home during the pandemic gave Lindsay and
songs from the musical Grease when they were late to class. “I never felt different as a day student,” Lindsay said. “I felt like I practically lived on campus.” Despite working long hours at Village Hearth, Lindsay still enjoys cooking at home. A popular weekday dinner might be stuffed sweet potatoes and for special occasions, of course this New England native brings out the lobster!
SUMMER/FALL 2021
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