Sebastian Brecht: Obsessive Chocolate Disorder

Sebastian Brecht was born in Paris then moved to New York City at two years old for his parents’ theater professions. His father, Stefan Brecht, was a poet and theater critic; his mother, Mary Brecht, was a costume designer. Even Sebastian’s grandparents had successful theater careers: his grandfather was the famous German playwright Bertolt Brecht married to popular German actress Helene Weigel. Sebastian seemed to be destined for the theater considering his family background. However, Sebastian returned to his French roots and found fame through a different type of art — pastries. After attending the French Culinary Institute, he made a name for himself by working throughout New York at some top restaurants, such as The Waverly Inn, La Reserve, and Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery. Sebastian designed cakes at Dean and DeLuca. He developed quite a reputation for his works of delicious art — so much so that he opened his very open chocolate shop in the East Village, Obsessive Chocolate Disorder. Ironically, his shop sits on a street famous for its avant-garde theater!  (See La Mamaand the Fourth Arts Block.) Sebastian can attest to his own obsessive compulsive disorder, yet his shop’s name highlights the light-hearted side to Sebastian as he continues to search for the perfect chocolate recipe.