Thursday, October 17, 2013

New England Dessert Showcase

Last weekend, I ate dessert for breakfast...and I liked it.

I woke up on Saturday, jumped on the T, and met Melissa at the Westin Waterfront Hotel so we could eat our way through the New England Dessert Showcase

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

Every September, the New England Dessert Showcase brings together incredibly talented dessert designers and their creations for us East Coasters to enjoy. And boy, did we enjoy just about everything we consumed that morning. From iced coffee to gelato to whoopie pies, there were plenty of sweet treats to sample.

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

Because we sampled so many different desserts, it would be next to impossible to properly recap all of them for you. So instead, I am going to share my top four favorite samples that I tried (and that I think you guys will like too). 

First up: Boston Whoopie.

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

I tried a red velvet whoopie pie (not pictured). The cookies were pillowy soft and the cream cheese center was sweet, but there was just enough of it sandwiched between the two cookies. As of now, Boston Whoopie doesn't have a storefront, but they can deliver their whoopie pies throughout the Greater Boston area. Just simply place your order by phone (617-718-1782) to get your goodies.

With a tagline like "Legalized Frostitution," how could I not have fallen in love with VCVC Cupcakes?

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

The women working this table were enthusiastic, funny, and clearly passionate about their product. And after one bite of their mini cupcake (I believe it was a chocolate cake with a salted caramel icing), I was hooked. I'm usually not a fan of sweet icings, but this one had just enough of a buttery flavor and texture (not to mention incredible flavor) to win me over.

I'm sure no one's surprised that another one of my favorites was from a winery. Plymouth Bay Winery, to be specific. The folks from Plymouth Bay were giving out samples of their jams, which are made with their wine.

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

I tried a variety of flavors, but my favorite was the Raspberry Spice, made with fresh raspberries and habaneros - and red wine! It had just the right amounts of heat and sweet, with a subtle yet apparent taste of the wine. It was unique and delicious.

And, last but not least, this Hot Chocolate Lava Cake from Chart House was my favorite dessert of the day. A rich, molten chocolate cake made with Godiva liqueur, served warm with chocolate sauce, Heath bar crunch, and vanilla ice cream. 

New England Dessert Showcase 2013 | The Economical Eater

Do I even need to tell you why this was good? I didn't think so.

The event itself seemed really well organized, and I loved how they had accessible trash cans and water stands throughout the room. The space at the Westin Waterfront was also ideal - big enough for people to spread out, avoiding too many long, cramped lines.

All in all, this was a really fun event, and it was fantastic to meet all of the people behind these delicious desserts. I also discovered some new-to-me businesses that I will be sure to keep an eye out for moving forward. Thanks again, Melissa, for inviting me!

What's your all-time favorite dessert?

I attended this event as part of the media, and thus my ticket was complimentary. As always, all opinions are my own. 


5 comments:

  1. The lava cake from Chart House is my favorite! I will have to put this event on my calendar for next year. :-)

    Last week I attended a blind taste testing and we tried Plymouth Bay and everyone in the group agreed that it was the best. I think I need to visit their winery! Have you been?

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    1. I haven't been, but now I am dying to go. The people working their table were so friendly and passionate about their wines!

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    2. I was sad to miss this event, especially for a long run! :( One of my favorite desserts is the chocolate terrine at Ten Tables.

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  2. A visit to the winery would be fun! I wish we could eat like this every weekend :)

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