"Killed by Dessert" was Awesome

On Monday Night, Jan 16, 2012, the Williamsburg warehouse of Christina Tosi's MilkBar hosted what may be the greatest dessert event of the decade. Killed By Dessert. 6 of the world's top pastry chefs. 12 desserts. 50 guests. All to benefit Share Our Strength.

There are those eaters out there who like sweets. Then, there are those (like myself) who's desert island dish is sweet. Not savory. This is a black and white issue. Chocolate or Vanilla. Straight or Gay...There is no Bi in this discussion.

For those of us who were lucky enough to attend, it was an incredible experience. Not simply great-tasting dessert treats, but pure creativity pouring from these talented pastry chefs. These dishes were not menu items. As you will see by the titles and descriptions, they were pure inspiration...confidently executed by these great talents: Bill Corbett, Lincoln Carson, Christina Tosi, Francisco Migoya, Michael Laiskonis and Brooks Headley.

The night started with a reception featuring a few cocktails and a single savory dish from each chef. Then, we were seated at long tables and served a 12-course dessert orgy, with a savory Intermezzo by Brooks Hadley of Del Posto. Each course was paired with a wine, beer or spirit. Each chef presented his/her dishes with a few brief words about its inspiration.

Thx to Chrissy for escorting me. Chef Michael Laiskonis offers the full menu and story here.

The pics will do the talking...But some of my favs were:
Best Savory Dish:
"Brupper"
English Muffin, Black Pepper Butter, Caramelized Onions, Soft Poached Egg, Pea Shoots
Christina Tosi
(This was easily the best breakfast sandwich I ever had)


"Napoleon Trimmings"
Caramelized Puff Pastry Shards, Just-Made Mousseline Cream
Francisco Migoya
(I almost stole a box of the shards on the way out. Crisp and crunchy, with just enough caramelization at the end)


"Cornflake Cookie Dough Should Make Up 91% of Everyone's Daily Intake, Not Just Mine"
Fresh Cookie Dough, Cookie Puree, Warm Cookie, Cereal milk
Christina Tosi
(You can never have too much of a good thing. Cookie dough and cereal milk...if there was ever a dish that represented what she stands for, this might be it. But you can't box her in. Look at the next one.)


"I was Too Picky of a Kid to Ever Understand PB&J"
Crock Pot Cake, Warm Pickled Strawberry Jam, Peanut Butter Halvah, Sweet Cream
Christina Tosi


"Coffee Éclair" served with Knob Creek Bourbon and Coffee Ice Cube
Francisco Migoya
(These each took 5 minutes to ice. The technique was tremendous. Add in the tennis ball-sized coffee ice cube and he wins best presentation...And it tasted great too.)




“The Beginning of the End, aka The Old Fashioned”
Orange, Toffee, Smoked Vanilla, Praline, Bourbon
Lincoln Carson
(This was like a creamy egg nog, with a Snickers crunch...except amazing.)


See it all...


Sign me up for 2013.