Strawberry scone from Karen Demasco at Locanda Verde

This past weekend I was asked to consult on a dessert gift for someone and the requirements were that it had to be a “comfort” dessert like a pie and not something too refined or fancy-pants, like a opera cake or Napoleon.  Another desired attribute was that the dessert come from a “known” bakery or pastry chef.  I immediately thought of [everyone's favorite pasty chef] Karen DeMasco at Locanda Verde.  The best part about that recommendation is that you can easily swing by and pick a few items, such as mini-pies, from the bakery counter. (more…)

Locanda Verde | 1 Comment »

A few weeks ago one of the members of our small, unofficial, dessert club suggested Locanda Verde for our second outing.  The suggestion was probably the easiest restaurant “sell” in history given that the three of us are such big fans of Karen Demasco’s baker-centric desserts.  I had also been itching to revisit Locanda Verde’s latest dessert menu since seeing Ms. DeMasco at the New York Food and Wine Show “Sweet” event where she brought some cranberry spiced griddle cakes with mascarpone gelato. (more…)

Locanda Verde | No Comments »

Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde Cranberry Spiced griddle cake with Mascarpone Gelato

We’re big fans of Karen DeMasco’s pastry here at DessertBuzz.  Her desserts are always interesting and always delicious.  From fancied-up mini-rhubarb pies to lemon tarts–we dig them all.

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Interviews, Locanda Verde | 2 Comments »

Plated dessert from Karen DeMasco of Locana Verde

Last night was the New York Food & Wine Festival “Sweet” event and the desserts on display were truly awesome.  Rarely are so many of New York’s best pastry chefs and their desserts all in one place at the same time.  Here’s Part 1 (Part @ is here) of some  of best plates on hand:

Johnny Iuzzini's Crispy Godiva Chocolate and Praline Pop with Cranberry

Johnny Iuzzini’s booth was mobbed all night.  I thought he would win the fan prize but he was just beaten by The Doughnut Plant.  More from Johnny Iuzzini of Jean Georges on Dessertbuzz. (more…)

Donatella, Doughnut Plant, Johnny Iuzzini, Kyotofu, Locanda Verde, Mas (farmhouse) | 8 Comments »

New York Food and Wine Festival - Sweet Event on September 29th, sponsored by Godiva

I can’t believe how many Dessert Buzz favorites are attending the “Sweet” event at the New York Food and Wine Festival (Tonight!).  It will be a truly awesome event this for any attendee, so grab your tickets asap since this event will sell out. EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Pastry chefs attending the event who have been featured on DessertBuzz  include  Francois Payard (interview) of Francois Chocolate Bar, Gustav Tzoc (interview) of Abe and Arthur’s, Andrea Jarosh of Donatella, Michelle Park of Kyotofu, Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde, Catrine Oscarson of Mas, Ludovic Augendre and Florian Bellange of Mad Mac, Johnny Iuzzini of Jean Georges, Alison Kave of First Prize Pies and Ron Ben-Israel Cakes,  Details below.

Andrea Jarosh's Sfogliatella dessert from Donatella

Karen DeMasco Mini Rhubarb Pie

Mad-Mac's Macarons

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Bouchon, DB Bistro Moderne, Donatella, Doughnut Plant, First Prize Pies, Francois Payard Bakery (FPB), Gotham Bar and Grill, Kyotofu, Locanda Verde, Mas (farmhouse), Payard, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Rhubarb soup by Antonio Bachour of The Dutch in Miami

World Renowned Chefs and Photographer Join Together to Raise Funds for Action Against Hunger | ACF International

The eighth annual “The Great Gathering of Chefs” will bring together 150 of the world’s most renowned chefs and many DessertBuzz favorites on Tuesday, June 5th in a culinary effort to raise money for Action Against Hunger | ACF International, an organization that carries out innovative, lifesaving programs in nutrition, food security and livelihoods, and water, sanitation and hygiene to some of the most vulnerable populations in the world.

Sacher Torte from Alex Grunert of Blue Hill

“The Great Gathering of Chefs” also celebrates the release of Alan (Battman) Batt’s newest cookbook “STREET EATS”. Participating in the books are over 160 chefs such as Eric Ripert, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Michael White, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Laiskonis, Emeril Lagasse and Daniel Boulud, just to mention a few.

As always the book features Battman’s exquisite photography and delectable recipes created by some of the most influential chefs in the US.

Some of the DessertBuzz favorites who participated “in Pies” and may be in attendance:

Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde (more…)

Daniel, Le Bernardin, Locanda Verde, Mas (farmhouse), Print, Special Events | No Comments »

New York Food and Wine Festival - Sweet Event on September 29th, sponsored by Godiva

I can’t believe how many Dessert Buzz favorites are attending the “Sweet” event at the New York Food and Wine Festival this year.  It will be a truly awesome event this for any attendee, so grab your tickets asap since this event will sell out.   Pastry chefs featured on DessertBuzz  include  Francois Payard (interview) of Francois Chocolate Bar, Gustav Tzoc (interview) of Abe and Arthur’s, Andrea Jarosh of Donatella, Michelle Park of Kyotofu, Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde, Catrine Oscarson of Mas, Ludovic Augendre and Florian Bellange of Mad Mac, Johnny Iuzzini of Jean Georges and Alison Kave of First Prize Pies.  Details below.

Andrea Jarosh's Sfogliatella dessert from Donatella

Karen DeMasco Mini Rhubarb Pie

Mad-Mac's Macarons

(more…)

David Burke Townhouse, Donatella, First Prize Pies, Francois Chocolate Bar, Gourmet Macaroons, Kyotofu, Locanda Verde, Mas (farmhouse), New York Food & Wine Fest. | 1 Comment »