“Decadent dark chocolate gelato, pure vanilla ice cream, milk chocolate fondue, pure chocolate chunks, marshmallow fluff and whipped cream garnished with a toasted marshmallow served with crispy crepe flakes and whipped chocolate cream,” I read aloud from Boston’s Max Brenner’s menu.
I better wipe my lips, just in case I’m drooling. This describes The Spectacular Melting Chocolate S’Mores Sundae, and as I type this I’m licking my lips in imaginary anticipation. Do they deliver?
Memories of when Bob and I entered through the brown door (everything is brown, naturally) the scent of chocolate hit us so hard I fell into ecstasy. As we wobbled our way to the table through chocolate scented heaven and by-passed the chocolate gift shop, I noticed you-know-what-lover sayings surrounding us on the walls and swirling-dessertish wallpaper. When waiters delivered food to surrounding tables, it looked too good to be true. (Yes, I know this is a cliché, but in my chocolate coma flashback now, I can’t be bothered.)
We shared a beyond-good panini. Okay. The best grilled panini on the planet. Maybe somewhere between these two statements. (Remember, I’m still in my chocolate heaven here . . .) The crunchy toast was covered with salty black olive pesto. This complimented the melty cheese, fresh tomato, spinach and perfectly seasoned chicken.
But the best part so far? The crisp the waffle fries, dusted with chili and cocoa powder.
“Do you need to look at a dessert menu?” asked the waiter.
I liked that he assumed we were ordering dessert. Of course this is the real reason anyone comes here.
“Yes,” I said. “I can’t recall exactly which sundae it was that I’d like to order.”
It was even better than the one above. Or at least I think it was, as I didn’t try the one I described to you. The one Bob and I shared had the smooth chocolate gelato, the fabulous vanilla ice cream and melted marshmallow, but it also had crunchy pieces of graham crackers and the taste of peanut butter. On either side of this creation were two small cups. One was filled with whipped cream and the other white chocolate. Oooh la la!
Why did I agree to share this sundae with my husband? I never knew anything could taste this good. The salt of the peanut butter complimented the sweet. After we finished licking everything clean, we sat in a sweet stupor.
When the waiter came back, I asked him if there were plans to bring Max Brenner out to California.
“Yes,” he said. “They’re opening one in L.A.”
Hmm. A bit of a drive for a sundae. “Would he consider San Francisco?” I asked.
“Drop him an e-mail,” he suggested.
I will.
Writing prompts:
1. Write a poem or personal narrative about the best dessert or dish you’ve ever eaten.
2. Describe your favorite foods. What makes them your favorite? Recall their tastes and textures.
3. What are some good (or bad?) food memories? Funny food memories? Embarrassing food memories? Food gift memories? Making food memories? Restaurant memories? Picnic memories? Eating on a train or plane memories?
4. Create a dessert for a rabbit,witch, juggler, or old man with no teeth.
5. Create a new recipe for you and your family. Then make the new recipe. How would you change it to perfect it after you’ve made it? Write a review of your own cooking!