Nostalgia for the whimsical desserts of childhood is the sweet inspiration for a few local chefs. While these dishes might channel your inner child, OC’s fine foodie creations are definitely not kid stuff.
Cookie Crazy
A take on the childhood classic, the Fluffernutter sundae at
A Restaurant in Newport Beach is created with house-made do-si-do gelato inspired by the addictive peanut butter Girl Scout cookie sandwiches that are its namesake. The chef plates the sundae like it’s a Pollock painting, with splats of liquid marshmallow, oblong slices of banana, bits of crunchy honeycomb and a dusting of powdered peanut butter.
3334 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. :: arestaurantnb.com
Puffed-Up
If a macaron married an ice cream sandwich, the ice cream-stuffed macaroon at Irvine’s Stax Cookie Bar would be its offspring. The delicate almond flour casing engulfs any ice cream flavor available on the rotating menu. Seasonal offerings such as orange pistachio chia, wild mountain blackberry or sea salt caramel all make great fillers, but for diners who love old standards, opt for one stuffed with French vanilla bean.
University Center, 4187 Campus Dr., Irvine. :: staxcookiebar.com
S’more Fun
Torching a marshmallow in the middle of a bustling dining room might feel a bit naughty. But, the Zen garden-inspired s’more plate at Fashion Island’s Sushi Roku is the perfect yin and yang – naughty and nice. Graham cracker crumbs cover the plate, which the pastry chef rakes out like sand to create a soothing platform for pyramids of house-made marshmallows and stacked blocks of Matcha green tea truffles. A contained flame burns in the center of the plate. The vessel, which resembles a miniature fire pit, provides just enough heat to slowly melt the marshmallows as you build your haute chocolate s’more.
Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach. :: innovativedining.com
