Desserts that look crazy rich but are exquisite , light and refreshing .
Photo by Daniel Ortiz
Tropical Dome
And then , ( insert drum roll ) dessert . Desserts so gorgeous they are displayed in a glass case near the entrance as if they were priceless jewels . And gems they are – “ thoughtfully created thru collaboration with all the pastry chefs ,” says corporate pastry chef Graham Hornigold , also flown in from London to help with the opening .
“ The little cakes are intended to remove all the taste of Asian food , to refresh and cleanse the palate and complete the meal , leaving the diner refreshed after eating .” He explains that each petite gateau must be the right balance of fat , texture and sweetness , diffusing flavors by repeating them through different applications . His goal : “ to keep the palate guessing and create a celebration .” The results : desserts that look crazy rich but are exquisite , light and refreshing . And almost too beautiful to consume . Like the gold-tinged Chocolate Pebble made from Peruvian chocolate , favored for its acidity , containing seven textural sensations with seven different melting temperatures that roll thru your mouth in waves .
Or the glistening , sunny yellow Tropical Dome : a passion fruit mousse with a pineapple and yuzu center , encased in a dazzling mango glaze , all resting on a coconut dacquoise . Simply stunning – visually and tastefully stunning .
And then , there is the rose . The Raspberry Delice , of which Chef Hornigold reports , “ It was one of the first cakes that we made . The deceptively light single plantation Madirofolo chocolate ( a Madagascar chocolate beloved for its fruity , citrus , slightly sour notes ) enhances the natural sourness of the raspberry puree instead of overpowering the delicate berry flavor .”
The attention to details is mind-bending . The thoughtful worldwide search for ingredients . The earnest attempt to please regional palates . The intentional and professional melding of flavors , the contrast of textures , the deliberate playfulness of food , from the soup dumpling to the Tropical Dome . The sheer beauty of it all .
Yauatcha Houston , thank you
YAUATCHA
The Galleria | 5045 Westheimer Road | Houston , TX 77056 | 713.357.7588 www . yauatcha . com / houston
22 LOCAL | may 17