we had a Rose Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake with Flower Petal Jam. The cheesecake had a great flavor with the rose petals and pistachio mixed in, but it was nothing compared to the flower petal jam. I can’t remember exactly what Christian said he put in the jam, but it was sweet, tart and just out-of-this-world delicious. Next came Lane Cake with Brandy Pecan Frosting, or at least Christian’s version of a Lane Cake. Proudly touted as the State Dessert of Alabama, you can’t get much more ‘Bama than this and White Sauce. Traditionally, Lane Cake is a bourbon-soaked white cake with raisin filling, frosted with a thick whiskey-laced custard and topped with pecans. In true Christian fashion, he took it one step further and did a brandy custard and added blackberries as a garnish, which are the official state fruit of Alabama. The brandy was STRONG and even came with a sobriety warning because Christian knows I’m a recovering addict, but it was worth it. The fluffy texture combined with the heavy custard and brandy-forward flavor worked beautifully with the tart blackberries. But as the late, great Billy Mays once said “But wait! There’s more!”, there was indeed more. Banana Pudding with ‘Nilla Wafers. I would do inhumane things for banana pudding, and this one took everything I love about banana pudding and made it better. Layers of fresh bananas, crushed ‘Nilla wafers, whipped cream and custard, this was one of my favorite desserts kicked up a notch. I had to force myself to stop eating it because I was so full.
In the end, I’m glad Christian had the courtesy to warn me that he went a little overboard before I ordered a meal of my own, because this could have fed an entire family. He truly did go above and beyond with this and made Chelsea feel not just special, but like the queen of Brewer Union for just a night with the way he rolled out the red carpet for her birthday. He went overboard on the quantity of food, which is perfect for a southern-themed meal and even brought everything out himself in true southern hospitality. His Florida roots showed beautifully tonight as he transported a ‘Bama-sick woman back to the deep south for an evening just through food. I haven’t seen Chelsea this happy over a meal since we were actually in Birmingham five years ago. She was dancing in her seat as she beamed from ear to ear with every bite. I cannot express my gratitude to Christian for doing his research into Alabama foods and executing what could only be described as a perfect meal to celebrate my wife. Bravo, chef. I will gladly sign the back of my Cult of Brewer Union membership card and you have further cemented yourself as the absolute best in Central New York in my eyes. I don’t care how much I sound like a fanboy, I will sing your praises until the end of time.
5771 Miller Rd. Brewerton, NY 13029
(315) 668-5207