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La Vida Hospitality's new Sweet Spot keeps pace with dessert demands

Cupid is working overtime
February 9, 2017

Dru Tevis is the first to say he's always had a soft spot for Valentine's Day. "It's the time of year when our dessert and pastry team can use their amazing talents to make so many types of treats for so many people," says Tevis, executive pastry chef at La Vida Hospitality Group. And this year, Tevis' passion for creating unique desserts is showcased at the new Sweet Spot, a specially designed space where diners can see dessert artistry taking place before their eyes at the newly renovated Fork + Flask at Nage in Rehoboth Beach.

"Nage has always been known for its culinary success. For us, the Sweet Spot adds another level of creative energy," says Tevis. "It's like having our own performance stage where we can interact with our guests."

According to Patrick Noon, executive vice president for business development at Chicago-based Technomic Inc., the company's 2016 dessert trend report indicated that 60 percent of Canadian consumers eat dessert at least once a week. "Based on the popularity of our Sweet Spot, I'd say we're well ahead of our neighbors up north," says Josh Grapski, who is a managing partner for La Vida Hospitality. His management team oversees the Sweet Spot's dessert offerings now available at the company's various restaurant brands.

"At all three of our restaurants, we're recognizing this romantic time of year with desserts designed for sharing," notes Tevis. "It's all about 'Seeing Red...Velvet!' Three exclusive desserts from Cupid's favorite hangouts in our community." Diners at Rehoboth's Fork+Flask at Nage can enjoy Red Velvet Milk Shake Pie, while guests at Lewes' Crooked Hammock Brewery can indulge in luscious Red Velvet Cheesecake. La Vida, which also provides food and beverage service for the newly opened Lefty's Alley & Eats in Lewes, is also introducing the Sweet Spot's Red Velvet Cake Tower at the popular new entertainment center. "I love serving red velvet at this time of year because it's something everyone seems to get excited about,” said Tevis, who is quick to point out that he also offers plenty of chocolate selections as well.

Also, Fork+Flask visitors can indulge in a Weekend of Love 3-course sharing menu for Valentine's dining, Saturday-Tuesday, Feb. 11-14. "For guests with reservations before 6 p.m., we're providing a complimentary take-home Sweet Spot treat." says Fork + Flask Executive Chef/General Manager Sean Corea.

"Dru and his team are creating quality sweets that are unmatched here in Sussex County," adds Grapski. These hospitality pros know that sweet treat lovers also love convenience. "This year we're introducing new Sweet Spot cookie boxes. An easy way to impress your loved one this Valentine's Day with delicious and unique treats. Place you order online and it will be ready when you are." A variety of specialty cookies are also available throughout the winter season.

Some of the choices include special Valentine's Day Be Mine cookie boxes, including Red Velvet Macarons and Pastry Cream Cookies, plus Cake Truffle boxes, Red Velvet Layer Cake and Red Velvet Cheesecake, just to name a few. "Consumers aren't holding off on dessert until after dinner," says Darren Tristano, executive vice president at Technomic. "They're reaching for easily accessible, handheld and portable treats at just about any time of day." Tevis acknowledges that keeping pace with dessert trends and consumer demands is all part of the job.

See the Sweet Spot in action during dinner from 4 p.m. daily at the Fork + Flask at Nage, 19730 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. For reservations call 302-226-2037. A complete listing of Sweet Spot dessert and pastry selections can be seen online at ForkandFlask.com/desserts.

 

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