Featured Dessert: The Standard Grill Closes The Deal

The Gluttoness — September 23, 2009

The Deal Closer (for two—-or twelve).

When Mom used to bake when you were growing up, there was nothing better than licking the spatula clean. The Standard Grill’s (restaurant page) double-portioned dessert, The Deal Closer, plays off this childhood nostalgia—colorful Le Creuset spatulas included. Maybe the executive chef, Dan Silverman was particularly fond of pudding pie remnants because The Deal Closer’s heaping helping of bittersweet chocolate mousse and whipped cream is definitely reminiscent of this old-fashioned sweet.

Amongst the never-ending pool of luscious mousse, moist layers of chocolate cake created a trifle-like composition. It wasn’t long before the spatulas were digging towards the bottom, fighting for the bits of brownie. A mountain of schlag adorned the already over-the-top dish. It was dusted with chocolate shavings that instantly got interspersed amongst the creamy madness— hidden shards of velvety goodness. Digging in, you can’t avoid the sensuality of consumption, the exorbitance of the messy experience and the utter satisfaction that follows. This dessert lives up to its title. It may be a gimmick, but it’s just as good as if Mom made it.