We caught up with Executive Chef Bill Hendra of Huntley Taverne to get the lowdown on his latest creation, the Sweet & Salty Sundae ($8.95). It's a combination of vanilla bean gelato, candied peanuts, house made potato chips, Oak Grove's local organic popcorn, chocolate & caramel sauces.

Patch: So what was your inspiration for this dessert?

Hendra: We wanted a dessert that featured local popcorn from Oak Grove Mills in Pittstown, NJ.  We've also wanted to make something that contrasted sweet and salty in a dessert for a long time so we decided on a sundae.

Patch: How do you not nibble on all of these ingredients while you're working away in the kitchen?  

Hendra: We have our hands in the peanuts and popcorn all day long.

Patch: Any childhood memories that influenced your decision to come up with this sundae?

Hendra: An ice cream sundae is a childhood treat in itself.  We wanted to have a sundae that could involve everybody so no one would have an excuse to pass up dessert.

Patch: Any famous chefs that inspire you?

Hendra: Thomas Keller of Bouchon

Patch: Where are we going to see you in five years?

Hendra: I've been with The Harvest Group who owns Huntley Taverne since the beginning, 15 years ago, so I think I'll still be here.