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.
