Longtime favorite London patissier-chocolatier William Hurley is one of the winners in pastry category of Royal Academy of Culinary Arts awards of excellence 2014.
I was more surprised to see 2 Chinese restaurants from London, Hakkasan and Yauatcha (both owned by Hakkasan group) among the pastry winners roster.
While I could not find Hakkasan dessert menu, i liked the fact that each dessert selection at Yauatcha is listed with a suggested wine or liquor pairing (and each pairing alcohol content)
For example:
Raspberry delice
raspberry, Manjari chocolate, lychee
£8.50
Recommended wine: Straw Wine, de Trafford 2010
Stellenbosch, South Africa 11%
and
Selection of ice cream and sorbet
£8.00
Recommended grappa: Domenis Storcia Nera Grappa
Friuli, Italy 40%
£8.00 glass 70 ml
It might help diners hesitating on what to drink with dessert.
Awards ceremony is taking place at Claridge's on July 16.
(* Photo pf Mandarin Macadamia dessert from Yauatcha London Facebook page)