Marshmallow entrepreneurs Kristi Buttler and Heather Cox are continuing to take the gourmet marshmallow to new heights with the opening of a dessert caf at 81 Hanover Street in Manchester, across the street from the Palace Theater. Offering such dessert classics as crme brulee and chocolate layer cake, the caf will also features desserts that showcase their popular marshmallows such as a chocolate fondue that includes fresh fruit and a sampling of marshmallows and a tableside s'mores option, that gives patrons a chance to roast their own marshmallows tableside and sandwich them with chocolate and the caf's handmade graham crackers.
The menu at the dessert caf will be rounded out with a selection of dessert wines and espresso drinks. Hot chocolate will also be served with flavors ranging from Milky Way to S'mores Cocoa. The restaurant's focus, according to the owners, is to offer desserts to theater attendees, diners from downtown restaurants and anyone who wants to enjoy a dessert experience in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. The caf is open Thursday, 2:30-10 p.m., Friday 2:30-11 p.m., and Saturday 4 -11 p.m.
Buttler and Cox, who started their gourmet marshmallow business a year ago, wanted to expand their Planet Marshmallow business, but say they needed to wait until they could pair their wholesale marshmallow business with the opportunity to extend their reach with desserts.
We love to come up with new ideas and recipes that showcase our marshmallows says Cox. We love dessert in all its forms, not just marshmallows. When we found the listing for this location on Craigslist, of all places, with its proximity to downtown Manchester's fine restaurants and the Palace Theater, we knew we had found the perfect solution to our dilemma."
When the caf is not open, Buttler and Cox say they will continue to make their gourmet marshmallows for area specialty stores, for sale in the caf and online, and to continue testing recipes for the caf.
We are working hard to make this the kind of place that is special for a date, but also a great place to bring the family. Marshmallows, especially ours, are a great bridge for those two different demographics. Kids love our cocoa and the idea of the s'mores. Their excitement about it is great to see, but it also can be romantic to share a fondue or roast marshmallows together with your significant other, or fun with a group of friends. We can be a very inexpensive night out, or the nightcap to an evening spent at one of the area restaurants or entertainment options available downtown, we love being a part of that."
For more information about Planet Marshmallow Dessert Caf, visit www.planetmarshmallow.com
Current Issue - April 2024