Monday Mashups: Dessert Goals

Just when you thought life couldn't get any sweeter, it did. In late October, a new food festival took Brooklyn, New York by storm--or should we say, by sprinkle! With a goal of hosting the ultimate day of indulgence and fun for fellow dessert-lovers, co-creators Miraya Berke and Liang Shi brought this event to life. Already out-of-the-box thinkers, Berke is the founder of Pop Productions, a boutique events studio in New York, while Shi works as a creative director and experience designer in addition to running the curated dinner series Fun Fun Dinners.

At Dessert Goals, a daylong event, attendees were invited to sample treats from a roster of 20 New York-based vendors, including Wowfulls’ Hong Kong-style egg waffle cones, seasonal doughnuts from Doughnut Plant, Twinkie-inspired “cakies” from Jae NYC Eats, and bubble tea from Boba Guys. Full-size versions of the desserts were also available for purchase. Plus, a rooftop lounge featured a “salt bar” with pretzels and chips to cleanse the palette, as well as vintage decor and a seating area with dessert-theme accessories for sale. Sounds like a spot we wouldn't mind sharing a dessert in.

Tickets for designated 90-minute sessions were sold for $15, with a special preview hour for media and influencers. In addition, workshops, which were led by food industry experts and cost $50 each, were offered, including a class on becoming a professional food stylist, a workshop on launching a food business, and lessons on running food blogs and Instagram accounts from influencers @BrunchBoys and @OneHungryJew. If you don't already follow these social media stars, now is the time to do so! Caution: accidental licking of your phone screen or drooling may occur.

Attendees could then practice their new Instagram skills in the venue’s photo garden, which was specifically designed for dessert photography. A way for everyone to get the perfect shot. On hand were a variety of patterned backdrops, extra plates for arranging sweets, and ample natural light for shooting. In addition, pre-styled plates of the desserts were available for photographing but not eating. Makes you wonder about all those gorgeous foodie photos we always see!

It's clear to us that we no longer just eat with our mouths but our eyes and phones too! We love this event and hope everyone can devour the details of Dessert Goals someday too, whether in NY or in your own kitchen. Cheers!