The Penny Ice Creamery Sells Out Dessert Benefit

Online, March 6, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Penny Ice Creamery has sold out the first in what is hoped to be a series of special dessert events. Taking place on March 7th in the shop at 913 Cedar Street in Downtown Santa Cruz, this marks the first time since opening The Penny Ice that Chef Kendra Baker will return to the plated desserts that garnered her critical acclaim at Bar Tartine in San Francisco and Manresa in Los Gatos. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

"This marks a change of pace for us" says Baker, "We weren't sure how it would be received but the two seatings sold out in about 48 hours so I think our guests are as excited as we are." Each seating will feature three courses with optional wine pairings generously bestowed by Alex Krause and John Locke of Birichino. "In the past Alex and John provided us with an absolutely gorgeous juice from their Malvasia vines that we made into amazing popsicles" Baker recalls, "I'm thrilled to be pairing with some of their finished wines."

The precise menu is being kept secret until the evening of the event, however Baker says it will focus on the new growth of the local farming season. Not secret is the fondness Baker and co-owner Zachary Davis have for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. "We spent a lot of time at the downtown branch working and researching as we put together our business plan for the shop" remembers Davis, "Kendra and I both have young children, and we'd like to make sure our kids will have access to the resources of the libraries as they grow up."

The Penny Ice Creamery is the only ice cream shop in Santa Cruz making small batches of delicious ice cream completely from scratch in house. The flavors change with the seasons, and feature locally farmed and organic ingredients.