Dear Subcribers, it is only right and fitting, we believe, that we bring to you in this particular month, three truly delicious, gorgeous, and gourmet Spoonfuls of Sin from the hands of Chef Toni Srour of The Pastry Xpo in Merrifield, Virginia.  What does the month of August have to do with it, you may ask?  Well, we might answer, it is simply that the word "august" itself means "something that inspires admiration and awe," according to our dear friend, Mr. Webster.  And that definition certainly suits everything in the magnificent 25' cherrywood showcase at The Pastry Xpo. 

Just open since May of this year, Chef Srour and his wife Samar have created a spacious, elegant and modern place that tends to draw an appreciative clientele with sophisticated tastes.  As a matter of fact, you might say Chef Srour opened this establishment under duress - he was practically forced to do so!  You see, for more than a decade he had owned and operated Maurice Pastries, a wholesale pastry provider to some of the area's finest hotels.  So popular were his desserts through these venues that by 2008 it simply became apparent that it was time for him to make his wonderful creations available to the general public.

Chef Srour says he had always planned to be a pastry chef.  Growing up in Lebanon, he learned the craft working alongside his father, also a pastry chef.  Coming to America in 1992, marrying a chef and training her in the art of pastry-making, Chef Srour continues this as a family business.  He loves being able to socialize with the customers that come into The Pastry Xpo, something he did not get to do with the wholesale business.  He would love to show you around his "Pastry Exposition" with its three focuses:  A chocolate shop featuring Belgian chocolates, including gift baskets and boxes; a staggering array of pastries including French and European desserts, tea cookies, cakes of all kinds, croissants, danishes, scones, breads and a gourmet deli section; and an espresso coffee bar featuring Inny coffee. 

Chef Srour chose the name of his establishment with the same care as he chooses his ingredients.  "Xpo" is, of course, short for "exposition."  Chef Srour feels as if his philosophy of only the finest ingredients, the highest quality of preparation, taste and presentation, and the utmost regard for service to his customers is "on exposition" everyday, and he means to live up to it. Therefore, when you have wiped the last crumb from your lips, and licked the last bit of chocolate from your finger tips, we feel sure that you will say, "What an august day this has been!  Thanks, Pastry Xpo!"

From Chef Srour of the Pastry Xpo, we have for you these august delicacies:

First, a Chocolate Pyramid made of world-famous Callebaut milk chocolate, an organic chocolate. This treat is filled with crushed hazelnuts.  The Egyptians never had it so good!

Next. Leaf and Quarter Moon Cookies in some unique flavor combinations.  The first cookie, in the shape of a leaf, is made of almond flour and contains anise seed baked in the dough.  The second cookie is a cinnamon and hazelnut flavor with a hazelnut garnish on top.  Perfect with a cup of tea!

The last offering is a coconut flourless bundt cake, with a rich, fudgey texture.  Made of cocoa almond flour and chocolate, this cake must be served at room temperature.

SPECIAL OFFER:

FREE cup of coffee with purchase of any individual dessert valued at $4.95   --  OR  --

10% OFF any order valued at $10.00 or more.  Must bring this coupon.

The Pastry Xpo                         Hrs:  7:00 am - 9:00 pm Mon - Sat

8190 Strawberry Lane                        8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun, beginning in September

Merrifield, VA  22042