Barbeque-lovin’ vegetarians don’t have to pass on this cheeseburger.
Just in time for grilling season, a Carroll Gardens baker is cooking up artfully crafted cakes modeled after burgers and hot dogs — a sugary and strikingly realistic take on the classic meaty meals.
Pastry chef Antonio Fiorentino of Monteleone Bakery & Café said he is channeling his passion for art into the chocolate-and-mascarpone-flavored faux meat treats.
“I’ve always loved painting on little canvases — and this is a lot like that,” he said. “People get a kick out of it.”
Fiorentino dyes house-made mascarpone to color the fake condiments and toppings — cashing in on Brooklyn’s burgeoning burger obsession.
He’s not the only person combining pastries and paddies — Bay Ridge’s Burger Bistro serves a burger on a sugar-glazed donut.
But Fiorentino is alone in his mission to fully convert burgers and dogs into desserts — and he’s found plenty of fans of his highly detailed baked goods.
The burger cakes, which he often sells to cookout-goers for $25, come with tastebud-tricking bright red tomatoes, yellow cheese, and a sesame-seed bun that looks plucked a Happy Meal.
Fiorentino also offers the fast food-mimicking cakes in strawberry shortcake and chocolate with almond paste. Larger cakes are available upon request for $50.
The burger cakes are already a hit on the kiddie birthday party circuit — which has caused one minor problem.
“My grandson liked it so much he wouldn’t let us cut it,” said Harriet Libstag of Carroll Gardens. “The man is an artist.”
Monteleone Bakery & Café [355 Court St. at Union Street in Cobble Hill, (718) 852-5600].
Reach reporter Natalie O'Neill at noneill@cnglocal.com or by calling her at (718) 260-4505.
