Golden Opulence Sundae

Golden Opulence Sundae

The Golden Opulence Sundae is a sundae that is served by special order at the New York City restaurant Serendipity 3. In 2007 it was listed in Guinness World Records as the most expensive sundae in the world at a price of US$1,000. The restaurant has stated that they sell approximately one per month. It was created to celebrate the eatery's 50th "golden" anniversary in 2005. Owner Stephen Bruce states that a notice 48 hours in advance is needed when requesting the Sundae, since ingredients must be flown in from different parts of the world.

Sundae

Golden Opulence Sundae is made using three to five scoops of rich Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream infused with Madagascar vanilla and covered in 23k edible gold leaf. The chocolate syrup used is from melted Amedei Porcelana, one of the world's most expensive chocolates; and covered with chunks of rare Chuao chocolate, which is from cocoa beans harvested by the Caribbean Sea on Venezuela’s coast. The sundae is then adorned with "exotic candied fruits from Paris, gold covered almonds/dragnets, chocolate truffles and marzipan cherries." Added to the dessert is a tiny glass bowl of Grand Passion Caviar, an exclusive dessert caviar, made of salt-free American Golden caviar, known for its sparkling golden color. It’s sweetened and infused with fresh passion fruit, orange and Armagnac. Edible gold leaf is made from pure gold that is compressed or rolled into very thin sheets that are only a few micrometers thick and contain no other metals or impurities. It is finally topped off with a gilded sugar flower and sprinkled with small flakes of more edible gold.

Reception

The sundae was used as a gag on the US NBC television series 30 Rock. It was also previously featured on Forbes' list of the world's most expensive desserts until being dropped in 2008 along with Serendipity 3's $25,000 Frozen Haute Chocolate.

The $1,000 ice cream sundae made with 23-carat gold and the world's rarest chocolate - but you'll need to order it two days in advance

By VICTORIA WELLMAN

Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy were regular patrons while Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack extended its fame to Rom-com lovers everywhere.

But New York restaurant, Serendipity 3's Golden Opulence Sundae is arguable as famous its clientele.

The extravagant ice cream, listed as the Guinness Book of World Records' most expensive dessert, costs a staggering $1000 and is covered in 23-carat gold leaf.

So special is this sundae that customers eager to sample its delights must ring in their orders two days in advance to allow time for the rare ingredients to be flown in from around the world.

According to Barcroft Media, around 50 people a year stop by to sample the unique flavour of the Opulence Sundae, often to mark special occasions such as anniversaries, graduation celebrations and sweet sixteen birthdays.