Perfect Pair: Champagne and Dessert at Luma on Park's Pastry Counter

Getting a behind the scenes look at Orlando’s culinary scene is attainable by way of food tours, chef’s tables and specialty dinners. But recently, a friend clued me in to a fun, under-the-radar experience perfect for dessert lovers: the pastry counter at Luma on Park.

This upscale eatery in Winter Park is known for seasonal American cuisine, an excellent wine list and delectable desserts. For dessert lovers like myself, pulling up a seat at the pastry counter offers a front row seat to the kitchen happenings, with extra perks like a gigantic free bowl of truffle Parmesan popcorn (so good!!) and a free cup of soup.

Try it for your next girls’ night out gathering or for an intimate date night with a special feel. You’ll be drooling in your seat.

Luma on Park Pastry Counter free popcorn and soup
Pastry Counter perks: a free small cup of soup and a huge bowl of truffle Parmesan popcorn

Here’s how it works

When you arrive, ask the hostess if there is seating available at the pastry counter. You’ll be led to the back of the restaurant to a bar top with five seats facing the kitchen.

From your seat, you’ll be able to watch Luma’s delicious desserts being prepared right in front of you by the prep team and Pastry Chef Brian Cernell. So go ahead and chat him up! And if you’re having trouble deciding what to order for dessert, getting a sneak peek as they are prepped may help you make up your mind.

If you’re worried you’ll be sacrificing on service, don’t be. You still have a dedicated server plus access to Luma’s entire menu. Nobody’s judging if you decide on a dessert only meal.

Hungry? Order the bolognese in pasta form. It's not officially on the menu, but if you ask nice they'll make it for you.

Luma on Park pastry counter
The Pastry Counter gives you a front row seat to watch Pastry Chef Brian Cernell at work.

Desserts + Wines

Like Luma on Park’s regular menu, the dessert offerings rotate with the seasons. Expect a handful of choices ranging in price from $6-8 each. The menu is subject to change.

At the time of our visit there were four dessert choices:

  • Blackberry Semifreddo: cinnamon streusel, blackberry compote and meringue
  • Chocolate Custard: chocolate point, chocolate streusel, whipped crème fraiche and cocoa nib brittle
  • Almond “Financier:” roasted stone fruit, apricot sorbet, sweet crema and corn crumble
  • Seasonal Sorbet: rotating selection

Luma on Park Chocolate Custard dessert
The Chocolate Custard was my absolute favorite dessert, rich and chocolatey with a touch of sea salt to take the flavor to the next level. Bonus: it pairs well with champagne!

Sweet and light with a hint of tartness, the Blackberry Semifreddo is a refreshing antidote to the end of summer heat.

The Apricot “Financier” is perfect if you prefer mild desserts over sweet. The accompanying apricot sorbet was my favorite touch.

Don’t leave without trying at least one thing from Luma’s extensive wine list. I vote for starting with a glass of rosé (we loved the Calafuria Negroamaro from Italy and Chateau Vannieres Bandol from France) and ending with bubbles (try the De Stefani Prosecco Superiore Brut if you like it sweeter or Jean-Charles Boisset N° 21 if you prefer dry). Take advantage of your server’s knowledge for expert pairings and suggestions.

Details

Seating at the Luma on Park pastry counter is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are five seats available.

Luma on Park
290 S Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789
(407) 599-4111
Check out the full menu here.