Dessert Before Dinner Crowns New Champion While Raising Nearly $600,000 for Future Female Leaders
Beloved local pastry Chef Keris Kuwana of Keris.Sweets brought home top honors Friday, August 26 from Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada’s Dessert Before Dinner annual event. Competing against some of the city’s top female chefs, Kuwana’s Pot de Fleur beat out four other Thin Mint creations by popular vote.
“I can’t believe it! What a huge honor for my team and I,” says Chef Kuwana. “I feel so lucky to have met so many other amazing chefs, inspiring female community leaders, and most importantly – extraordinary Girl Scouts – at Dessert Before Dinner.”
Chef Kuwana’s Pot de Fleur creation included an edible flower pot, frozen chocolate mousse, and Thin Mint “dirt” crumble, topped with edible leaves and flowers. Other participating chefs included Chef Ana Garzo of Caesars Palace, Chef Yerin Son of Wynn Las Vegas, Chef Andrea Mineshima of Honey Salt, Chef Brenda Browne of Boyd Gaming’s California Hotel and Casino, and Chef Andrea Mclean of PopNpies.
“We are so grateful for the incredible talent and creativity that these six chefs bring to our annual gala,” Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada CEO Kimberly Trueba said. “The vote tally was incredibly close, which goes to show how just how much our guests enjoyed all six Thin Mint creations.”
Now in its 13th year, “Dessert Before Dinner” brings area chefs together to create unique bite-sized desserts featuring an iconic Girl Scout cookie as its primary ingredient. The annual fundraising event directly benefits local Girl Scouts and their leadership experiences through engagement in outdoor experiences, STEAM activities, entrepreneurship opportunities, and life skills programs.
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
Founded on April 14, 1932 in Boulder City, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada (GSSNV) is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. GSSNV focuses on four key pillars: STEAM Education, Outdoor Experiences, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. GSSNV serves the four Southern-most counties in Nevada: Clark, Lincoln, Nye, & Esmeralda, as well as the Southern California counties of Inyo and San Bernardino (eastern border).
For more information visit: www.girlscoutsnv.org and follow @GirlScoutsNV on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
ABOUT KERIS KUWANA
Honolulu-born and raised Keris Kuwana developed a love of pastries and candies from her father, a traveling member of the military who brought exotic treats back for his children. Always a fan of the kitchen, Kuwana loved the international textures and flavors from her father’s souvenirs. Working in some of Las Vegas’ top kitchens on and off The Strip, Kuwana has developed a signature style and dedicated following while working with local restaurants and donating her time and talent to schools and non-profits. Her dessert and pastry brand, Keris.Sweets, can be found across the Las Vegas Valley.
Follow Kuwana on Instagram for updates and new products.