Author Archives: Extraordinary Desserts

About Extraordinary Desserts

Over 20 years ago, Karen Krasne opened the first Extraordinary Desserts at 2929 5th Avenue near San Diego’s Balboa Park. Since then, Extraordinary Desserts has become one of San Diego’s most prominent dining establishments and has expanded to include a second location in San Diego’s Little Italy area at 1430 Union Street as well as a line of gourmet products and a robust online store. From the dazzling artistry and sublime taste of its award-winning sweets to the attentive customer service, Extraordinary Desserts has built a strong reputation for its decadent, gourmet dessert creations, elegant eats, and extraordinary experience. As a result, Extraordinary Desserts is consistently a top pick by critics and readers of both local and national publications. Owner and executive chef Karen Krasne studied at Paris’ best pastry schools. She uses only organic ingredients when possible, and adorns each luxurious dessert with locally-grown fresh flowers, her signature edible gold leaf, autumn leaves, and sinfully sweet sauces making her creations a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Extraordinary Desserts, Little Italy 1430 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 294-7001 Extraordinary Desserts, Balboa Park 2929 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 294-2132

5 Tips for Extraordinary Holiday Entertaining

Here are five tips for Extraordinary entertaining during the holidays. Continue reading

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Travel = Dessert Inspiration

Much like the experience I try to create at my restaurants, travel helps me indulge, celebrate, and love the moment.  It’s during travel periods that I can take a break from the hectic nature of running restaurants and immerse myself … Continue reading

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Ways to Stay Cool in San Diego

San Diego locals know that the hottest part of the season is late summer. The sun beats down on us through October, and that sun can be unforgiving if you don’t know how to stay cool in America’s Finest City. … Continue reading

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Vegan in San Diego

Part of the fun about vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan diets is the time and effort spent creating meals that are spectacular, new takes on conventional classics. Believe it or not, there are decadent options for plant based desserts—an indulgence that … Continue reading

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With Gratitude…

If ever there was a year to set intentions, I feel like this is it.  Every beginning of a new year I set priorities and outline my future of what I need to be creating. 2019 will mark a bittersweet … Continue reading

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A Matcha Made in Heaven

When it comes to matcha, I like to think of myself as an early adopter of what is now one of the hottest global food trends. My love for this distinctively vibrant Japanese green tea started over 15 years ago … Continue reading

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Inspiration, Not Lost in Translation

For me, in order to be my best creative self and develop desserts that my customers love, I need to allow myself the time to seek inspiration. More often than not, that inspiration comes through travel. Nothing reinvigorates me more … Continue reading

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Humanity, Hope, and All of the Above

For the past several months, I’ve been collaborating with Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere to create a cookie for charity. I asked Emily to choose her favorite flavors and from that, the All of the Above cookie was created. Continue reading

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Wedding Trends: Chic Styles I’m Loving Now

Karen Krasne, celebrated chef/owner of San Diego’s award winning, Extraordinary Desserts, offers her take on recent wedding cake trends. Continue reading

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Ice Cream: All Grown Up

Cool and creamy, it’s hard to beat really good ice cream as a treat when summer temperatures start heating up. This iconic favorite even has it’s own month dedicated to it (July!). But, gone are the days of ice cream … Continue reading

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