Erie's Local Start Ups will Board the Victorian Princess

contributed photo

SATURDAY, JULY 24

What better way to enjoy the local tastes and artistry Erie has to offer than with the backdrop of our famous summer sunsets on the lake? Flower Kitchen Bakery, a local bakery that creates unique flower- and fruit-infused cakes, has partnered with the Victorian Princess to bring the residents of Erie this experience. The first Local Taste of Erie Sunset Cruise will take place this Saturday evening aboard the Victorian Princess. 

The idea for the event came a few months ago during a cake tasting session between Flower Kitchen and owner of the Victorian Princess, Duryea Gette. 

"We have a two-fold goal. First, to highlight local vendors and give exposure to display the best they have to offer. And secondly, to present the guests with a unique experience so they can interact with local businesses and discover new talents," said Chetan Hasabnis, chief executive officer of Flower Kitchen. 

Five food and four artisan vendors will board the ship to create a night that celebrates local talent. Flower Kitchen will be joined by Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails, Pisano Family Wine Cellar, Luminary Distilling, and Butch's Place to offer local tastes. Alongside them are artisan vendors Gone Local Erie PA, Flagship City Press, Dragonfly Lake Scents, Wicks and Wax Studio, and Creations by Ashley. In addition to these vendors, guests can enjoy live music provided by Jared Cooney. 

The Victorian Princess will sail out of Dobbins Landing from 7 to 9 p.m., to capture the peak sunset ambiance. Tickets for the cruise include appetizers, dessert, a drink, and a Chinese Auction with the chance to win a variety of local art. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase additional items from each vendor during the cruise. Tickets can be purchased online for $50 on the Victorian Princess website. 

Hasabnis started Flower Kitchen Bakery with Amy Dalessandaro during the height of the pandemic. Like many, COVID-19 upset their careers, leading them to their new business venture of one-of-a-kind cakes. Since its start, Flower Kitchen has collaborated with other local startups by infusing their products into their cakes. The bakery also received support from local businesses who provided them with spaces to bake. These experiences led to finding the vendors highlighted in the event. 

"If we look at their stories, it's really incredible because most of them have either lost their jobs, or they had something previously going on — some different business and it got shut down. And out of this, these new businesses have emerged," said Hasabnis. 

Each vendor will present the best of their talents aboard the ship — many of which will be a surprise. But Hasabnis did tease out that Flower Kitchen plans to serve mango pineapple dragon fruit cupcakes along with triple-berry chocolate fudge cupcakes. If you are unable to attend the event this weekend, don't worry. The Local Taste of Erie Sunset Cruise will return for a second time this September.

7 to 9 p.m. // Victorian Princess, 1 Dobbins Landing // $50 // facebook.com/events/4741596385870469