To commemorate Red Velvet Cake Day yesterday, Hilton is sharing details on one of the most iconic food and beverage firsts from the global hospitality company – the red velvet cake.
While the famous cake’s true origin is up for debate, its popularity can be traced back to Waldorf Astoria New York, where legend says the chef had a recipe he kept secret until a guest requested it. The chef sent the recipe to the guest along with a pricey invoice. As possible retribution, the guest shared the recipe far and wide, helping the cake become known across the U.S. and the world for its red color and rich flavor.
"Innovation has always been a part of Hilton’s DNA and thanks to creative hotel culinary teams throughout history, Hilton is known for many iconic firsts." - Tom Walters, Senior vice president, food and beverage, Americas, Hilton.
“Innovation has always been a part of Hilton’s DNA and thanks to creative hotel culinary teams throughout history, Hilton is known for many iconic firsts. Some of the most famous creations were born in hotel kitchens across Hilton’s Americas portfolio, from the vacation-inspired piña colada at Caribe Hilton and the delightful brownie enjoyed at The Palmer House Hilton, to the beloved and decadent red velvet cake from Waldorf Astoria New York,” said Tom Walters, senior vice president, food & beverage, Americas, Hilton. “Diners have come to know and love this classic deep red extra indulgent dessert, and most would say it’s just like Waldorf Astoria New York – both are the greatest of them all.”
Since its origin, red velvet has evolved from its traditional inclusion in a cake and can now be seen in everything from cookies and macaroons to cocktails and savory dishes. In addition to the original recipe below from Waldorf Astoria New York, here are some reinterpretations and twists on this decadent classic dessert from Hilton properties across the Americas.
Photo Credit: Hennem08/Wikimedia Commons
"Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills artfully blends the iconic culinary innovations of the Waldorf Astoria brand with this classic reimagining of Red Velvet Cake. Although not always on the menu, guests who celebrate their birthday or other special occasions with us at The Rooftop by JG are surprised with a classic red velvet cake for dessert that's immanent of a piece of art adorned with chocolate and gold leaf," said Peleg Miron, executive chef, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
From executive chef Christophe Le Matayer, guests at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead’s newest restaurant, Brassica, can indulge in the restaurant’s Chicken and Red Velvet Waffles featuring springer mountain chicken, fried egg, peach and pecan.
Available at Bar Blue at Hilton Panama and created by members of the hotel’s beverage team Alejandro Jordan and Luis Perez, this creamy cocktail features Cognac Hennessy, Baileys Irish Cream, chocolate liquor, white chocolate and heavy cream and is topped with cake crumbles.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.