Gingerbread Village displayed in the lobby of the Seattle Sheraton Hotel is my favorite holiday event. These aren’t just run-of-the-mill gingerbread houses mind you. These are giant structures designed by local architectural firms and cleverly constructed and ornately decorated by the culinary talent at the Sheraton Hotel.
Flinders Street Station- Melbourne, Australia by 4D Architects and Chef Jay Sardeson
These grand creations fill the lobby of the hotel with the sweet-spicy aroma of baked deliciousness delivering as much dazzle to the olfactory senses as to the eyes.
Gare Du Palais – Quebec, Canada by Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties and Gelotte Hommas Architects and Chef Jay Sardeson
This is the 19th year that Sheraton has partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and created Gingerbread Village. The event raises money to fund research for better treatments and ideally a cure for Type I diabetes. Gingerbread Village is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5, of which 100% goes directly to JDRF.
Dunedin Railway Station - New Zealand by Callison and Chef Wally Walbert
Six notable train stations have been recreated with glorious holiday cheer and a touch of sugary magic to fit this year’s theme of Holiday Express. The attention to detail and creative use of materials seems to reveal itself slowly the longer each sculpture is pondered.
Sheep and Kiwi birds at Dunedin Railway Station
With attention completely immersed in discovering all the hidden details and humorous accents studding each piece, slipping into a fantasy state is effortless while following the red velvet roped pathway around the display. Gingerbread Village captures the awe and wonderment of Christmas at its fantastical best. It’s worth the trip downtown to lose yourself in this gingerbread fantasy land for a brief moment.
North Pole- Island of Misfit Toys by Weber Thompson and Chef David Mestl
You can even vote for your favorite gingerbread house via text. If you’re not in Seattle you can still support JDRF’s work by kicking them a $5 donation with a quick and simple text.
Visit Gingerbread Village at Seattle Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA. The display is open 24 hours a day until January 1, 2012.
London's King Cross Station - Now Boarding at Platform 9-3/4 by KMD Architects and Maple Elementary F-3 Fifth Grade helpers and Chef John Hart
If you’re craving a gingerbready sweet-treat after reading this, whip up a batch of spicy molasses cookies. They’ll satisfy that gingerbread craving, without all the work of building a house, or train station.
Recipe Link
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