Cuisine Scene: Just Desserts
Anyone else pick which restaurant they want to go to based on what they have for dessert? For some, a meal is not complete without a little something sweet at the end. Here are some desserts at Long Beach restaurants worthy of dining out for. Consider yourself ready when the next time a server asks, “Did we save room?”
THE ATTIC
It’s unlikely that you will be eating a light meal at The Attic (3441 E Broadway). The menu here boasts indulgences inspired by Southern comfort food, and the desserts are no different. You’ll be very happy with your plate of Beignet Donuts, but the Chocolate Devil's Cake is something you may very well sell your soul for. Six layers, frosting between each, enveloped in rich ganache, and drowned in a pool of creme anglaise … Get behind me, Satan, I’m eating.
OPEN SESAME
Offering a Levantine twist on a classic dessert, the Labne Cheesecake at Open Sesame (5215 E 2nd St) is a delicious end to your Mediterranean meal. Served as a small round cake rather than a wedge, the dessert is made with a base of walnut phyllo dough pastry and smothered in a fig caramel compote that nicely balances the creamy richness of the filling. Labne is strained yogurt, a tangy Middle Eastern relative of cream cheese, here flavored with vanilla bean. The cheesecake is served with crumbled pistachios and shredded phyllo, or kataifi. Try it with Turkish coffee for the perfect sweet moment.
THAI DISTRICT
Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert combining the pleasing flavors of mango and coconut with the sublime texture of sticky rice. At Thai District (149 Linden Ave, Ste E), the dish is a tropical vacation on a plate; hearty chunks of mango surrounding purple riceberry rice and topped with translucent sala palm seeds, a small scoop of mango sorbet, and a purple orchid. For something a bit simpler though equally sublime, opt for the coconut panna cotta in a pool of pink guava soup and served with coconut gelato, candied pineapple, and coconut waffle shards.
THE ORDINARIE
While it’s always worth ordering a slice of pie at The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N), with flavors that change with the season, there is no question that your sweet tooth will savor the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Sundae. At its foundation, the sundae is anchored by a large, freshly baked cookie, served in a personal-sized skillet. Then comes a great globe of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cookie, a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and at the top, a macerated cherry, which lends a touch of zing and sophistication to a wholly satisfyingly sweet experience.
Related
