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The Arcadia News features restaurant reviews each month.
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It's Just Dessert

Going out to eat is always a big kick for Valentine’s Day, but with everyone celebrating, it can be tough getting a table at your favorite romantic bistro. That’s why for this month’s “Places We Liked” I am offering a selection of great places to go for dessert and coffee. Figure on showing up around 9:30 after the bulk of the crowd is on their way out and the restaurant has quieted down.

You may be thinking that dessert and coffee is not going to impress that special someone in your life, but take it from me: the harder you work to impress that special someone, the more you enable them, and set the table for lifelong torment. Besides, isn’t it more romantic to cook at home? Well maybe not with Fox’s Hannity and Combs going off on each other in the background. Just turn off the tube, light a candle or two, put the dog out and you are on your way!

After your crafty rendition of filet mignon and white asparagus bisque in the warmth of your own home, recall all the great places in the city to go and experience fantastic desserts. To help focus your selection, the Arcadia News has handpicked three neighborhood favorites that won’t fail for dessert in case the filet mignon gets a little… charred.

Élevé
3118 E. Camelback Road
602.952.0733

Michael is frequently changing his menu, and that includes dessert. The first time I wrote about Élevé, I carried on about the flan for half the article but soon realized it had disappeared off the menu before the paper was printed. I felt used and humiliated, I mourned over that flan for days, as well as some of you faithful readers. This time I asked

Michael what would be available on Valentine’s Day and was treated to a flourless mint chocolate cake. This reminded me of some of the richer, fudge-like cakes I have tried before, but it was raised to a new level of craftsmanship: creamier, softer, and more delicate. Everything Michael does is great, so if there is something else on the dessert menu which piques your interest, you are guaranteed a winner.

Vincent’s
3930 E. Camelback Road
602.224.0225

Chef Vincent has been producing some of the best desserts in Phoenix for quite some time. I am partial to the chocolate side of his rolling dessert cart. However, there is something on his menu for everyone and you will be hard-pressed to find any restaurant in town putting out as many dessert choices. I myself favor Vincent’s warm French Brownie. Before you dig into what may be the best chocolate in the city, complete the experience with a cappuccino and a Grand Marnier on the rocks. Oh Baby.

Café Forté
7032 E. Main Street
480.994.1331

I have not tried anything past this restaurant’s own cozy version of the warm chocolate tart. Honestly, I probably never will. The tart is that good. I am already envisioning myself a ripe old age, standing in line at the gates of heaven. Suddenly Saint Peter taps on a small table microphone and blows into it a few times before he asks, “Okay. Who had the warm chocolate tart with walnuts at Café Forté 38 times? You? Well, step to the side of the line; we have to talk.”

Obviously, heaven can wait for me, and for all the fans of Saint Valentine, because these three restaurants have desserts for you and your special someone as divine as the best hereafter.