Dressing up and heading out for a delectable dessert is arguably the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day and get an extra dose of chocolate on the holiday that’s famous for its sugar overload. Whether it’s with friends, a significant other or someone new, sharing any decadence, from chocolate mousse to white chocolate cheesecake, might soon become a holiday tradition too sweet to pass up.
Eugene’s Sweet Life Patisserie at 755 Monroe St. serves everything from truffles to tortes and provides vegan alternatives to many tempting cakes. The staff recommends trying its Cloud Nine chocolate cake, a delicious creation made with whipped cream and flavored with caramel, coconut or fruit compote.
Café Zenon at 898 Pearl St. is widely known for its desserts, which hit the spot for a reasonable $5.50 each. A large variety of cheesecakes and fresh seasonal pies grace the dessert case nightly. Staff recommendations include Hale Kulani, a moist vanilla sponge cake with layers of coconut custard, or Orange Mocha Rum Torte, a perfect blend of orange and chocolate flavors.
The Excelsior Inn Ristorante Italiano is near campus at 754 E. 13th Ave. Two of its feature desserts are Crème Caramel and Crème Brule. They also serve a sinful Flourless Chocolate Torte with optional raspberry sauce.
Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria
is a delicious Italian restaurant tucked behind the University
at 1646 E. 19th Ave. For those searching for classic desserts, it’s a great spot to try Tiramisu. It also serves a dome cake, called the Zuccotto, filled
with chocolate mousse and whipped cream.
Marche is another upscale restaurant option. Located
in the Fifth Street Public
Market at 296 E. Fifth Ave.,
it provides an off-campus treat and serves fine desserts for $6.50 each. Some of the recent menu items include crepes with Anjou pear ice cream, a tangerine tart topped with whipped cream and candied tangerine zest and a cookie plate featuring macadamia nut brittle and lemon poppy seed shortcake.
