Desert Tasting?

Any places in Chicago that offer a desert tasting? I tried calling sweet and savories, but they said I could only get it if I ordered their fixed dinner. I really would like to make someone dinner, and then go out to a desert tasting. Any help is appreciated!

I don't know about a dessert tasting, but Hot Chocolate is used to handling folks who just pop in for dessert.

Also, isn't there some late night cake place suddenly?

HI,

I believe Peninsula has a chocolate buffet on Saturday evenings.

Regards,

Tru?

I'm surprised Sweets and Savories wouldn't seat you just for their three-course ($17) or five-course ($25) dessert tasting. Oh well.

Cathy2 wrote:I believe Peninsula has a chocolate buffet on Saturday evenings.

"Chocolate at the Pen", or the "Chocolate Bar" (the hotel uses both names), is served in the Lobby restaurant on both Friday and Saturday evenings after 8:30 p.m., with mini portions of 30-40 chocolate-based desserts on an all-you-can-eat buffet. It's $32.

Cathy2 wrote:I believe Peninsula has a chocolate buffet on Saturday evenings.

Discussed here.

Best,
Michael

That previous topic is rather brief. Last year it was $26, or $35 including the chocolate martini, but it has gone up and is currently $32, or $41 including the chocolate martini, according to an e-mail I received from the hotel a few weeks ago.

The desserts on the buffet represent a variety of flavors, tastes, textures; some are more subtle, while others are strong. While not all (or even most) of the 30+ desserts are spectacular, there are enough good ones to satisfy almost any chocolate-lover or dessert-lover, IMHO. I liked it and I'd go back again. But if you are expecting all of them to be world-class, you'll probably be disappointed.

Also, the hot chocolate as part of the chocolate bar is seasonal, and is not served at warmer times of the year.

I'll check out Peninsula, but $40 seems like a lot for desert and a drink that most people have said is more "fun" than good. I am very disappointed that Sweet and Savories wouldn't let us do just their desert tasting, especially considering we're going to be dinning mid week, and I told them I was flexible with dates.

Mike G wrote:I don't know about a dessert tasting, but Hot Chocolate is used to handling folks who just pop in for dessert.

I'm a fan of HC's desserts and I think it would be worth a phone call to find out if they'd do a chef's choice tasting for you. Otherwise, I'd go and design my own tasting there.

Best,
Michael

HI,

Another approach would be going to Lutz's or Taste of Heaven, then ordering several desserts. I have been a bit turned off by Lutz's, however how can you beat whipped cream in your coffee? Several slices of cake or tarts and you will not feel as pinched as Peninsula.

OR go to Bombon or House of Fine Chocolate to buy several single serve desserts. Your eating at home, though the desserts will be better than most places you would go to.

Regards,

Many fine (and not so fine ) restaurants are happy to serve people for dessert only, especially at off-hours when they are not full. Some will arrange mini-portions as a tasting, while others will serve you from their normal dessert menu. Just ask; the worst thing that can happen is that they say no.

(I want to go back to Aigre Doux for the sticky toffee pudding - yum!)

nsxtasy wrote:Many fine (and not so fine ) restaurants are happy to serve people for dessert only, especially at off-hours when they are not full. Some will arrange mini-portions as a tasting, while others will serve you from their normal dessert menu. Just ask; the worst thing that can happen is that they say no.

(I want to go back to Aigre Doux for the sticky toffee pudding - yum!)

Years ago on my best friend's 21st birthday, I took her to the 95th for dessert. We already had dinner with family, I just thought the occasion needed more sparkle. We were seated before the waiter realized we were there for dessert only. He made his displeasure known by whisking away the menus closing them with an irritated snap. I tipped very generously, though frankly he had no reason to get so uppity, the place was largely vacant.

If I were to do it again, I would have gone to the cocktail lounge where I can get all the desserts offered in the restaurant without the attitude.

Regards,

tru has a dessert tasting. it's a great way to experience the ambience and service without the price tag. last time i was there, about 6 months ago, i think it was only $30. you get an amuse, 3 dessert courses (each with a theme like fruit or chocolate and 2-3 different tasting portions with each course) and then of course the beloved mignardise cart comes around. it's loads of fun. and always great to have gale's creations.

be advised, it's only available after a certain time. call their reservations line for more info as this might have changed since i was there last. well worth the money.

I know that the Sweet Occasions & More in Andersonville offers dessert tastings by request. Simply call the store and they'll set you up with the right person to arrange it. They are willing to accomodate not only to large parties but also to couples. I talked to one of the associates and they gave me the info that for 2 people, they are willing to set up a tasting of up to 8 of any of their desserts (including ice cream, cakes, cookies, plated desserts) for only $14.99 (!!). The handy part is that they have late hours, so you could go after your dinner (there are a lot of great romantic options in the neighborhood).

I've been in there a few times and their cakes and desserts are simply delightful. Last time I was in, I had the coconut layer cake and my friend had the peanut butter-chocolate layer cake. We also ordered one of their chipotle brownies. All were amazing...especially paired with a cup of coffee or a big cup of milk, both of which you can order along with.

Good luck!

Andersonville
www.sweetoccasionsandmore.com
5306 North Clark
Chicago, IL 60640

Hours:
Mon -Thu, 11am - 10pm
Fri & Sat, 7am - 11pm
Sun, 7am - 10pm

773.275.5190