Oh my Darling!

When it rains, it pours. I was rather proud of myself for abstaining from cookies at lunch on Friday and a chocolate ice cream cake at a party that same afternoon. Such self control! It was worth it to save room for an iceberg-sized chunk of luscious cheesecake from Darling's Cafe and an array of tapas-style desserts at Bar Ferdinand. I know. The dessert opportunities are ridiculous this time of year, so one MUST be choosy. And did I choose well! The classic Philly cheesecake with chocolate crust was divine - dense, rich and creamy like it should be. Of course, I haven't met a Darling's cheesecake I didn't love so if you haven't stopped by for a slice, put it on your goals for 2008. Later that night I had dinner with the girls at Bar Ferdinand and, I have to say, I LOVE this place. The decor is fun and innovative with inlaid furniture and matador-themed tile mosaics gracing the walls. High-energy, the room starts buzzing at happy hour but it's not so loud that you can't comfortably converse at your table. After 15 small plates and 2 pitchers of blood orange margaritas, we moved on to the new dessert menu. The almond ice cream with a smear of berries was yummy and the chocolate torte was ok.
However, the churros con chocolate were amazing! I have to say I had my doubts (thanks to a not-so-fondly remembered peppery pot de creme from white dog) but this spicy, melted chocolate was dark and strong with just the slightest bite. The sugar crusted andalusian doughnuts nicely balanced both the taste and texture of the chocolate. I capped off the night with an ingenious variation of french toast - baked in apple cider with cinnamon and orange zest, this dish was queen of the night!

Darling's Cafe
21st and Spring, 20th and Pine
Bar Ferdinand
N. 2nd and W. George