Dessert: commonly referred to as a post-meal indulgence, often eaten as a meal itself. There’s really no such thing as too much sugar, so when Time Out Chicago hosted its Treat Yo’Self dessert celebration, I was all in. There were eight dessert shops in attendance, some of which I had never heard of, but I was willing to give them a shot. With my punch card in hand, I was ready to eat my way through the venue in search of the perfect treats for any craving.
If you’re craving… Authentic Italian
Photo by Megan Yee
For a taste that’s fresh from the Tuscan countryside, take a trip to Osteria Langhe and try the panna cotta. The Italian custard-like dessert was topped to perfection with chocolate sauce, fresh berries and candied hazelnuts, creating a light and mildly sweet authentic flavor.
If you’re craving… Sweet and Savory
Photo by Sasha Kurumety
Haywood Tavern is known for their cornmeal cake, and it’s no wonder why. With a similar texture to cornbread but with a slightly sweeter taste, this dessert is perfect for when you’re not in the mood for a sugar overload. The cream cheese strawberry purée topping balanced out the cake for a flavor that was anything but bland.
If you’re craving… A Caffeine Boost
Photo courtesy of foodgawker.com
When you hit your mid-day slump, instead of reaching for another cup of joe make your way to Black Dog Gelato for the Affogato Float. The combination of rich coffee and smooth gelato is better than any amount of cream and sugar added to your cup. Satisfy your sweet tooth and get your caffeine fix all in one shot.
If you’re craving… Cupcakes
Photo by Sasha Kurumety
Look no further than Sprinkles cupcakes. Sprinkles featured their red velvet cupcake at the celebration, but they have tons of other flavors that change weekly and monthly. Baked to moist perfection with creamy frosting and their signature button topper, cupcakes don’t get better than this.
#SpoonTip: the button design is not fondant – unless you are looking to break a tooth, do not bite it. Repeat: do not bite it.
If you’re craving… The Not-so-Basics
Photo by Sasha Kurumety
Whether you’re looking for a classic chocolate chip cookie or want a twist on your dessert, Bake Chicago has got you covered. With cookies and cakes ranging from the basic vanilla to Nutella and confetti combos, you can rest assured that you can find whatever you’re craving freshly made at Bake.
If you’re craving… A Taste of France
Photo by Sasha Kurumety
Lovely Bake Shop has everything you need to take an afternoon getaway to France without leaving the city. The menu boasts freshly made pastries, sandwiches and best of all, light and fluffy macarons. Their selection of these trademark French cookies have unique flavors like peach lavender that rotate daily, so they always have something new to indulge in.
If you’re craving… Rich Flavors
Photo by Sasha Kurumety
Biting into the Oh my! Caramel pie is like sinking your teeth into the softest caramel chew ever. If you didn’t get the hint, it tastes like caramel. The shortbread cookie crust balances out the rich and chewy pie to transport you right back to mom’s kitchen.
If you’re craving… Classic American
Photo courtesy of flickr user New1mproved
For that unmistakable taste of the Midwest, Good Stuff Eatery is your go-to place. The restaurant menu has fries and burgers with an array of toppings, but the true gem is their hand-spun shakes. If you like your shakes runny, this is not the place for you – the shakes are so thick that it’s best to use a spoon to get the full shake experience. This cool and refreshing treat is perfect for a Chicago summer day.