Cuisine Scene: Just Desserts

Anyone else pick which restaurant they want to go to based on what they have for dessert? For some, a meal is not complete without a little something sweet at the end. Here are some desserts at Long Beach restaurants worthy of dining out for. Consider yourself ready when the next time a server asks, “Did we save room?”

THE ATTIC

It’s unlikely that you will be eating a light meal at The Attic (3441 E Broadway). The menu here boasts indulgences inspired by Southern comfort food, and the desserts are no different. You’ll be very happy with your plate of Beignet Donuts, but the Chocolate Devil's Cake is something you may very well sell your soul for. Six layers, frosting between each, enveloped in rich ganache, and drowned in a pool of creme anglaise … Get behind me, Satan, I’m eating.

MICHAEL’S ON NAPLES

As in all things Italian, dessert at Michael’s on Naples (5620 E 2nd St) is an art. The plating of these sweet dishes brings to mind concepts of Italian design, i.e. clean geometry wedded to just the right amount of artful embellishment. The Almond Cake at Michael’s elevates a beloved staple of Italian home cooking. Served in a long narrow rectangle with sharp right angles and straight edges, the cake is topped with toasted sliced almonds and served with a perfect quenelle of vanilla gelato.

OPEN SESAME

Offering a Levantine twist on a classic dessert, the Labne Cheesecake at Open Sesame (5215 E 2nd St) is a delicious end to your Mediterranean meal. Served as a small round cake rather than a wedge, the dessert is made with a base of walnut phyllo dough pastry and smothered in a fig caramel compote that nicely balances the creamy richness of the filling. Labne is strained yogurt, a tangy Middle Eastern relative of cream cheese, here flavored with vanilla bean. The cheesecake is served with crumbled pistachios and shredded phyllo, or kataifi. Try it with Turkish coffee for the perfect sweet moment.

THAI DISTRICT

Mango sticky rice is a classic Thai dessert combining the pleasing flavors of mango and coconut with the sublime texture of sticky rice. At Thai District (149 Linden Ave, Ste E), the dish is a tropical vacation on a plate; hearty chunks of mango surrounding purple riceberry rice and topped with translucent sala palm seeds, a small scoop of mango sorbet, and a purple orchid. For something a bit simpler though equally sublime, opt for the coconut panna cotta in a pool of pink guava soup and served with coconut gelato, candied pineapple, and coconut waffle shards.

THE ORDINARIE

While it’s always worth ordering a slice of pie at The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N), with flavors that change with the season, there is no question that your sweet tooth will savor the Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie Sundae. At its foundation, the sundae is anchored by a large, freshly baked cookie, served in a personal-sized skillet. Then comes a great globe of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cookie, a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and at the top, a macerated cherry, which lends a touch of zing and sophistication to a wholly satisfyingly sweet experience.

Cuisine Scene: Bakeries

There’s no cookie-cutter formula for Long Beach’s variety of independent bakeries (other than the fact that they all smell like heaven) whether they specialize in multi-tiered wedding cakes, oversize breakfast muffins, crusted loaves of sourdough, or baked goods inspired by diverse heritage.

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Cuisine Scene: Cake

Look, we’re not going to get drawn into the very volatile cake-versus-pie debate. Everyone knows Long Beach’s credentials as a Pie Town, still the city has equally solid cred when it comes to cake. Here are spots that can serve it up any way you desire: sliced, whole or customized for a special occasion. Afterall, the “C” in LBC stands for “Cake ” … OK, it doesn’t, but you get the point.

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Long Beach Baked Goods

Life is sweet any time of year. Still, certain seasons are associated with certain sweets: summer screams for ice cream, while the fall months call for something soft and flaky. You’ll find lots of soft and flaky choices in Long Beach, where the bakery scene is experiencing a renaissance. Check out a few sweet things to curl up with.

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Cuisine Scene: Filipino Bakeries

Filipino baked goods are becoming increasingly popular and there is a growing number of bakeries in Long Beach serving them up. These include longtime fixtures like Gemmae Bake Shop and newer shops like LaMon Bakehouse. There are several spots in Long Beach to pick up delicious breads, cakes, or other tasty treats to enjoy the Filipino tradition of masienda–a small snack between meals.

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About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.