Greatest Dessert Restaurant- Finale in Boston

Finale Dessert Company Boston
When I was in college, I wrote a business plan on creating a national chain of dessert restaurants. For over 20 years I have traveled the world searching for someplace that may be close to that dream. Now, I have finally found this place in Boston's famed Back Bay. Finale is a true gourmet dessert restaurant that lets you watch the pastry chef finish amazing desserts right in front of you. Get the Molten Chocolate Cake, it looks beautiful and tastes great.
Hats off to Paul Conforti and Kim Moore for having the same idea I did ( they created their plan at the Harvard Busines School) and for actually pulling it off! BRAVO!

A Great Cookie- The Tim Tam

I do like the name, Tim Tam, and really love this great product.
http://www.arnotts.com
Australia’s favorite chocolate biscuit. Tim Tams have two light crisp chocolate biscuits, sandwiched together with a chocolate cream center and smothered in milk chocolate.
An associate of mine brought a bag back for me from her native Australia. At the time, I had to find an Australian importer to get more. Now the manufacturer can send them to you direct via their web site.

(Update 2/2005): I recently found Tim Tams at a movie theater in Dallas, if you can believe it- much easier to source now

(Update 11/2010): Now available from Pepperidge Farm at Target stores, October through March- see 11/25/10 blog.

Greatest of All Time - XOX Caramel Truffle

XOX Truffles

I had my first XOX "Oh-My-Gosh" Caramel Truffles at this great little chocolate store off of Washington Square in SF. And these are unbelievable...

Chef Jean-Marc Gorce and Casimira Tobilla have created this small oasis for truffles and it is truly inspiring. Well worth a walk- this is an absolute must if you are in the Bay Area.

Greatest of All Time - M&M Store in Las Vegas

M&M Store

Las Vegas

In my office I have a "wall of respect" to one of the greatest chocolate candies the world has ever known, the "M&M". Although the candy is found everywhere, a pilgrimage to the store in Las Vegas is akin to a trip to the Vatican, the West Wall, or Mecca. I'm sure more outlets will be created (I hear Orlando and New York are planned), but no matter how many are built, this will always be oe of the greatest stores ever conceived and delivered.

Thank you Mr. Mars.

Tip: Go to the 3D movie, it is great.

Greatest of All Time - Fudge House's Plain Ole Chocolate Fudge

Fudge House

Pier 39, San Francisco

Fudge is another one of those items that can be hit or miss when you try it. I have always found The Fudge House in San Francisco to be terrific. I think that in order to keep up with the number of people that go through the Wharf, the fudge here can't help but always be fresh.

It's a short walk on a long pier, but well worth the trip.

[Side-note: While at Pier 39, try a Nutella crepe at the Crepe Cafe! Of course, Trish's Mini Donuts and the wide variety of chocolates at Chocolate Heaven make The Pier a place well worth spending a long afternoon.

Greatest of All Time - La Mousse's Chocolate Windmill Cake

La Mousse's Chocolate Windmill Cake

About 20 years ago, I went to a birthday party for a friend in Miami. A cake was served which may have been the first gourmet cake I had ever really taken seriously. White and dark chocolate mousse cake with white and dark chocolate meringue mixed in. When I inquired where it was from, the hosts told me it had been flown in from Los Angeles.

I have rarely left LA without taking one home. Simply one of the best creations ever!

Greatest of All Time - Andre's Chocolate Meringue Ball

Andre’s Confiserie Suisse- Chocolate Meringue Ball
Houston, Denver, Kansas City
Snack/Dessert: This is another Hall of Fame concoction.

It is a ball of 2 meringue semi-circles held together with a layer of fudge, covered with milk or dark chocolate.
 
Tip: I love the milk chocolate the best but will eat the dark all day long if given the chance.

Greatest of All Time - Panache Chocolatier's Chocolate Covered Flakes

Panache’s Chocolate Covered Flakes
Kansas City- Country Club Plaza
This is the best everyday snack I have found.
Tip: Keep this in your desk for late afternoon needs.


Basically, this is chocolate-covered frosted flakes and are they terrific!

Greatest of All Time - Teuscher's Champagne Truffle

Teuscher’s Champagne Truffle

This is the greatest Truffle ever created! Delivered every week to the US, this is the finest of Swiss chocolates and the best combination truffle in the world.

Nothing else to say.

Tip: Take 30 seconds (or more) to eat it, let it melt in your mouth!

Available at various Teuscher locations - worldwide