Does your sweet tooth reign supreme? Do you look forward to dinner being over so you can finally order dessert? Are you a love of all things sugar and spice? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, then National Dessert Day is basically the best day of the year for you. Luckily, the sweet-filled holiday is this Thursday, Oct. 14, and there are plenty of spots around Philly offering tasty and unique options.
A Mano
After indulging in some Italian fare at this seasonally-focused spot, diners can also dive into everything A Mano has to offer on the sweet side. This week, Philadelphians who head to this Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group venue can sink their teeth into their Tiramisu Semifreddo ($9) crafted with dark chocolate and hazelnuts, Honey Panna Cotta ($9) prepared with peach preserves and almond crumble, and Lemon Olive Oil Cake ($9) topped with fresh blueberries and buttermilk cream. Hours of operation at A Mano are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 – 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 – 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 5 – 9:30 p.m.
2244 Fairmount Ave., amanophl.com
Fond
National Dessert Day is this Thursday and there are so many options that you’ll be fond of at this French-focused hotspot. The menu is always changing to fit the seasons and incorporates new and bold flavors into the mix. Right now at Chef Lee Styer’s acclaimed eatery, diners can check out their Vanilla Caramel Crème Brûlée ($12) crafted with ginger poached pears, cinnamon shortbread, and whipped cream, Warm Apple Tart ($12) composed of cardamom whipped cream cheese and orange crème anglaise, and Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake ($12) prepared with hazelnut coffee ice cream espresso butterscotch and crisp meringue.Hours of operation at this East Passyunk venue are Wednesday through Sunday from 5 – 10 p.m.
1537 S. 11th St., fondphilly.com
Forsythia
France may be known for their desserts, and at this contemporary French bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Kearse, Philadelphians will certainly get a taste of some of those sweet delicacies. On the menu at Forsythia, diners can look out for their Basque Style Cheesecake ($12) crafted with apricot granita, sunflower seed, and Madeira, and Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse ($12) prepared with currant parfait. And for a dessert in a glass, there’s 3rd Times A Charm ($14) composed of Faber Cold Brew Vodka, a single shot of Rival Bros. signature espresso, finished with spiced simple syrup. Hours of operation at Forsythia are Wednesday through Sunday from 5 – 10 p.m.
233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com
Oloroso
For the sweet-filled holiday this week, Philadelphians can get everything their tastebuds desire at Oloroso in Center City. Foodies can find an authentic taste of Spain with their Churros ($9) covered in smoked cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce, and the seasonal Basque Cheesecake ($11) served with PX apricots, rosewater caramel, and pistachio. As a release states, in addition, imbibers can select from an extensive array of dessert wines and Sherry for sipping as a sweet and satisfying nightcap. Hours of operation at this hotspot are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 – 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 – 9 p.m.
1121 Walnut St., olorosophl.com
Cake & Joe
According to a release, Cake & Joe, the cake shop which opened last December in Philadelphia’s Pennsport neighborhood, is celebrating National Dessert Day in style, offering complimentary single-serve “Who Moved My Cheese?” cheddar cheese mousse cakes to the first 50 guests on Thursday, Oct. 14. The business opens at 7 a.m and the first 50 people to ask “Who Moved My Cheese” on Oct. 14 will receive one free cake, and for the remainder of the day, the shop will also offer $1 off all beverages to anyone who misses the giveaway. Named after the NY Times Best Seller by Patrick Spencer Johnson, Cake & Joe’s “Who Moved My Cheese?” cake features cheddar cheese mousse, white chocolate cheddar cream center, cheddar cheese soft cake, and a Cheez-It garnish. The seasonal cake is normally priced at $6.50.
1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., cakeandjoe.com
Royal Boucherie
Nicholas Elmi’s Old City staple might be known for their elevated French fare, martinis and comfortable atmosphere, but the Royal Boucherie dessert and cocktails options reign supreme. On the menu is the Crème Caramel ($9) and Peanut Butter Cheesecake ($9) prepared with chocolate and meringue. As for libations, imbibers can sip on three savory and sweet tipples, featuring Peaches & Smoke ($16) with Lilet Rosè, cognac, crème de peche, laphroaig, and lemon, Café et Tonic ($12) with spiced rum, cold brew, simple syrup, and tonic, and Bittersweet Endings ($14) with Averna, coffee liqueur, and crème de cocoa. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 4 – 10 p.m.
52 S. 2nd St., royalboucherie.com
