Finally, Finale

In keeping with this week's dessert themed-discussion, I must recommend Finale Desserterie and Bakery, with locations in Boston, Brookline and Cambridge. Finale markets itself on creating the dessert experience; while it does ofter small-sized savory plates, the menu proclaims, "at Finale we start with desserts because that's what they're famous for." The pairing menu focuses on matching fine wines and (girlie) cocktails with artfully-designed plated desserts, touting dessert as the main course of the meal.

For good reason - the desserts truly are gorgeous. From French chocolate mousse and creme brulee to parfaits, tiramasu and the most elegant Boston creme pie around, Finale has a fine selection. The best-selling item the molten chocolate cake is made to order, with warm Vahlrohna sauce that seeps like lava from the gooey center, and is also offered in the Sharable Desserts Magnanimous Molten more generous portion size, served a la mode with a gelato trio. Don't let this size distinction fool you - even the desserts on the regular menu are enough to be shared by two (or more people), and the Sharable Desserts are downright shameful. Which os good, since the prices aren't cheap here - diners pay not only for the presentation of the plated desserts, but the sophisticated atmosphere that Boston's only "Desserterie" provides. Finale is a popular place for dates, and looking around the Brookline location's dining room it is predominantly couples (followed closely by groups of teenage girls celebrating birthdays.) While the romantic ambience can be charming if that's what you're in the mood for, definitely don't come here after a bad breakup, especially not around Valentine's Day. The pink and red heart-filled decor can be nauseating. If you're really needing a chocolate fix but don't want to endure the obnoxious canoodling of the diners around you, Finale has a carryout bakery that offers an array of mouth-watering cakes and pastries, including my personal favorite items not offered on their sit-down menu: the Chocolate Symphony and the Dark Chocolate Decadence, one of the densest, fudgy, flourless cakes imaginable - so rich that it's hard to finish. Order milk with this one, ladies.

The savory sensations menu includes cheese plates, crab cakes, salads and white bread pizzas - though good, they are not filling as Finale chefs clearly focus their attention to detail on the desserts. People don't come here for the crab, and they know that.

So if you're looking for a classy date to take someone on a special occasion, or simply satisfying late-night chocolate cravings (Finale stays open until 11:30 on weekdays and 12:30 on weekends), Finale is the place to go.

4/5 stars.

*Tip: try the hot chocolate!