Caramel Cheesecake Crème Brûleé, T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms

BEST CHEESECAKE

Caramel Cheesecake
Crème Brûleé
T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms
5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-808-0766
royalpalmshotel.com

Executive pastry chef Pierino Jermonti first designed this phenomenal dessert for a dinner at the James Beard House. Ever since, it’s won several awards and become a mainstay at T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Italian pecan and almond cookies are ground up for the crust, and the combination of caramel cheesecake and crème brûleé makes it creamier yet lighter than a typical cheesecake. Guava sauce and fresh berries deliver us from pedestrian toppings. $12

New York Cheesecake
de la Cruz Bistro
10 W. Main St., Mesa
480-258-6942

This is old-school, thick cheesecake that actually tastes cheesy – not bland and boring – thanks to a longer creaming method that the kitchen uses. The crushed Oreo cookie-crumb crust and homemade raspberry glaze on top are the kickers that will make you fall in love with this classic all over again. $7


BEST CHOCOLATE DESSERTS

Lava Cake
Sweet O Wine &
Chocolate Lounge
9380 W. Westgate Blvd., Glendale
623-877-3898
sweetolounge.com

If you think you’ve had rich or decadent desserts before, think again. The lava cake here is the ultimate chocoholic fix, made with a dense, dark chocolate cake and warm chocolate ganache in the center. Even the most devout cocoa-nuts probably won’t be able to finish it because it’s so rich. $8.50

Chocolate Soufflé
Zinc Bistro
15034 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-603-0922
zincbistroaz.com

Made with Valrhona chocolate, this perfectly puffy soufflé is worth the wait. Tell your server if you want it when you order your entrée, because they make it from scratch, and it shows. Choose from chocolate, mint or Grand Marnier sauce to top it off – and don’t worry, there is no wrong answer. $7