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This Valentine's Day, break out of your old routine—whether that involves dinner at a fancy restaurant with a handsome suitor or watching John Cusack movies on the couch with your cat—and indulge in some of Greater Hartford's dessert offerings.
After all, V Day doesn't symbolize just romance and unrequited love, it's also about chocolate. And, unlike people, chocolate can't disappoint you with a lame mix tape and a bouquet of fake roses (seriously). So grab your sweetie, if you have one, or a few of your best pals, and treat yourself at one (or all) of these dessert spots.
The Cheesecake Factory
Blue Back Square
71 Isham Road, Suite B 20, West Hartford
860-233-5588
Known for its cult-like following, Connecticut has finally been graced with a Cheesecake Factory of its very own. Situated in Blue Back Square, it's already a hit, so be prepared to wait for a table…and wait…and wait. The book-length menu features more than 200 items but, as the name implies, the real draw here is the cheesecake. So save room, or share with a friend, because portions are generous. The restaurant offers 50 different varieties, ranging from a traditional plain cheesecake to the more unusual Brownie Sundae Cheesecake topped with fresh whipped cream and a cherry. Seasonal cheesecake specials such as Pumpkin Pecan are offered through the holidays. There also is an extensive list of other non-cheesecake desserts, such as the towering Blackout Cake and Limoncello Cream Torte but, really, who wants to waste calories on that? And if you don't feel like waiting two hours for a table, just head over to the bakery counter, and get your cheesecake to go.
Cosi
970 Farmington Ave., West Hartford
860-521-8495
Situated smack-dab in the middle of tony West Hartford Center, Cosi is a great option if you are looking to grab dessert in a comfy, casual setting without dropping lots of cash. The portions are huge, more than enough for two people. While the dessert menu offers standards such as the Double Trouble Brownie Sundae and Mississippi Mud Pie, those looking for something a little different can try the S'Mores or an Oreo variation called S'MMM…Oreos, which you roast yourself right at the table over a mini-grill. Close your eyes and it's almost like camping out. Almost.
Tisane
537 Farmington Ave., Hartford
860-523-5417
Can't decide between the high-energy bar scene or a laid-back cafe? West End fixture Tisane combines the best of both worlds with a funky dining section offering more than 100 hundred teas and a hip bar with an imaginative martini list. Whichever side you choose, it is a great spot to satisfy a late-night dessert craving. Standards like ice cream sundaes and a warm chocolate brownie are on the menu, but for something a little left of center, try the Bon Tons, crispy wontons filled with dark chocolate, or the Peanut Butter Cup Fondue, served with an assortment of seasonal fruit and crispy French toast sticks, perfect for sharing with a hot cup of tea. Tisane plans a special Valentine's Day menu, either at a fixed price for two or a la carte and ending with special desserts.
Mozzicato De Pasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop and Cafe
329 Franklin Ave., Hartford
860-296-0426
Franklin Avenue boasts a collection of many excellent bakeries, but family-owned and operated Mozzicato's is known as the go-to place for mouth-watering Italian cookies, whipped-cream cakes, and fresh baked breads. The cafe, adjacent to the bakery, is also a great late-night spot for grabbing a cappuccino and a dessert. Besides a full bar, there is a large selection of gelato, granita, spumoni, pastries and cookies for criminally low prices. Gourmet coffee drinks and teas are also available. The authentic Italian atmosphere is warm and homey, and the staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. La dolce vita!
P.F. Chang's
500 South St., Farmington
860-561-0097
Westfarms Mall hasn't always been a destination for culinary delights, boasting mostly fast food joints and a semi-tacky restaurant scattered with fake animals and rainforest trees. Then P.F. Chang's rolled, or shall we say galloped on a giant white steed, into town. The delectable Asian-fusion restaurant boasts a large menu of just-big-enough-to-share portions and dark, lantern lit red ambiance to set the perfect tone for a romantic evening out. Yet nothing on the menu may be as intriguing as the Great Wall of Chocolate, a ginormous slice of chocolate cake layered with rich frosting and covered with chocolate chips. There are no words to describe this chocolate overload until you see the crazy confection for yourself. For the waist-conscious (a sin on Valentines Day!!) the tasty treat is available in a mini version, and for an added bonus the chain offers a flourless chocolate dome, so everyone can get in on the decadent action.
