Best Desserts

La Cave, 5244 Blowers, 429-3551

“The public demands cheesecake, big time,” says a slightly defeated-sounding Andrew Beck, La Cave pastry chef extraordinaire. “I’ve been told that I am the cheesecake king.” Beck whips up about 12 different varieties each day, and has about 40 or 50 recipes “floating around in my head at any given time.” So what dessert does Beck enjoy making the most? “Zucotto,” he replies without hesitation. “It’s a dome-shaped Italian creme dessert that’s hollowed out and filled with white chocolate and hazelnut liqueur.” Does Beck eat his own desserts at home? “Nope. Just Mr. Christie Fudgeos. They hit the spot.”

Runner-up: Il Mercato, 5475 Spring Garden, 422-2866