The Triangle

Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Zanne Ngatchou

I probably have the biggest sweet tooth known to mankind. It could be 8 a.m. and I could willingly eat a slice of chocolate cake. I used to be that kid who would beg to have dessert before dinner. To me, dessert always sounded more appealing.

No big surprise, I still love dessert and am always on the lookout for new places to try. While doing some research, I came across the headline that captured my attention instantly ­- "Darling's Café & Famous Cheesecake." Darling's Café is a serene space that sits near the Franklin Institute. The hues of red that paints the inside and outside of this café allows it to blend in with the neighborhood, yet stand out humbly.

This hidden hot spot was non-existent until John Arnold convinced his brother Harry that his baking had great potential. Harry started baking cheesecake solely for his friends and family, but with the opening of Darling's Café, now everyone in Philadelphia can sample his delights. Since the shop's opening, Darling's Bananas Foster cheesecake was named "Best of Philly 2006" as well as 2007.

As I stepped into the small café, I was baffled with the variety of cheesecakes that I saw. Though there were not as many choices being offered as the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant, there were still too many ingenious creations to choose from, all ranging from $4.35 to $4.95 per slice. I scanned the shelves looking at the Philly Classic, the Philly Classic with Strawberries, White Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter Silk, Perfect Pumpkin, Belgian Chocolate Ganache and Bailey's Irish Cream. Finally, I made a decision as my eyes landed on Bananas Foster.

One bite in and I was won over. The graham cracker crust was a little thin and soggy, but the actual cheesecake was amazing. A slice of plain cheesecake covered with a layer of bananas, brown sugar glaze and topped with slices of fresh bananas gave this a replica flavor of the famous Louisiana dessert.

Different from a New York-style cheesecake, this one was dense but with a softer texture. Instead of being so firm, this cheesecake was a bit more whipped and fluffier.

As I sat down with a friend, we engaged in conversation with the barista, Steph. I wanted to know why Darling's cheesecake stood out.

Between serving coffee and making cappuccinos, Steph said: "We have holiday specials. The Bailey's Cheesecake, well, that was created for St. Patrick's Day."

Continued...

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