Long Island restaurants serving creamy, global desserts: 3 picks
Panna cotta with Cointreau-steeped berries is a tasty finale at Ragazzi Italian Kitchen & Bar in Nesconset. (Oct. 3, 2010) Credit: Kevin P. Coughlin
All around the globe, people crave something sweet and creamy at the end of a meal.
In Italy, that may be a custardy panna cotta. In France, a crème brûlée or an airy mousse, perhaps. Kazandibi, a milky pudding with a burned- sugar topping, works well in Turkey.
Here's where to go global for creamy desserts:
RAGAZZI ITALIAN KITCHEN & BAR
2950 Middle Country Rd., Nesconset
631-265-8200, ragazzi-ny.com
Dessert alone is worth a trip to this bustling Italian spot. A highlight is the clean-tasting panna cotta, which is served with Cointreau-steeped berries.
LAWSON PUB
3112 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside
516-307-8753, lawsonpub.com
From chef-owner Joe Bonacore's three-star kitchen come miniature desserts presented on spoons. Among them are an opulent Nutella panna cotta, a lovely tiramisu and a rich crème brûlée.
EROL'S CHIT CHAT CAFE
1597 Rte. 112, Port Jefferson Station
631-509-4300
At this ultracasual Turkish eatery, the house-made kazandibi is an airy, milky, creamy custard with a burned-sugar topping. It's hard to resist -- and all too easy to finish.