***image1*** Delights for sweet teeth.
CHOCOLATE MAVEN
821 W. San Mateo Road, 984-1980,
It's hard not to drool before you're seated at this bakery restaurant. Once you've got a table, order pretty much anything on the menu. Sandwiches come on house-baked sandwich bread or focaccia; pizzas are thin-crusted and topped with just the right amount of toppings. Whatever you do, save room for dessert. The huge chocolate brownie covered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream is wickedly indulgent. If you simply can't force down another bite after lunch, take a little chocolate cake to go. Chocolate cake too boring? The empanadas are to die for and the poppy seed wheels are worth a new pack of dental floss.
THE FRENCH PASTRY SHOP AND RESTAURANT
Inside La Fonda, 100 E. San Francisco St., 983-6697
It's sometimes easy to forget this cute little place amid all the touristy shops downtown, but the pastries that fill the cases here are thoroughly memorable. There are usually about 15 sweet little things available every day, from chocolate croissants to apple turnovers, raspberry cookies, lemon tarts and chocolaty opera cakes. Between the pastry case and the fruit-filled crepes, you will certainly find something here to soothe your sweet tooth.
SAGE BAKEHOUSE
535 Cerrillos Road, Suite C, 820-7243
This little storefront at Cerrillos and Paseo de Peralta is better known for bread than for sweet snacks, but when you feel that blood sugar dropping, head straight for Sage. Sure the sandwiches are great, if you're into that kind of thing. But if you're on a mission, resist the savories and focus on the scones: golden, buttery, beautiful. Perhaps you will also be tempted by a peanut butter and jelly muffin? An almond croissant? Or no, save yourself for a cinnamon melt. It's like a cinnamon bun but flaky rather than chewy.
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