Operation: Dessert storm

Our new Reader Review crew is ready to take on the town to give you the scoop on sweets

January 29, 2008

Operation: Dessert storm
They captured your hearts, now meet the Dessert Flirts. These two couples, chosen by readers like you who voted furiously (perhaps a little hopped up on sugar?) until the polls closed, have accepted their mission to devour desserts around the city. The sugar-lovin’ lovebirds will report back on spots both delicious and date-worthy. Read their first reviews next week, then check back every Wednesday in February for more.

Kristen, 27, and husband Matt Machczynski, 33 (above left)
a.k.a.: Captain Sprinkles and the Human Flan
Neighborhood: Old Town
High school history teacher Kristen and software designer Matt have known each other for 14 years; they were married two years ago. Ordering dessert anywhere is always an adventure—as long as they don’t run into their nemesis: “If [we] see another [damn] Death by Chocolate, the pastry chef gets it.”
Most extravagant dessert they’ve devoured: “Hands down, the most delectable, albeit not necessarily extravagant, was the Key lime gelee that topped a vanilla custard, served with a teensy graham cracker at Spring. Unlikely? Yes. Was it three years ago? For sure—and we still drool over it."
Standby spot for a sugar fix: “Either Key lime bars at The Goddess and Grocer or [a] Dominick’s slice of chocolate fudge cake. Seriously. Have you had that stuff? For $1.79, it’s deliciousness in a plastic container.
”When they’re not eating dessert, you might find them at … Frontera Grill’s bar for weekend brunch or Ringo Japanese Restaurant, for all-you-can-eat sushi.

Mandy Flint, 30, and fiance Ronnie Taylor, 27 (above right)
a.k.a.: The Sweetheart Sundaes
Neighborhood: West Town
This newly engaged duo lives together, commutes together, and even works in the same room together. Though they both work with sweets all day as product developers at Sara Lee Bakery, they still find time to bake cookies together at home, or dine out and share a sweet treat for dessert.
Most romantic dessert destination: “The Signature Room at the top of the Hancock. The view is amazing, and this will always be a special spot for us in Chicago because this is where Ronnie proposed."
Standby spot for a sugar fix? “The Melting Pot downtown. It may sound cliche, but the chocolate fondue is amazing. You’re not hurried to eat and get out, so you can enjoy it slowly.”
When they’re not eating dessert, you might find them at … Coalfire, for an easygoing night of nibbling pizza; Fiddlehead Cafe, sampling wine flights; or at Schubas watching indie bands.

[ Dessert Flirt finalists were selected through an application and interview process conducted by Metromix staff. Reader votes determined the winners. ] metromix@tribune.com

 

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Sweet dreams

Sweet dreams

Our Dessert Flirts wrap up their adventures with...

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