Best Sweet-Shop Chocolate Iguana
500 N. Fourth Ave.
7090 N. Oracle Road
7125 E. Tanque Verde Road STAFF PICK: Like its namesake reptile, the Chocolate
Iguana is neither fat-free nor health smart. Purely decadent
and sinful, it boasts a signature double-mocha. This unpretentious café
is a local haven for sweet lovers who consider dessert a major
food group (the Iguana's homemade apple torte is lunch, as far
as we're concerned). Floor-to-ceiling shelves are a kaleidoscope
of jars with confections like double-chocolate malt balls, chocolate
covered espresso beans, gummy everything, and jawbreakers galore--surely
this is the good stuff hidden inside fairy-tale gingerbread houses,
luring the innocent since time immemorial. Only the confident
and experienced customer could possibly make the decision between
the flourless chocolate torte or the white chocolate mousse torte.
And one proud pastry proclaims in hand-lettered modesty, "The
best carrot cake." Of course, the best way--the only way--to
make such consequential decisions is to take a friend and ask
for two forks. For a "light" morning breakfast or an
evening treat, the Iguana has a variety of scones, cookies and
bars such as their doo-dah squares, "outrageous brownies"
and lemon bars. And don't forget their candy cigarettes, old-fashioned
Necco wafers, and unmerciful basket of half-price pastries.
