Every now and then I develop an obsession with one dessert. My mind grows fixated on the single dessert and I must have that sweet every day until I tire of it. I've gone through this phase with Pinisi's red velvet cake, Sugar Sweet Sunshine's banana budding, and L'arte del Gelato flavors.

My current obsession? The dark chocolate marzipan budino from FreeFoods NYC. Desserts are not the strength of this organic Midtown deli. The macarons need much improvement, the sweet breads are often dry and dusty, and brownies and blondies are a hit or miss. But the marzipan budino is in a league of its own.

The large rectangular wedge, lavishly coated in smooth dark chocolate ganache is heavy. Cut it in half and all you see is dark and dark, through and through. Appearance would suggest something overwhelmingly heavy, but my friend Jess put it best when she said, "it's surprisingly light...tastes like you're eating something ethereal."

I like the budino best slightly chilled. Slice it thin and let the sheet melt on your tongue for a heady intoxication. The marzipan hits first, sweet and nutty, but it goes as quickly as it comes, replaced by the more dominate dark chocolate element cocooned with plenty of butter and eggs.

FreeFoods NYC

18 W 45th Street, New York NY 10079 (map)
212-302-7195
freefoodsnyc.com