[Photo: Kathy YL Chan]

At Donatella the Lemon Budino could almost have you forget that winter is approaching. I'm all for that denial if it comes in the form of an airy light pudding on a sweet herb-laced shortbread. The pudding's tart kiss is balanced by the delicate, eggy texture and the crunch of toasted crushed walnuts in every spoonful.

Make sure to alternate bites with that side of olive oil gelato. It's silky and pure with a savory finish;if they sold this by the scoop to go, I'd be a regular customer in a heartbeat. And should you be here with a friend, share an order of both the budino and the housemade cannoli. The cannoli come two to a set, piped to order with whipped fresh ricotta folded with pistachio, orange blossom and slivers of dark chocolate.

Donatella

184 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (map)
212-493-5150
donatellanyc.com

About the author: Originally from Honolulu, Kathy YL Chan blogs at Kathy YL Chan, where she chronicles her eats and travels adventures between Hawai'i, New York and beyond. She firmly believes that there is always room for dessert.