Café Mozart at Café Intermezzo

Image source: CaféIntermezzo.com

For a little slice of Old World Europe right here in Georgia, Café Intermezzo is not to be missed. From the cramped outdoor seating to the patisserie options reminiscent of the best cafés in Europe, its selection of tempting delights will transport you to a transcendent trans-Atlantic euphoria for a few blissful spoonfuls until you have to interact with the staff and remember that yes, you're still in the ATL.

The food here is edible, but don't kid yourself - everyone is here for the desserts and the book-pamphlet coffee menu. It has become somewhat of a regular celebration place for birthdays, showers, farewells and kvetching with my friends, and we try to pick times that don't have long waits but that is often a gamble as it is centrally located on 11th & Peachtree Streets and open for late dining. If you can find a space reserved for retail customers, park at the 11th St. Garage near the Loews front entrance to get 2 hours validated.

Frequently I struggle to just pick one coffee, but I have repeated the luxe Café Mozart (pictured here) - espresso with melted chocolate and a healthy dollop of sweetened whipped cream  - it will either stop your heart or speed up your GI tract. Or both. Pretty much a dessert in itself, you don't really need anything else. But you don't come here for an exercise in moderation. So I usually pair it with something less sugary like one of the staider European tarts or some fruit. Also, try the lovely Frutti di Bosco tart or one of the lovely mousse cake creations for lighter but still sinful fare.