La Duni

One of the reasons for doing this blog is to introduce you to my favorite places, those places I consider a retreat from every day life offering ambience and sweets so delicious you can’t help but savor in such guilty pleasures! Today, I introduce you to one of my top spots…La Duni!  This La Duni I am blogging about (there are several) is on McKinney in Dallas. A pleasure of a day is one where I am camped out at one of the small tables with a lavish dessert and coffee drink in front of me. Now, La Duni has exceptional Latin cuisine and cocktails to please your lunch or dinner palate. But, the real festival lies within their dessert and coffee menus. On this particular Saturday afternoon, I arrived after the lunch crowd and was greeted by the hostess who led me by my favorite sight, the large table in the front showcasing large cakes, cupcakes and all that speaks to my senses. I was sat at one of the two-seater tables. My waitress was quick to bring ice cold water and the menus which I quickly deterred, telling her I already knew my selection. I ordered my favorite pairing, a slice of their popular Cuatro Leches cake and a Cappuccino Caramel. As I waited for my goodies to arrive, I sat back and took in the atmosphere. Great latin lounge music played overhead to set the mood. The large shelf divider which separates the bar from the dining area was housing bottles of wine. Small fans atop the divider as well as ceiling fans kept the cool air circulating on a hot, sultry day. I was facing the wall which is all windows covered with curtain panels and offering a slight view to the covered patio. I could see lush greenery all around, and if I let my mind go, I was easily transferred to a great Latin American destination. One is no longer in Dallas when inside this great restaurant. Large painting of fruits hang along the walls as well as the personal touch of the black and white photographs depicting the owners’ little boy donned in a chef outfit, making his own concoction in the kitchen. My cake was delivered in a quick fashion as my eyes glazed over by the magic of this cake. The Cappuccino quickly followed in their typical white mug. I smiled as I saw the familiar caramel music note that topped the drink. The drink certainly was music to my mouth! The Cuatro Leches is $7.95 for a slice, but the slice is big enough to serve two people. The cake is cream soaked and setting in a small puddle of cream surrounded by a light dusting of powdered sugar. The meringue is fluffy and combines nicely with the moist cake. The coolness of this cake followed by the warm cappuccino was delightful, and the caramel flavors hummed a sweet melody to my palate! As much as I wanted, I could not finish the large slice of cake, but almost.  One can’t help but to fall in love with La Duni!

http://www.laduni.com/