Out & About #386 | Dante Double Fromage Cheesecake

I remember the sensation of utter defeat at having lugged a single cheese tart from STC, just to arrive home to find it half-eaten less than twenty-four hours later. That said, the announcement of Love Me Sweet joining Eva's Original Chimneys and Squish Candy at Square One's collaboration shop had me on the edge of excitement and annoyance - the latter since I could have waited to secure that one matcha cheese tart.

Disappointment washed over me when the shop opened its doors and the Love Me Sweet counter was found to be completely empty. Not a single update was circulated on their social media feed, hence the waiting game continued until earlier this week.

​​The Square One was slated to introduce three new items to the lineup: Dante Double Fromage Cheesecake, HUGO Fruit Cheesecake, and Rice Pudding. Having visited all of their locations on the east end, I can declare these offerings exclusive to the Mississauga market.

​Rice Pudding cups were being prepared as I made my way into the shop, and wasn't anticipated to be ready until after 2 pm. The HUGO Fruit Cheesecake, as relayed to me by the bewildered girl behind the cashier, was a pre-order-only item, and thus was not a regularly-stocked item. She responded similarly in regards to the Double Fromage Cheesecake, until I managed to get a hold of a manager-like authority. His response contradicted the girl's words, clearly stating that Double Fromage Cheesecakes had been prepared in advance and were merely stored in the shop's freezer until a customer request was received.

​I cast a questioning look at the perplexed figure before me, who apologized for her lack of awareness. Alas, it was opening day - what is one to expect? I waltzed out with an Original Dante Double Fromage Cheesecake, pleased that I had secured an item not offered - or not yet anyway - at their North York location(s).

​For an item ringing in above twenty dollars, one would expect it to assume sufficient diameter to satisfy up to six servings. Unveiling the contents of the red-and-white paper box, my eyes were met with a pale yellow round delicately coated with sponge cake crumbs; its circular dimensions were approximately the span of my palm.

​The manager-like authority had recommended keeping the cake in the freezer for storage, and only transferring to the refrigerator for 1-2 hours prior to serving. Such suggestions were followed to a tee, and the result was a sturdy, but slice-able, cake. Frankly, the difference between storage methods resulted in almost imperceptible variations, regardless of taste or texture.

​Approximately 80% of the cake was comprised of a rich, creamy frozen cheesecake layer, while the base adopted the form of a sweet, fluffy sponge. Oozing from each bite was irrepressible cheesiness shrouded in silkness that left me speechless. The flavours were bold yet far from overwhelming, while the body was firm (read: resisted melting) without unnecessary rigidity.

The entire specimen was devoured in a minimal amount of time. Needless to say, the original version of the Dante Double Fromage Cheesecake prompted cravings for the Chocolate version. Although the cocoa-infused rendition is priced at two dollars greater, it remains promising in my eyes. My sole complaint is directed towards the manner in which the cake was crumb-coated - fragrant little flecks were shed from the surface with even the smallest motions. 

​Regardless, I will gladly anticipate future creations from the swiftly expanding bakery. The Japanese Cheesecake series (with the exception of Coffee, of course) fell slightly short of expectations, though Double Fromage served as solid redemption.